Parallel Port 3 Axis CNC Driver Opto Isolated

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Parallel Port 3 Axis CNC Driver, Opto-Isolated, Unipolar Steppers

by ChromationSystems on December 23, 2009 Table of Contents Parallel Port 3 Axis CNC Driver, Opto-Isolated, Unipolar Steppers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Parallel Port 3 Axis CNC Driver, Opto-Isolated, Unipolar Steppers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: Parts & Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Resistors and Diodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Jumpers, Oscillator and Sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 4: Capacitors, Headers, DB-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 5: MOSFETs and 7805 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 6: Plug in the ICs, Interconnects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 7: Auto Coil Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 8: Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 9: Interconncts and Crimps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 10: Software Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 3 3 4 4 6 7 7 8 8 9 9
Step 11: Enjoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
http://www.instructables.com/id/Parallel-Port-3-Axis-CNC-Driver-Opto-Isolated/
Intro: Parallel Port 3 Axis CNC Driver, Opto-Isolated, Unipolar Steppers

Controls 3 Unipolar Stepper Motors, for use with CNC Machines. Simple driver with automatic coil shutdown, to ensure efficient operation. Opto-isolated for protection of the P.C. Supports most parallel port based CNC software, such as KCAM. Supports up to 20 watts per Phase. Or 2 Amps per phase. Full Kits with all the parts needed to recreate this Instructable can be purchased on my Website Get a CNC Driver kit with 3 Unipolar motors, power resistors, and wire it Can be Found Here 3 Axis CNC Driver Kit, Assembly and Testing can be added. Printed Circuit Boards are Available with Free Shipping and Programmed PIC Microcontrollers can be purchased or Grab the a combined PCB & programmed PIC Microcontroller Included in the ZIP below are the files for the Copper-side, the Top-Side layer, Datasheet and the drill files. The source code is written in Assembly and can be purchased Here Those who purchase Kits or programmed PIC will receive the source code. Disclaimer: Even though this is opto-isolated there still is a danger to your parallel port if a short were to occur. Recreate this project at your own Risk.
Image Notes 1. Male 2. Interconnects, Housings and Headers
File Downloads
Chromation Systems-3 Axis CNC Driver.zip (3 MB) [NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Chromation Systems-3 Axis CNC Driver.zip']
Step 1: Parts & Supplies

Layout all the Parts: - PIC16f870 - DIP - Printed Circuit Board or strip board - 20 mhz series oscillator, a regular one could be subed, just need to add 2x 22pf caps to gnd - 12x logic level MOSFETs TO-220 package, i chose IRL630A or RFP12N10L or FDP8878 - 12x 1kohm 1/4w resistors - Brown - Black - Red - 8x 10k ohm 1/4w resistors - Brown - Black - Orange - 6x 500 ohm 1/4 resistors - 12x 1n4004 or better - Right-Angle Male DB-25 - 1x 7805 Voltage Regulator - 2x 10uF Capacitor - 1x 1uF Capacitor - 3x LTV-827 OptoCoupler or Equiv. - 1x 28 pin DIP socket - 1x 8 pin DIP Socket - 1x 16 pin DIP socket A Full kit with all the Components, PIC Micro, and PCB Can Be Purchased or Get a CNC Machine Kit with Driver, Motors, Power Resistors and Wire, It can Be found Here Optional: - 4x 4 Pin header - 4x 4 pin housing - 1x 2 pin header - 1x 2 pin housing - 18 crimps Notes: Male and Female DB-25 have different pin outs, and can not be substituted. Tools: - Soldering Iron - Volt Meter/Continuity Tester - Needle Nose Pliers Check http://www.chromationsystems.com/partexplain.html Info Additionally, a power supply will be required. To calculate power supply requirements: Motor Voltage/Motor Coil Resistance = amperage per coil. When full stepping each motor will have 2 coils/phases on at a time so minimum requirement is 6 * amp per coil. Then always use a power supply rated for %150 - %200 higher than the minimum. Switched mode PSUs will work, but will perform extremely bad compared to a capable linear power supply. Linear power supply's can be identified by a large transformer and capacitor probably along with some circuitry, they are more expensive but worth it if you want a nice machine.
Image Notes 1. Male 2. Interconnects, Housings and Headers
Step 2: Resistors and Diodes

