Break Out / Multi-Purpose Board

4Axis Break out / Multi-Purpose PCB build instructions: This page documents construction as a break out
board for up to 4 Linistepper, SLAm or other PMinMO^ drivers. There are many optionsfor this board, and not all relate to this use. As a break out board, most users will be interested in the following options:

DB25 connector at the top for connection to PC Parallel port. Pin headers also support connection to white board, or use as an Arduino "Shield" board. 4 Axis Header: Low cost ribbon cables (from underneath) which terminate in standard PMinMO plugs^ at the drivers. +5 volt regulator on the left (the big capacitor is installed underneath in this picture) Pulse / Demo / Test option which replaces the PC as the normal source of control signals with a simple variable speed STEP pulse generator and DIRECTION control to demonstrate motor operation and test drivers. Up to 4 switches (can be limit switchesor tactile switches) and a pull up ("RP1") for them so the parallel port can be used to read them. Relay coil driver on the top right with indicator LED. Space for axis step indicator LEDs, on board PIC for intelligent test and control,

serial interface, over current and temperature sensors. Most people will want to use the 4Axis board to support a stepper motor driver. Mouse over the diagram below and click on the highlighted areas to find more.

Click schematic for larger version in a new window.

There is also a google spreadsheet that shows the combination of connections and helps clarify why they were setup as they were ^

Don't let the schematic scare you! Pretty much the entire top half are items that will probably not be used, but were easy to work into the PCB forfuture expansion, we can ignore them for now. The only important bits are the LM7805 power regulator in the bottom left, the STEPPERS header just above it which cables out to 4 PMinMO driver headers (e.g. The Linistepperor SLAm stepper drivers, and the DB25 connector to the right of that which feeds those drivers from the PC parallel port. The nStrobe signal from the DB5 (see just below and right) drives a relay with LED indicator if you like, and the RP2 resistor pack below that (right of the LM7805) and the LED's in the lower right corner provide a visual indication of each step (if you send a wide enough pulse from your CNC software). RP1, on the right edge, mid way down, pulls up a set of 4 switches which can be installed on the PCB as stop/jog switches or can

be wired to limit switches or any other connect to ground switch for feedback to the PC. Here are the instructions for assembling each option on the board: Please note, the order of assembly is important, as some components are difficult to reach after other components have been soldered in.

Options: Combining all these functions on one printed circuit board

was more cost effective than making multiple different boards, but you may not wish to populate all the parts of the board; for example, if you run small 8 to 10 volt motors, a single ATX PC power supply can provide both +12 volt motor supply and +5 volts for the drivers, so the voltage regulator section would be redundant. To make different configurations easy, we sell the kit(s) in separate parts: