What is it?

This is a Grbl_ESP32 based CNC controller. It supports (4) Trinmaic SPI motors drivers, including the very strong (3.0A) TMC5160 drivers. These drivers run quiet, cool and have a lot of features. Settings and features are setup via firmware rather than pots or jumpers.

The controller is fully assembled. There is an option to include a programmed ESP32. You must supply the motor driver modules. See below for details on those motor drivers.

Motor Drivers

The (4) motors can be configured in many ways. You can use them independently on a 4 axis (XYZA) machine or they can be joined in firmware to put (2) motors on any axis like a dual motor gantry. The dual motor axes can also do auto squaring. This is a feature where the each side of the axis homes to square the axis. A few motor arrangement examples are (XYZA, XXYZ, XYYZ, XXYY, etc).

I recommend the TMS2130 or TMC5160 motor drivers.

Spindle options

• Relay for AC and DC spindles.
• PWM for speed controlled spindles and lasers
• Servo connector for RC type brushless DC electronic speed controllers.

Other Features

• Z probe connector
• Stall detection jumpers allow you to select if you use mechanical switches or the motor driver's stall detect for homing. (Grbl_ESP32 has limited support for this. It requires tuning and configuration of the firmware to work. It is suggest for advanced users only)
• Coolant signal output (for external relay, etc)
• Micro SD card socket
• Connector for cooling fan

Open source

The design is open source. All design files, BOMs, etc are on this GitHub Repo.

GrbL_ESP32 firmare

The controller uses Grbl_ESP32 firmware. This is a free and open source firmware that is actively being developed with new features. The ESP32 is very powerful and has built in WiFi and Bluetooth. The WiFi includes a web server with a full function gcode sender built in. A machine can be fully controlled with a phone or web browser. It is also compatible with with all Grbl USB/Serial port gcode senders.

I am the creator and lead developer of Grbl_ESP32. Profits from these controllers help develop this project.

Why did you make it?

I wanted to bring the power and features of the Trinamic drivers to a Grbl_ESP32 CNC controller.

What makes it special?

The Trinamic motor drivers are amazing. They are state of the art right now in terms of very low audible noise and performance.

Ordering Options

You can order the board with or without a programmed ESP32. If you do not order the ESP32 you must supply and program that yourself. This does not come with motor drivers. You must supply them yourself. I recommend the TMC2130 or TMC5160. The BigTreeTech brand is very good. both motor drivers and ESP32 are available from Amazon, eBay and AliExpress. See the Github repo for more information.

If you order the controller please answer these question with your order. I will compile accordingly. If you don't specify anything special, it will be programmed as 4 axis (XYZA) and PWM spindle.

• Are you using 4 axis XYZA or some other arrangement like XYYZ XXYZ, XYXX, XXYY?
• What motors drivers are you using TMC2130 or TMC5160?
• Will you be using the relay or PWM for your spindle?

Support

Support is provided via Slack (invite will be sent), the GitHub repo and email.