Toolboard V1.1 Update Request

TLAS

Wanted to put in a request for a few updates to the next rev of the tool boards:

Jumper to toggle 12V lines between 12V and Vin (supports 24V fans and other accessories)
Provide an on-board fuse holder over inline fuses
Increase the heater output capability to 6A (to match the Duet 3 mainboard)
Use standard RJ11 connectors between the tool board and the distribution boards

I realize some of these changes might increase the price a bit... I for one would gladly pay a bit more to not have to make a custom connection (which ends up being a couple of hours of my time after I get it wrong a few times...).

dc42

@TLAS, thanks for your suggestions.

A 12V/VIN jumper will be implemented in the next revision.

We will not include a fuse on the tool board because it would be the wrong place (it would not protect the VIN wires) and there isn't room. The Tool Distribution Board includes fuses for the VIN feeds to the tool boards.

We would love to use RJ11 connectors for the CAN interface, but there just isn't room on the tool board. RJ45 connectors are even larger.

Although the nominal rating of the heater output is 5A, the heater mosfet can certainly take more. I think 6A should be no problem if you use a genuine JST VH plug to connect the heater.

Nuramori

I would add one more item - for those that run just one toolboard tied to a duet, or in general, a jumper to set the terminator resistor/last toolboard in the chain, instead of having to wire one in.

dc42

@Nuramori said in Toolboard V1.1 Update Request:

I would add one more item - for those that run just one toolboard tied to a duet, or in general, a jumper to set the terminator resistor/last toolboard in the chain, instead of having to wire one in.

Again, the problem is space. However, we may include pads for a SMD termination resistor to be soldered on the back of the board (0805 or larger size).

A Former User

@dc42 said in Toolboard V1.1 Update Request:

However, we may include pads for a SMD termination resistor to be soldered on the back of the board (0805 or larger size).

could having the resistor factory installed (possibly a smaller size as well) and giving the option to close a solder bridge to enable termination be a alternative approach? (saves people sourcing and fiddling with smd parts, something tells me those who find the current method a problem won't think an 0805 resistor is an improvement)

alternatively make the can connection a 4 wire connection and place the resistor on the mainboard on the unused pins 1&6? (presuming duet mini and 6hc have the same arrangement on the mainboard)

@TLAS said in Toolboard V1.1 Update Request:

I for one would gladly pay a bit more to not have to make a custom connection (which ends up being a couple of hours of my time after I get it wrong a few times...)

I'll make you whatever cable you need for the price of the parts and postage (subject to availability, terms and conditions apply, and other fine print). I'm sure you'll find others likeminded here that might be closer to your location, and if you need loads of cables I'd ask your favourite chinesium supplier to make them for you.

Nuramori

@dc42 that works for me. Maybe include a resistor in the box?

Stephen6309

@TLAS For number 4. You could use this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HU7BX42 on the supplied wire connector.

A Former User

@Stephen6309 said in Toolboard V1.1 Update Request:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HU7BX42

thats not a bad idea, then try and design a housing where it would clip in the housing - et viola

A Former User

@bearer said in Toolboard V1.1 Update Request:

@dc42 said in Toolboard V1.1 Update Request:

However, we may include pads for a SMD termination resistor to be soldered on the back of the board (0805 or larger size).

could having the resistor factory installed (possibly a smaller size as well) and giving the option to close a solder bridge to enable termination be a alternative approach? (saves people sourcing and fiddling with smd parts, something tells me those who find the current method a problem won't think an 0805 resistor is an improvement)

alternatively make the can connection a 4 wire connection and place the resistor on the mainboard on the unused pins 1&6? (presuming duet mini and 6hc have the same arrangement on the mainboard)

@TLAS said in Toolboard V1.1 Update Request:

I for one would gladly pay a bit more to not have to make a custom connection (which ends up being a couple of hours of my time after I get it wrong a few times...)

I'll make you whatever cable you need for the price of the parts and postage (subject to availability, terms and conditions apply, and other fine print). I'm sure you'll find others likeminded here that might be closer to your location, and if you need loads of cables I'd ask your favourite chinesium supplier to make them for you.

+1
with my soldering skill I rather close a bridge on the back of the PCB then soldering a resistor on the TOP
-> Or some forum members may get some new "spare" boards "to repair"
(this comment is not totally serious but rather something a bit humoristic )

A Former User

@Stephen6309

WOW
(sometimes this forum really shines )
Like always I cannot find them here in europe, argh, but let´s see with some googeling

dc42

@bearer said in Toolboard V1.1 Update Request:

could having the resistor factory installed (possibly a smaller size as well) and giving the option to close a solder bridge to enable termination be a alternative approach?

Thanks for the suggestion. We will implement it in the next revision of the tool board.