Phoenix Electronics

Phoenix is a robust, modular through hole RepRap electronics designed to be easy for beginners to construct.

History

In 2011 a few of us started the Thames Valley RepRap group [TVRRUG] to connect RepRap folk in the area and to embark on build groups designed to bring new folks into the RepRap 3D printing revolution. As part of this we started refining our Mendel Prusa based design and were looking to improve on the existing electronics. We wanted to solve a few of the current design issues as well as move away from the more expensive Pololu-based drive modules (Early build discussions). Here are some of the main features we decided as a group:

1. Completely through hole component design to make construction accessible to a wider range of folk
2. Modular so that single or Multiple extruder designs could be catered for
3. Self maintainable if you can build it you can replace its modules and or components
4. Robust we had experienced thermal and power issues with the existing electronics we figured we could improve on that

Design

The design is modular and consistis of a main controller board (OMC) and up to 3 Stepper modules (DSMs), each of which is capable of handling 2 stepper motors. This allows for designs from the basic single extruder up to more complex builds using three extruders.

1. Atmel ATmega644 based controller design
2. Up to 3 extruders (requires 3 DSM modules)
3. High capacity Heated bed support (up to 20 Amps DC)
4. Onboard SDCard
5. Power sequencing (to protect those Tosh drivers)

License

Files for the electronics are distributed under the CERN Open hardware license, and are, as such, completely open.

Files

To checkout the very latest version of OMC git clone git://solderpad.com/folknology/open-motion-controller.git
To checkout the very latest version of DSM git clone git://solderpad.com/folknology/dual-stepper-motor-module.git

BOM

Current version is 1.2
BOM on GoogleDocs and Visual BOM/Kit parts

Build

See below

Video

Here's a video from early development:
Here's a video of lots of TVRRUG printers using the Phoenix electronics at Brighton Makerfaire
(Unfortunately the printers nearest the camera aren't printing too well! Problems with power supply at the faire, we think.)

Instructions

Build Instructions and Wiring

Firmware

We currently support Marlin firmware. See Phoenix Marlin firmware support

Publicity

https://plus.google.com/u/0/116341287830615647443/posts/HkSpwf9fMQt