Introduction: CNC Plotter Controller

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About: I love to make useful things with the help of Scrap. Creative and Innovative one.

In this session of Instructables, I'd like to share a CNC Plotter Controller. This Controller can be used to operate CNC Plotter. It operates on batteries completely without a computer. I made this controller to operate my Mini Plotter V2. However this controller can be used to operate different CNC plotters without the PC/Laptop. It uses memory card that stores drawing programs. You can store a large number of gcode program files on it. Let’s make it!

Supplies

1pcs x Arduino Uno.

1pcs x LCD Keypad Module

1pcs x Micro SD card module

1pcs x Micro SD card (max 8GB)

2pcs x 18650 Rechargeable Li-ion batteries

1pcs x Two Slot Li-ion batteries Holder 

1pcs x Data Cable

1pcs x SD Card Reader

3D Printed Parts

Mini Plotter V2

Tools used:

3D printer

Soldering iron

Vernier Caliper Digital

Screw Driver

Step 1: Circuit Schematics

Make Necessary Connections as per the Circuit Diagram.

Solder the memory card module to the LCD Keypad shield (CS = D4, MOSI = D5, MISO = D6, SCK = D7), you can use double-sided tape to attach it to the board.

Solder data cable wires to Arduino Uno pins as:

Red wire = 5V pin

Black Wire = GND pin

Green wire = Tx Pin

White wire = Rx pin

A On/Off Switch is connected between Batteries and Arduino Uno 5V pin.

Step 2: Program Files

Download LCD_Key Library from here:

https://github.com/CytronTechnologies/Arduino_SN-FPR-SM630/tree/master/attsys/LCD_Key

Download SdFat Library from here:

https://github.com/greiman/SdFat

Download and Unpack the libraries (LCD_Key.zip, SdFat.zip), put them into "C:\Users\<Your User Name>\Documents\Arduino\libraries" folder.

Connect the Arduino Uno board to the computer and upload the "CNCmaster.ino" sketch.

Attachments

Step 3: Generate Gcode

I used Inkscape software to create Gcode file.

Download all the above mentioned software along with 4xidraw Extension.

Extract and install all the software.

Open Inkscape file location > copy all the files of 4xidraw Extension to the extensions folder of Inkscape.

After adding 4xidraw extension to Inkscape follow these steps to create Gcode file:

Open Inkscape > File tab > Document Properties > set page size as 120mm x 100mm

Drag and drop the particular image of your choice, adjust the image size accordingly and place it on the page.

Select the image > Go to Trace Bitmap > convert to path

Delete the previously inserted image.

Then go to Extensions tab > Click on 4xidraw Tools > Save the parameters as shown in images > Click Apply > Gcode generated.

Format micro SD card to FAT32 file system. Then copy the Gcode files to SD Card.

NOTE: This Controller only supports gcode with ".nc" extension.


Step 4: Assemble All the Parts

Mount LCD keypad Module on the Arduino Uno.

Make all necessary connections as per the Circuit diagram.

Put LCD Keypad Module along with Arduino Uno inside the 3D printed Body.

Mount Battery holder at the bottom of 3D printed with the help of Screws.

Drill a hole at the right lower corner of the 3D printed body to insert Data cable.

Insert the SD Card in the SD card module Slot.


Step 5: Add USB Port to CNC Shield V4

Mini Plotter V2:

https://www.instructables.com/Mini-Plotter-V2/

Add a USB Female port to CNC Shield V4 as:

Red wire = 5V pin

Black Wire = GND pin

Green/orange wire = Rx Pin

White/yellow wire = Tx pin

The CNC Shield V4 is powered with the batteries of CNC Controller. So, we do not need separate power source for it.

Step 6: Working

Connect USB Cable of CNC Plotter Controller to the CNC Shield V4 USB port.

Switch ON the push button. The CNC Controller Starts.

The drawing program file is selected using the Up/Down buttons, The Extreme Left button used to run the Gcode and Extreme Right button is used to stop the Gcode.

Select any Gcode file and then click extreme Left button to run the Gcode.

It's Working now..

Step 7: STL Files

Attachments

Step 8: Final Words

Hope you enjoyed this session of Instructables. Thanks for reading my work. I feel glad if you make your own CNC Plotter Controller with the help of this tutorial. Stay tuned to my Instructables channel for more upcoming exciting projects.

Thanks again.