Can the CNC module be controlled externally on its own?

Snapmaker 2.0 (3-in-1)
1

I’ve decided to only use the linear rail and the CNC module from the Snapmaker. Okay, the power supply too. The rest is going in the bin (junk?). I’ll use EstlCam for control, but other CNC software should work as well. Controlling the linear rails isn’t a problem; the STEP/DIR signals are sufficient.

However, I’d like to use the original CNC motors, both the 50-watt and 200-watt versions. Unfortunately, I haven’t found any information on how to control them.

Does anyone know of an adapter with the necessary software?

If necessary, I’ll remove the electronics and control the motor using a PWM driver. That should work. I’m incredibly disappointed with Snapmaker :frowning:

I have decided to use only the linear rail and the CNC module from the Snapmaker. OK, the power supply too. The rest is going in the bin (junk?). I will use EstlCam for control; other CNC software will surely work as well. Controlling the linear rails is no problem; the STEP/DIR signals are sufficient.

However, I would like to use the original CNC motors, both the 50-watt and 200-watt versions. Unfortunately, I have found no information on how to control the motors.

Does anyone know of an adapter including software?

If necessary, I will remove the electronics and control the motor via a PWM driver. That should work. I am utterly disappointed with Snapmaker :frowning:

Ich habe beschlossen, von dem Snapmaker nur die Linearschiene und das CNC Madul zu verwenden. OK, das Netzteil. Der Rest fliegt raus (Müll?) . Ich werde zur Stteuerung EstlCam nutzen, andere CNC Software geht sicher auch. Die Ansteuerung der Linearen Schienen ist kein Problem, Da reichen die Signal STEP / DIR.

Ich würde aber gerne den originalen CNC Motor nutzen 50 Watt und 200 Watt. Leider habe ich keine Informationen gefunden, wie man den Motor ansteuern kann.
Kennt jemand einen Adapter inkl. Software?
Notfalls baue ich die Elektronik aus und steuere den Motor über einen PWM Treiber. Sollte funktionieren. Ich bin Maßlos enttäuscht von Snapmaker :frowning:

2

You’ll want to read through the firmware source code GitHub - Snapmaker/Snapmaker2-Controller: Snapmaker2-Controller is the firmware for Snapmaker 2.0 3-in-1 3D Printers. · GitHub . The modules are controlled using the CAN bus. It should be easy enough to send the messages you want to the module over the bus.

That said, I personally wouldn’t do it. If you want a CNC machine, you’d be better served by getting a dedicated CNC machine rather than frankensteining one yourself.

3

Thank you,

Thanks, I’ll take a look at it. Maybe I can manage with it; if not, I’ll just use the motor in the CNC module and build my own controller.

Regarding the CNC: It’s not a cobbled-together solution. I have a “large” CNC milling machine – 700mm x 900mm from ISEL. The Snapmaker modules are quite good, though, if you stiffen the guide rails a bit, which isn’t too difficult. And for small CNC jobs, it’s a good starting point. Even aluminum can be machined relatively well. But other projects, like vinyl cutting or pen plotting, also work very well. The problem is that the base unit as Snapmaker delivered it isn’t good. The software, in particular, is very poor. I’m mainly speaking about CNC. For 3D printing, there are machines 100 times better for a fraction of the price.

4

I just took a look at it. And I also found the section for CNC M3-M5. But I don’t know enough about how to get the motor running, because the spindle communicates via CAN bus. I have absolutely no idea where to begin. Somehow the signal from the CNC controller – PWM or On/Off – has to be translated so that the spindle understands it.

I’ll probably need an MCP2515 and an Arduino or ESP32, but then what? I’m stuck for a starting point :frowning:

5

Just to say, yes look at CAN, it’s simple enough and would support your needs exactly, directly interfacing with the linear rail and spindle.

If you want simplicity then go with gcode control of existing kit, but you probably need the controller (main pcb) along with touchscreen (controller HMI) attached. Use this for reference https://wiki.snapmaker.com/en/Snapmaker_Luban/manual/2_supported_gcode_references
Or modify the firmware for the controller to suite your needs.

On a different route this weekend I added an MCP server and Skill for Luban, so it can be interacted with semi-safely by agents. WARNING: one should not use what I have created as it is dangerous in many ways…

But I created an adaptation to the Luban software so it works faster and offline and I can use my fusion CNC programs better: along with adding a tool setter (tool height test) and external probe (a tool) skills and camera support.

Now my AI can locate and probe the stock according to my instructions, update work origin by testing tool height (instead of manual with paper etc), and kick off simple roughing/surfacing jobs to prepare raw stock into uniform stock if needed.

The safety elements I have designed in are a little frustrating as they increase time but allow safer automation (having bent one tool probe one learns the hard way about codifying safety), mainly through human review + 2FA for any jobs or any Z-moves, and all X-Y moves > 1mm (i.e. not probe step) must be at top Z.