external servomotors with duet 3

JV

hello guys
I have a 3d printer working with duet 2 and the expansion board to connect external brushless servomotors.
I would like to know if i want to upgrade to a DUET3, can i connect the servomotors? how?
It is convenience to upgrade from DUET2 to DUET 3?
I'll need more digitals I/O, with the duet 3 can i have it?
Thanks for your help.

dc42

@jv are all the motors servos, or do you need some on-board stepper drivers too?

If all the motors are servos then the best option would be the Duet 3 MB6XD which is currently in pre-production status, so not widely available yet.
If just two motors are servos then the Duet 3 Mini would be an option, with level shifters if necessary to convert the two step/dir outputs from 3.3V signal levels to 5V.
If more than two motors are servos but some on-board drivers are also needed, then the best Duet 3 option is a Duet 3 MB6XD for the servos and either TOOL1LC tool boards or a EXP3HC expansion board.

JV

@dc42 thank you for your fast response.

I need 3 servos output signal (step/dir) for X,Y and Z axis and 2 steppers for the extruders .

could you tell me how many digital I/O will be present in the Duet 3 MB6XD and when will it be available for purchase?

Thanks

dc42

@jv the MB6XD specifications are at https://docs.duet3d.com/Duet3D_hardware/Duet_3_family/Duet_3_Mainboard_6XD_Hardware_Overview. It has three 5A heater outputs @ VIN voltage, six 2A outputs @ either VIN or 12V, and nine low voltage I/O ports. So similar to the MB6HC but without the bed heater output.

The tool boards or EXP3HC that you would need to drive your extruders also have I/O.