R1 - R12 are 1kohm 1/4w R13 - R19 are 10kohm 1/4w R20 - R25 are ~500 ohm 1/4w TOG is a 10kohm 1/4w D1 - D12 are 1n4004 or better Place all the resistors and solder them in. Diagram Below TOG is a 10kohm 1/4w resistor, mounted vertically. Diodes D1 - D12 are next. Save the extra lead clippings for the jumpers. These clamp the back EMF, protecting the PSU and logic.
Image Notes 1. C1+ 2. C1- and C23. C2+ 4. C35. C3+ 6. TOG is mounted verticle
Image Notes 1. Don't forget TOG like I did, it mounts vertically
Step 3: Jumpers, Oscillator and Sockets

Jumper points A - P need to be jumped. ( there is no jumpers O, I forgot about it) Points labeled 1 are jumped to points labeled 2. Example: A1 goes to A2 B1 goes to B2 Ect. Take a look at the diagrams below. Take a lead clipping from the diodes (which is plenty thick) Using a needle nose pliers bend the wire into a U shape large enough to bridge the gap. When placing the jumpers ensure that you keep them away from any other holes or components. Next Place the Oscillator in the XTAL, it goes in either way. Make sure this gets a good shiny solder joint. Sockets are Next The 14 and 16 pin socket go in as pictured, line the notch on the socket up with the notch on the illustration. Its not completely necessary but pin 6 on the 28-pin socket (RA4 on the PIC) (see image) should be removed, as there is a positive supply rail routed through it. And make sure to fill in its solder pad and hole with solder. Then carefully line up all the pins into the holes and push down gently, watching to make sure no pins get flattened.
Image Notes 1. The red lines are jumper wires
Image Notes 1. Break or remove the corresponding socket pin
Image Notes 1. Pin removed, pin 6 2. Notched end
Image Notes 1. Jumpers are shown, but are added in the next step
Image Notes 1. Removed
Step 4: Capacitors, Headers, DB-25

C1 & C2 are 10uF Electrolytic C3 is a 1uF Electrolytic Capacitors first, these are polarized so they need to go in correctly. The white stripe down one side of the capacitor is the negative pin. In the top-side illustration the black half is the negative side. *also shown in the image notes below. Headers SV1 - SV5 are next. If you are using locking headers consider what way you need the lock part facing. Otherwise they can go in however. SV1 is the Y axis motor SV2 is the X axis motor SV3 is the Z axis motor SV4, pin 1&2 is Negative Supply SV4, pin 3&4 is Positive Supply SV5 is positive supply for the motors The right angle, male, DB-25 port is last for this step. *note: A female port will not work as the pinout is different. If you want to use a female port or a panel mount port, use some solid strand wire to run from the port to the PCB. A right angle port can be kinda of tricky to get in, but get a thin piece of metal, a tweezers or nail, to pry and direct pins into their holes. Only pins 2-7 and 18-25 are used, so the other ones could be clipped off to make the placement easier. Keep it flush with the PCB, nice and tight or later plugging and unplugging will damage on the connections. Then solder a few pins to keep it in place. Flare out the mounting pins as pictured below, and solder. Finish up the rest of the pins, remembering only pins 2-7 and 18-25 need to be soldered, the rest don't.
Image Notes 1. C1+ 2. C1- and C23. C2+ 4. C35. C3+ 6. TOG is mounted verticle
Image Notes 1. SV5 2. SV3 3. SV1 4. SV2 5. Right-Angle DB-25
Image Notes 1. Flare out the connectors and solder
Step 5: MOSFETs and 7805

Find the 7805, its in the same package as the MOSFETs but is labeled "7805" Its place is labeled IC2 in the illustration. The metal tab lines up with the black part in the illustration. Solder in securely, and make sure that the center pin has a really good solder joint. Then starting from one end, place and solder the MOSFETs. See the top-side illustration and align the tabs on the MOSFETs with the black part in the illustration. note: The tabs on the MOSFETs must not touch, as the tab is probably tied to the drain and it will not function correctly. There should be no need to heat sink the FETs.
Step 6: Plug in the ICs, Interconnects

