Two questions regarding the controller board:
I understand that this is basically an Arduino running GRBL, but is there a schematic available? It would be a big help to those of us who want to tinker. I can figure things out myself if I have to, but spending a weekend with a DVM and a yellow pad to reverse engineer what is hooked where is not my idea of a good time - at least not like it was 40 years ago.
If I wanted to roll my own solution, say using a G-Shield or a Tiny G, or my own PCB, would I still be able to use the Carbide Software with my XXL, or is there some sort of secret handshake that prevents that ?
BTW - I was a little perturbed when I moved the gantry on my powered off machine and I realized that emf from the steppers was lighting up the controller. I’d also like to get rid of that jury-rigged capacitor, isolate the controller ground from the frame ground (and the router motor), switch to a more industrial power supply, and put a good LC filter in place if noise is still a problem. I think the system could be electrically cleaner than it presently is, and the present BFC (big “fancy” capacitor) fix reminds me of the sort of thing we are all guilty of late on a Friday evening when we get frustrated and desperate. Alright for the moment, but worthy of revisiting and refining when time permits.
Mechanically I am mostly happy with the machine so far, although I too am wrestling with drag chains and limit switches (or lack thereof). Limit switches may not be a requirement for everyone, but I really hate that “braap” sound .
Thanks to everyone at Carbide for all of their hard work. I knew when I ordered this machine that it was a new product, and that there would likely be a few rough edges. I’m sure you folks are hard at work smoothing those edges off.
I hope things are going well for all the other new owners. Regards!