What is it?

motionPro is a 3+1 axis CNC controller based on a custom Arduino running grbl v1.1f. It includes TI's DRV8825 stepper motor drivers onboard and can drive upto four NEMA 23 motors at 2.2A each motor. This controller supports a separate clone axis motor channel with its own individual control chip and current setting options. This is useful for machines with 2 motors for either the X or Y axis.

You can connect the motionPro controller through a standard USB port and wireless control using an optional HC-05 or any other Bluetooth module. This eliminates the need for obsolete expensive machines with parallel ports.

Here is a complete feature list:

• Capable of driving upto 4 NEMA 23 motors at 2.2A per motor (with a heatsink, 1.5A in open air)
• A clone axis that can replicate either the X or Y axis (useful for machines with two motors for a single axis)
• Full to 1/32 micro-stepping configurable via on board microswitches
• Current limiting options can be set independently for every axis including the clone axis
• Options for user configured inputs and feedback such as E-Stop, Reset, Feed Hold, Cycle Start, Homing Location, and Probing (to precisely adjust Z-axis zero set)
• Accommodates upto 6 limit switches. Limit switches are configurable as active high (normally closed switches) or active low (normally open switches)
• USB port eliminates ancient parallel ports and freedom from older expensive machines that are hard to get and maintain
• Bluetooth control (with an optional HC-05 bluetooth module) to wirelessly connect and operate the machine
• Comes with a heatsinks for the motor driver chips
• Uses standard 18-24V DC supply and with 12V at 1A and 5V at 2A outputs on the board
• Reverse power connect protection
• Plenty of visual indicators for debugging
• Comes pre-installed with grbl v1.1e with default settings
• Additional heatsinks provided in the box

The complete documentation and a detailed hookup guide is available here.

Why did you make it?

I was building my own CNC and in the process realized that most DIY CNC drivers either need older machines with a parallel/printer port or need to be assembled from a variety of separate components that then need to be connected together separately. This was too messy and my machine would always stop or fail because some wire came loose or some third party component failed. This called for an integrated plug-and-play electronics that did everything and this was the result of that.

What makes it special?

Quite a few CNC controllers on the market use older parallel/printer ports to control their CNCs. This controller uses standard USB ports and eliminates the need to buy/maintain ancient computers simply for their parallel/printer ports. This controller also features the ability to be operated wirelessly via Bluetooth.

An additional 18-24V DC power supply capable of at minimum 5A is needed along with a USB-B cable (for wired control). Get in touch for a custom expedited (but more expensive) shipping quote.