Opto-Coupler's are labeled LTV827 The 16-pin socket., labeled OPTO2, is shared by 2 8-pin opto-couplers. The dots on the ICs go on the same end as the notch in the sockets. The other 8-pin opto-coupler goes into the socket labeled OPTO If you purchased a programmed and tested chip from my Store. Carefully plug it into the socket, aligning the notch on the socket and the dot on the IC. Otherwise, program a 16F870 with the HEX file in the .ZIP in step 1. Check the readme for fuses or the image below.
Step 7: Auto Coil Shutdown

As discussed earlier RA5 is used to toggle the use of the automatic shutdown function. By default, after a motor has stepped, a timer is started, and about 50 ms after all coils for that motor are shut off. And it will resume normal function the next time it is stepped. If you do not want the motors to shut off, RA5 must be jumped to GND. See diagrams below. Also the function can be easily turned off in software, if the source code is Purchased
Step 8: Motors
I am not going to cover motors here there is plenty of great info around on the net and here on Instructables. All Axis' are have the same pinout, if a motor works on one it will function the same on the others. A full step means 2 coils are on at once. Example each bit represents Header 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 1100 - 0110 - 0011 - 1001 This driver does not have any on board resistors or chopping circuitry to regulate current for the motors. I prefer to place high wattage resistors in line with each motor's V+. Hopefully you can find the datasheet for your motors and find out the required current and voltage for the motor. Then by using a web resistor calculator, you can find the correct ohm and wattage values for your motor. Each motor needs its own resistor, otherwise it will force multiple motors to share current when multiple are on at the same time. A 24 volt stepper motor will end up drawing a lot of wattage, be sure you have properly rated resistors to avoid damage. Some Good Links on Current Limiting: http://pheattarchive.emporia.edu/projects/stepper/unipolar.pdf http://www.cs.uiowa.edu/~jones/step/current.html I have tested this driver with 5 different unipolar motors, they all worked great.
To calculate power supply requirements: Motor Voltage/Motor Coil Resistance = amperage per coil. When full stepping each motor will have 2 coils/phases on at a time so minimum requirement is 6 * amp per coil. Then always use a power supply rated for %150 - %200 higher than the minimum. Switched mode PSUs will work, but will perform extremely bad compared to a capable linear power supply. Linear power supply's can be identified by a large transformer and capacitor probably along with some circuitry, they are more expensive but worth it if you want a nice machine.
Step 9: Interconncts and Crimps

If you are using headers and housings to attach your motors to your driver board. You'll have to select some suitable wire and attach crimps to the ends. After you've selected and cut your wire attach a crimp to the ends. The crimps then slide into the housings, which attach neatly to the locking headers on the PCB. Follow my Tutorial for more Info
Image Notes 1. Would get cut here 2. Crimped
Step 10: Software Setup

This driver has been tested and works great with KCam. But most CNC programs (Mach3) work in a similar way and should also work fine. Parallel Port is set up as follows, pins referenced are on the DB-25 port. X Step - Pin 4 X Direction - Pin 5 Y Step - Pin 6 Y Direction - Pin 7 Z Step - Pin 2 Z Direction - Pin 3 A short Tutorial on Setting the Home Point and Eagle CAM Processor Info and more KCAM setup info.
Step 11: Enjoy

