What is it?

This PCB is primarily a stepper driver upgrade for the TinyG module commonly used with LitePlacer, OpenPNP or any other TinyG implementation.

Why did you make it?

A user on the LitePlacer forum posted about a hardwired approach for this upgrade, which I was interested in doing. So I went about designing a PCB for this upgrade along with several other features that are useful for use with LitePlacer & OpenPNP. The original post can be found on the LitePlacer Forum, with lots of useful information about the upgrade. The post also links to a video.

What makes it special?

This upgrade drastically reduced the noise level of the stepper motors and runs them at a much lower temperature (close to ambient). Previously they were very noisy and extremely hot.

Main Features

• Up to 4 upgraded TMC2209 drivers(not included) from BigTreeTech v1.2 (I got one extra just in case)
• These TMC2209s(not included) come with male headers underneath, that plug into 4 pairs of female headers on the PCB.
• Upgrade any combination from 1 to 4 motor stepper drivers, as required. I upgraded all 4 drivers, but upgrading just the X & Y may be enough for some.
• Added a set of jumpers to easily switch the z-limits between OpenPNP & LitePlacer configurations. (yellow jumpers in image)
• Also added 2 optional/standalone circuits for both the solenoid & pump FET switches. These could be used for alternative tasks if required, particularly if you already have them installed on an existing installation. For a new system, they simplify overall installation.
• Footprints for SMD or TH Capacitors close to the stepper drivers. I am using TH KEMET 100uF 35V 105degC. The ones on the TinyG are still in circuit.
• As suggested the native TinyG pots are turned down to the minimum (The 4 motor wires are simply switched to the terminals on the new PCB).
• The new TMC2209 pots are set @ 50% for now.
• Functions as a generic TinyG stepper upgrade (not just for LP users)
• Solder jumpers to set MS1 & MS2 on the TNC2209s for micro-steps. Defaulted to 1/8 micro-steps.
• 1 LED to indicate 24V supply to the PCB & another to indicate 3V3
• Spare 24V & GND screw terminals. (2 or 3 of each). Also spare pair of male header pins for 3V3 & GND
• For upgrading TinyG v8 (or equivalent) controllers.

What's not Included

• Wires
• TMC2209s, should be ordered directly, with heat-sinks.
• If ordering only the PCB, there are no other components provided.
• Soldering. Buyer must solder all components, except the SMD parts supplied with Option B only (2xLed, 2xresistor & 2xFET)
• Time. I spent several hours over a weekend completing this upgrade.

Option A, What is included

• 1 x PCB only, with no components. (100x80mm)

Option B, What is included

• 1 x PCB (100x80mm)
• 7 x 4P Screw terminals
• 2 x 3P Screw Terminals
• 2 x Jumpers
• 6 x Male Headers (4 extra long)
• 12 x Female Headers
• 2 x 0805 LEDs (pre-soldered)
• 2 x 0805 resistors (for LEDs) (pre-soldered)
• 4 x TH capacitors (KEMET, 100uF 35V 105degC)
• 2 x STD30NF06LT4 (STMicroelectronics N-Channel MOSFET) (pre-soldered)

Installation Instructions

Instructions are available in our WiKi.

Notes

• We have no connection with TinyG/Synthetos, BigTreeTech, Trinamic, Liteplacer or OpenPNP other than as a user.
• We have tested with LitePlacer only & didn't need to change any configuration settings from our existing ones. It should be possible to change the micro-stepping using the solder jumpers on the PCB, if desired.
• The stepper drivers are not included and you can install up to 4 upgraded TMC2209 drivers from BigTreeTech v1.2. I upgraded all 4, but 2(X+Y) or 3(X+Y+Z) would also work fine. I recommend you get a set of 4 or 5 so that you have spares for the future, as you can downgrade to the the existing TinyG drivers on the A or Z axes if required.
• Can also be used to recover a faulty TinyG board where one or more of the stepper driver ICs have failed. (make sure the MCU & other ICs are OK & de-solder any faulty driver IC first.)