Advanced Search

There is a thread with a guy integrating a cm carrier board with a 7c81.
The RPi5 works but it's a very expensive option compared to an ex corporate PC. The only real advantage is size and that's about it. The RPi5 images work out of the box, but do require the zram fix mentioned in the big thread, it's not a game killer but can raise its head.
Having a RPi5 and 3rd Gen I5 running for testbeds the i5 is definitely the one I'd choose for a build.
For my mill I running a odroid H3 and can not fault it, this has been replaced by the H4.
As for pre-built control boxes, any that rely on the parallel port can be used with a 7i92 for an ethernet option or a 7c81 for SPI with a Raspberry Pi. Some of the issues I have with them is use of DB9 connectors for the Stepper motor connectors. Most of them are quite compact which raises issues of heat and airflow.
I prefer to build my own, lots of room for air flow, the ability to keep the mains and signal wiring well seperated, on side has all the mains, the other side has the low voltage signalling.
I guess if that isn't part of your skill set then an off the shelf control box might be the option if you have the funds.

Thank you for your answer! I like to dream big sometimes Of course having this for sale as a bundle would be epic, but even if I just managed to make a github repo with the whole config + BOM + CAD model of the control cabinet, I think that'd still be really helpful, right? Also, is Raspberry Pi really so bad for this goal? What are the disadvantages? I thought it's a pretty nice option given that it's quite compact and rugged.

aeth wrote:

... I want to make a truly badass solution with Raspberry Pi...

That statement ... has issues!
Use a NUC or any small PC, not a RPI.
You should check the export regulations before jumping in, the biggest market for DIY is USA, then India, Europe is pretty far down that list. I checked for the same thing, it was not pretty. BTW, my country has the lowest tarifs for USA at 10% only! Does not fix much when sending anything there costs over 300$ for a small box.
This is not to discourage you, absolutely do try, just make sure you get informed beforehand.

I was recently wondering if there's a company or someone who builds 3 or 4 axis mill control boxes pre-configured with LinuxCNC. Most hobby and semi-professional machines rely on a very similar configuration with one, maybe 2 steppers per axis and it would be awesome if a properly built control box with Linux CNC was available pre-configured and off the shelf. Is anyone aware of a product like this? I know that CNC drive sells their control boxes with UCCNC and stuff like VFD, fuses, relays and stepper drivers preinstalled.
Ever since Ethercat was integrated into LinuxCNC, I want to make a truly badass solution with Raspberry Pi, hardware control panel (there's a Shenzen company producign Ethercat panels with feed/speed knobs and macro buttons!) and Leadshine CS3E closed loop stepper drivers and Delta MS300 VFD. A complete Linux CNC solution like this will cost around 2500 USD which is the price for just the Centroid Hicory mainboard + software that offers similar capabilities.
If there's nothing like this on the market and enough people are interested, I could partner with my friend in China who could help me get this stuff assembled there.

That dkms error is an error in the debian distribution, they included a raspberry package. Just delete it.Well I thought the secure boot would be an explanation but now I don't know.
Happy you can use it, anyway.

matn1 wrote:

Good day,
 Currently the Mesa is on a 5v3A wall plug

This is likely your problem. Replace with a Meanwell MDR-20-5 or similar.