What is it?

This is a breakout board that with grblHAL firmware becomes a CNC motion controller for devices like routers, mills, lasers and lathes. Using grblHAL, it forms the basis of a motion control system with advanced features that you would have to pay multi-hundreds of dollars to get with other products. The RP23U5XBB is based on the Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller, the same one as in the Pico 2. With an ARM Cortex M33 core and Programmable IO (PIO), it makes a powerful basis for a motion controller. Soldering required.

Features

• 5 Axis control outputs supporting Step, Direction and Enable. Screw Terminal and Pin Header connections. Independent Enables for all axes.
• Spindle control via 5V PWM or 0-10V. 0-10V is user adjustable.
• Opto-Isolated Limit inputs for all axes. Supports switch and powered proximity sensors. 12V for better EMI immunity. Optional separate 12V power supply for full isolation. LED indicators for Limit input activity. Servo Alarm Inputs for all Axes with LED indicators.
• Standard Grbl control inputs. Opto-isolated. Cycle Start, Feed Hold, Safety Door, Reset
• Opto-isolated Probe input.
• Relay Support. Directly drive up to 7 Relay coils. Relay Coil drive voltage selectable – 5V or 12V. Drive up to 7 SSR or Logic Level relay modules.
• Spindle Enable, Flood, Mist, Dust Collection, 3 auxiliary 5V digital outputs.
• Dust Extraction Support. Relay Coil, SSR or Logic Level module support. Activated by Spindle Enable. Manual Control of Dust Extractor via header using user supplied external switch.
• Flood and Mist coolant control via Relay (Coil), SSR or Logic Level module support.
• 5V compatible Digital Outputs (Spindle Enable, Flood, Mist, Dust Collection, 3 auxiliary).
• 4 Digital Inputs (3.3V)
• Communications: 2 UARTs, USB, Ethernet (via optional Wiz850io adapter), I2C, SPI. UART 0 supports 3.3V/5V translation.
• MicroSD card adapter
• UART 0 3.3/5V translation
• SWDebug header
• Boot and Run buttons for easy firmware loading and network configuration.
• Flexible power supply setup. 12V Main and 12V Isolated sections. Maybe power from a single or dual PSUs. Auxiliary 5V output.
• Broad range of LED indicators to aid system install and problem diagnosis: Power, spindle, limits, probe, control inputs, Servo Alarm inputs.

Further Information

For further information, see the RP23U5XBB Github Site

What do you get?

You will get a PCB populated with all the surface mount parts. If you purchase the optional assembly kit, you will get all the connectors needed to make the RP23U5XBB ready to install in your CNC machine. Soldering required to complete assembly. Assembly Instructions.

Resources to help you get up and running

We have compiled a list of resources to help you get your board and machine up and running. If you have a question that isn't covered there, please feel free to ask.

What makes it special?

The RP23U5XBB can control most common CNC machines that hobbyists build or own. It provides a cost effective and significant improvement over the typical Arduino based controllers in that it has much higher step rate and is designed to handle electromagnetic interference. In addition, it has features you will find on professional CNC controllers like spindle control and servo support.

Discount for Bulk Purchases

Please contact us directly if you wish to buy more than 4 boards. We will give a discount based on quantity and can often give you a better shipping cost.