This driver was designed for a CNC Machine but it could be used in anything that requires a PC to control 3 unipolar stepper motors. *UPDATE: New CNC Machine I have built utilizing this Driver. *UPDATE: Unplugging the PSU from the Driver while the motors are on may cause the PIC to become damaged. Please ask questions, PM's are best. Thanks for reading. If you found this information useful please support current and future projects by shopping at my Store or Donating Please check out My Profile to view my other projects.
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Comments
50 comments Add Comment view all 51 comments
Binnukuttan says:
How can i modify the driver board to 3A PER phase version?
Jan 18, 2011. 8:32 PM REPLY
bikersambo says:
Uprate the Mosfets And feedback/cutoff diodes to a higher wattage... Hope that helps
Jan 24, 2011. 5:54 AM REPLY
alexis_4315 says:
why the source code are not open? it is just a common program...
Dec 1, 2010. 2:27 AM REPLY
funlw65 says:
Hi Alexis, It is not just a common program because have a rare feature: - it produces $2 per unit.
Dec 26, 2010. 1:11 PM REPLY
Oldrunk says:
Just put together the kit now testing and I can confirm that this 3axis CNC Driver works with linux EMC2.
Dec 16, 2010. 3:03 PM REPLY
Renietsnurb says:
Dec 4, 2010. 2:39 PM REPLY I'm planning to buy one of your drivers. Assuming that i have three 24V, 140 Ohm, 160 mA motors what resistors do i need. And beside these what else do i need to drive my motors? Nov 16, 2010. 9:22 AM REPLY Awesome work and thank you, I've been wanting for a long time to put together a small hobby CNC for some time and never got to the controller since there are many designs out there. Just bought a kit from your site and thank you again for supporting the hobbyists! And thank you for the instructable. Just a couple of questions. Since the source comes with a full kit , just wondering if its possible to add limit switches to your design? Other question is I bought a full kit with the steppers and I know I need a 12v PSU but what power rating do I need? If I'm doing my math right even a 200watt PSU should more then handle it.
Oldrunk says:
ChromationSystems says:
Nov 17, 2010. 10:16 PM REPLY For limit switches I use the active low method, Shown Here. Just attach a wire from the proper pin on the DB-25(Parallel Port) from the bottom side of the PCB, and run it to your switch. For PSUs, calculate its Voltage / Phase Resistance, the kit includes 12v @ 60 ohms = 200ma, since the motors full step, there is always 2 phases on per motor, with possible of all 3 motors on at the same time = 200ma x 6 = 1.2A. Then always use at least 150% of calculated current so about 1.8A @ 12v.
Oldrunk says:
Thanks!
Nov 18, 2010. 8:02 PM REPLY
buddace says:
How connect six wires step motor in this board ? sorry is not clear :D
May 17, 2010. 1:06 AM REPLY
lilschwoegl says:
I still dont understand how the step motors are wired to the connectors.. any help? thanks!
Oct 6, 2010. 5:54 PM REPLY
buddace says:
OPs..solved ...I don't see schematic Another question can I use 16f876 ?? hardware are same only memory source are most ;)
May 17, 2010. 6:52 AM REPLY
May 17, 2010. 10:24 AM REPLY Yes you could, they are both pin-compatible. But you would have to purchase the source and change a few include lines and recompile.
Binnukuttan says:
Thanks for your reply. I ll try
Oct 6, 2010. 7:47 AM REPLY
Binnukuttan says:
I cannot find LTV-827 OptoCoupler in my place, please suggest an equivalent.
Oct 3, 2010. 4:33 PM REPLY
TLP621?2 should work just fine as well. Most should work as long as it has the same pinout as the image.
Oct 4, 2010. 6:43 PM REPLY
AbuTarif says:
Thanks for the most detailed DIY CNC Driver Circuit on the web. You've said that "most CNC programs (Mach3) work in a similar way and should also work fine" Could you please confirm that Mach3 work fine with your driver ! because I've build Tom Mcwire circuit which use the following pin map : X: Pin2 Dir ,Pin3 Step, Y: Pin5 Dir ,Pin6 Step X: Pin 8 Dir ,Pin 9 Step And it's did not work with Mach3 after setting the port pins !! I Think there program locked to some driver's manufacturer..
Apr 4, 2010. 1:36 PM REPLY
woodspinner says:
the mcwire circuit does work with mach 3, when properly configured.
Sep 21, 2010. 4:04 PM REPLY
Yes, this driver supports Mach 3, though I have not tested it. I have some information posted here about setting up a CNC Machine. Its for KCAM but some settings are similar.
Apr 4, 2010. 8:50 PM REPLY
shaadmahmud says:
Aug 12, 2010. 11:42 AM REPLY hello everyone i have done cnc driver project and ...100% works thanks to tomMcwire.... here is my work ( http://must-info.blogspot.com/2010/08/easy-tobuild-cnc-mill-stepper-motor.html )
That driver only single steps, delivering half the torque that my driver produces.
Aug 12, 2010. 9:42 PM REPLY
Kemo0o says:
Jul 16, 2010. 4:49 AM REPLY dude ... i built PCBand when testing it on motors without PIC also without connecting LPT The MOSFET become too hot and the motor breaks and i can't rotate it by hand ???? i tested my circuit ... no SC this is my one
If you don't have a PIC in socket the MOSFETs will float high or low.
Jul 16, 2010. 9:24 AM REPLY
gabrielmrc says:
can you tell me how you the mechanical part. post here or send me to my mail (mirciugabriel@yahoo.com) all parts
Jun 18, 2010. 8:44 AM REPLY
Kemo0o says:
You can look at http://www.instructables.com/id/CNC/ it is very good guide
Jul 16, 2010. 5:41 AM REPLY
buddace says:
hello... I build your project..recompiled source for pic 16f876...how test it ?
