Duet 3 6HC - AUX CAN only?

micaheli

Hi! So I've started the wiring process on my new build and I'd rather not use RJ-11 connectors if I don't have to. I really prefer the dupont style connectors, but I'll break down and buy a pack of RJ-11 connectors if I have to.

Does the main CAN bus need to be populated for the AUX CAN to function? Or can I use it on it's own?

Thanks in advance!

--Micah

droftarts

@micaheli Sorry, only CAN_1 (with the RJ11) can be used for controlling CAN-FD connected boards. CAN_AUX (also known as CAN_0) is currently only used for CAN (not CAN-FD) configuration of motors in the Hangprinter kinematics.

https://docs.duet3d.com/Duet3D_hardware/Duet_3_family/Duet_3_Mainboard_6HC_Hardware_Overview#can-fd-bus-expansion

Currently (RRF v3.5 and earlier) only CAN1 is used for connecting CAN-FD Duet 3 Expansion and Tool boards. CAN0 can be used for talking to non-RRF hardware that uses different protocols from that used by Duet 3 boards, including devices that talk plain CAN. Currently it is only used to configure motors for special kinematics.

There is a Feature Request to make it switchable, but that is very unlikely to make it into RRF 3.6: https://github.com/Duet3D/RepRapFirmware/issues/1000

Ian

droftarts created this issue in Duet3D/RepRapFirmware

open [FeatureRequest] Add M code to configure CAN_0 and CAN_1 on 6HC/6XD #1000

micaheli

@droftarts Ok! No problem I guess, I'll just order up some RJ-11's. Thanks for the super informative clarification.

Have a great day!

droftarts

@micaheli Unless you already have a RJ11 crimper, it may be easier to buy a suitable cable with RJ11 plugs at each end, then cut that and either crimp connections to the wires, or solder wires to them. I've done both of these successfully, though do have a crimper and RJ11 plugs now.

Ian

micaheli

@droftarts I do have crimpers. I used to do a lot of network cables back in the day. I have the tools/skills, I just hate those connectors. Home-Made, Pre-Made, or otherwise. I also don't want to have to unsheath a pre-made cable if I don't have to. Plus, a pre-made cable will end up costing almost as much as a big bag of connectors and won't end up lost in my bin-o-cables to be thrown away in 15 years when I finally dig through them.