DIY CNC Controller 3 Axis Assembly Instructions
For assembly instructions for the 4 Axis kit, please see: DIY CNC Controller 4 Axis Assembly Instructions.
Thank you for purchasing our DIY CNC controller board. In these instructions you will find the information needed to assemble your DIY CNC controller board, as well as how to configure an already assembled board.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are not comfortable with soldering electronics, working with high DC and AC voltage, please do not use this controller. This controller is capable of driving dangerous machinery, and if not used properly could cause injury or even death. We are not responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur when using these electronics or any CNC machine. If you do not agree with these terms please discontinue the use of these parts immediately.
Specifications
- Accepts 5, 6 or 8 wire unipolar stepper motors (4 wire type not compatible)
- 40 volt DC maximum input voltage, 24 volt DC recommended, 12 volt DC minimum.
- 3.0 amps maximum current per phase, 0.5 amp minimum. (Fully adjustable)
- 12 volt DC output for computer style case fan (not included).
- 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, & 1/16 microstepping.
- Patent pending circuit protection built in to protect against short circuits.
- Inputs for limit switches and e-stop.
- Easy to build and easy to use terminal blocks for connecting wires.
Recommended Assembly Tools
To ensure proper assembly, there are several items that are necessary and recommended to complete the process efficiently.
- Soldering iron
- Rosin core solder
- Small flat blade screwdriver
- Wire clippers
- Multimeter or voltmeter
- Power supply for testing
Parts List
These are the parts that are included with your kit. Please verify that all parts are present and accounted for before beginning. Each part will also be identified using a short code, which will match up with the spots on the printed circuit board (PCB).
IC1, IC2, IC3: SLA7078MPR Stepper Motor Control Chip IC4, IC5: LM317HV Voltage Regulator X1: 26 Pin IDC Male Header TB1, TB2, TB3, TB4: 6 Position Terminal Block TB5, TB6: 2 Position Terminal Block C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C11: 0.1µF Capacitor (Has code 104 on it) C8, C9, C10: 680µF 50V Electrolytic Capacitor R1, R2, R3: 10K Resistor (Color code: Brown, Black, Orange, Gold) R5, R7: 240 Ohm Resistor (Color code: Red, Yellow, Brown, Gold) R4: 715 Ohm Resistor (Color code: Violet, Brown, Green, Black, Brown) R6: 2.05K Ohm Resistor (Color code: Red, Black, Green, Brown, Brown) VR1, VR2, VR3: 1K Variable Resistor Potentiometer SW1,SW2, SW3: 3 Dip Switch RN1, RN2, RN3, RN4: 10K Resistor Network
Board Layout
Assembly
Begin by laying out the circuit board PCB on a clean work space.
Insert the three 10K resistors (R1, R2, R3 with brown, black, orange, gold color code) into the spots located on the circuit board. Flip the board over and solder the connections, and then trim the leads close to the board.
Next insert the two 240 ohm resistors (R5, R7 with red, yellow, brown, gold color code) into the spots located on the circuit board. Flip the board over and solder the connections, and then trim the leads close to the board.
Insert the 715 ohm resistor (R4 with violet, brown, green, black, brown color code) into the spot on the circuit board, solder the connection and trim the leads.
Finally insert the 2.05K ohm resistor (R6 with red, black, green, brown, brown color code) into the spot on the circuit board, solder the connection and trim the leads.
Next are the 0.1µF Capacitors (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C11 with identifier 104 on the capacitor). Unlike other capacitors, these do not have an orientation. Install them into the holes on the circuit board, and solder the connection. Trim the leads close to the circuit board.
Now move on to the 10K resistor networks (RN1, RN2, RN3, RN4). The resistor networks have six pins to be inserted into the circuit board, they MUST be oriented in a specific way. There will be a circular dot on the resistor network, line up that dot with the white dot on the circuit board (close up photo). Solder the connections being very careful to not connect any of the pins together. Trim the leads close to the circuit board.
Install the three potentiometers (VR1, VR2, VR3), they will only orient one way. Solder the connection and trim the leads.
Install the three dip switch components (SW1, SW2, SW3), line up the top "ON" portion with the "ON" on the circuit board. Solder the connections and trim the leads.
Now install the 26 pin IDC header block (X1) on to the board. Ensure that the center tab on the header block is lined up with the edge of the circuit board as on the circuit board. Solder the 26 pin connections being extremely careful to not bridge any pins. Trim the leads.
Next install the wire to board terminals (TB1, TB2, TB3, TB4, TB5, TB6) on the board. TB1 through TB4 will be six wire connections, TB5 and TB6 will have two wire connections. Solder the connections and trim the leads.
Install the two LM317HV voltage regulators (IC4, IC5) into the circuit board. Ensure the voltage regulator is oriented onto the circuit board by matching the flat metal part with the thick white band on the circuit board. Trim the leads.
Finally install the large electrolytic capacitors (C8, C9, C10) into the circuit board. Orient the longer lead into the hole next to the positive (+) symbol on the circuit board. The body of the capacitor also has a negative (-) running down the body. Solder the connections and trim the leads.