Jun 6, 2010. 3:48 AM REPLY
Jun 6, 2010. 11:49 AM REPLY Assuming you ported the code correctly, just plugthe PIC into the driver and hook a motor up to it then set up your CNC Software. See if it works.
muhahaha says:
is it powerful enough to drive a x2 mill?
May 2, 2010. 5:40 AM REPLY
Kemo0o says:
Hey man ... i tested it with my motors it worked well till now now could you send the raw copper side file (eagle file or any program you have drawn it by ) thanks dude :)
Apr 15, 2010. 6:20 AM REPLY
I have decided not to post my Eagle Files. But PM me and I will help out as best I can.
Apr 15, 2010. 10:40 AM REPLY
shaadmahmud says:
sir can i use pic16f873 instead of pic16f870 plllzzzzz reply sir
Apr 15, 2010. 6:34 AM REPLY
Apr 15, 2010. 10:39 AM REPLY I am pretty sure it could. You would need to buy and edit the source code though. It would be way easier to buy a 16f870.
The supplied HEX file will not work in any processor but the 16F870.
Kemo0o says:
My motors are consuming more than 2 A current ... I tried another driver but for sorry the TIPs become very very hot so will your driver also becomes hot within consuming current exceed more than 2 A ??
Apr 10, 2010. 5:46 PM REPLY
Apr 10, 2010. 9:09 PM REPLY Its more of a wattage rating than current. I have been saying 20-25 watts is about the max. If your motors are 24 volt @ 1amp then its fine or 12 volts @ 2 amps is the same wattage, 24 watts.
dablakh0l says:
Thanks.
Mar 24, 2010. 8:13 PM REPLY I just noticed that R20-R25 in the layout do not match their placement in the schematic. Is the schematic needing to be updated to match the PCB layout?
Mar 24, 2010. 9:26 PM REPLY I am aware of that, I wanted the resistors in numerical order on the PCB. It would have been to much work to go back and re-name all the resistors to coordinate with the order on the PCB's silkscreen layer. Just know all resistors going to the MOSFETs are 1kohm, all the rest are 10kohm, excluding the resistors nearest to the DB-25 connector. or place as seen in the silkscreen layer. Sorry if it has caused problems
CNCbuilder1 says:
Mar 22, 2010. 4:27 PM REPLY hi, I have these motors. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4x-NEMA-23-Stepper-Motor-MY103H702-1-8deg-0-98NmNEW_W0QQitemZ170460816314QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET?hash=item27b041a3ba Is this board suitable? also besides your kit, what else do I need to hook these up? i.e power upply rating, resistors? Also any chance of adding bit more on resisitors and how ot hook these up, Thanks
thelastonekills says:
will you ship to Australia
Mar 12, 2010. 10:39 PM REPLY
Yes ship worldwide, through USPS First Class International. Check the websites shipping estimator for info.
Mar 13, 2010. 11:04 AM REPLY
carabac says:
Hi, I got 3 Sanyo Denki 103-771-18 motors. Will this board drive them? Thanks.
Mar 9, 2010. 4:16 PM REPLY
Mar 9, 2010. 6:09 PM REPLY Quick google search yielded This. It says it is a 5-wire Unipolar motor, 24v at 180ma, they are just right. Use resistors of at least 5 watts, 1 resistor for each motor.
carabac says:
Thank you!! I placed the order for the kit. Does it include the resistors I need? Thanks again.
Mar 9, 2010. 7:45 PM REPLY
flothmann says:
Mar 6, 2010. 5:33 PM REPLY Hi great pcb, please just consider add some HEAT SKIN (just a piece of aluminium) to prevent mosfet damage caused by overheating (when the current pass throught the power elements like the MOSFETs are )
Mar 6, 2010. 9:59 PM REPLY My motors run at 24v @ 600 - 800ma, even when ran for hours the MOSFETs don't even get warm. Most of the motors are off at any given time, and since only 2 MOSFETs could be on at any time ( full stepping ), each MOSFET is only subjected to a maximum of 50% on/off cycle. Plus the FETs i used are 60 watts, a heatsink is needed for that much, but 10 - 30 watts at 50% cycle won't create to much excess heat. But a they should be checked by touch until it is known weather they can handle the current. Also each of the MOSFETs tabs can not touch, as the tabs are connected to drain, and would interfere with operation if multiple FETs had a common drain.
The Ideanator says:
Mar 6, 2010. 5:13 PM REPLY Very well documented, I love it! Im trying to do a CNC machine right now, but I need 4 or 5 axis' (preferably 5, but 4 can be made to work) Could this be modified to do that(given a larger PIC and edited code)?
Mar 6, 2010. 9:53 PM REPLY The source code could be scaled . But if you wanted to use this design, you could use 2 boards, and use 1 DB-25 connector, run solid strand wires from it, to each of the boards. I would help you out if you wanted.
frollard says:
Mar 5, 2010. 10:25 AM REPLY Really cool setup! I've wanted a diy-cnc for a long time. Shame the source isn't open, but heck, beggars can't be choosers, and who really NEEDS partial stepping on a budget anyway?! Really cool that you chose to release the hardware at least! This looks like a cost effective solution for persons like myself!
Mar 6, 2010. 1:57 PM REPLY The source is available for download. Its only $2. And it includes an example and directions on how to add half stepping. I might make a second firmware version that has half/full step switch. I would make it easy to add on to this current hardware. If someone would be interested in that, PM or e-mail me. Everything else needed to recreate this project is in the zip file on step 1
frollard says:
It's a semantics thing - shame the source isnt free :P Again - great project, great writeup!
Mar 6, 2010. 2:17 PM REPLY
the merog says:

Does the Dot Matrix Printer Motors work?
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Parallel Port 3 Axis CNC Driver Opto Isolated

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Parallel Port 3 Axis CNC Driver, Opto-Isolated, Unipolar Steppers

Intro: Parallel Port 3 Axis CNC Driver, Opto-Isolated, Unipolar Steppers

Image Notes 1. Male 2. Interconnects, Housings and Headers

Step 1: Parts & Supplies

Image Notes 1. Male 2. Interconnects, Housings and Headers

Step 2: Resistors and Diodes

Image Notes 1. Don't forget TOG like I did, it mounts vertically

Step 3: Jumpers, Oscillator and Sockets

Image Notes 1. The red lines are jumper wires

Image Notes 1. Break or remove the corresponding socket pin

Image Notes 1. Pin removed, pin 6 2. Notched end

Image Notes 1. Removed

Step 4: Capacitors, Headers, DB-25

Image Notes 1. SV5 2. SV3 3. SV1 4. SV2 5. Right-Angle DB-25

Image Notes 1. Flare out the connectors and solder

Step 5: MOSFETs and 7805

Step 6: Plug in the ICs, Interconnects

Step 7: Auto Coil Shutdown

Step 9: Interconncts and Crimps

Image Notes 1. Would get cut here 2. Crimped

Step 10: Software Setup

Step 11: Enjoy

$20 CNC Machine by Techbuilder

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