This document provides recommended controller options, wiring notes and example pinouts for the G-code Pen Plotter. It is intended as a starting point — choose controllers and drivers that match your experience and available parts.
- Arduino Uno to run GRBL and CNC shield to drive steppers
Choose a driver compatible with your stepper motors and desired microstepping/noise characteristics. Heat-sink stepper drivers and set current limits before running the motors under load.
12 V for common NEMA 17 motors and solenoid Use a supply capable of providing peak current for both motors and solenoid
Use an N-channel MOSFET (logic-level) to switch the solenoid ground. Add a flyback diode across the solenoid coil and a gate resistor/pull-down on the MOSFET for reliability. Test the solenoid switching with a bench power supply and a current-limited setup before connecting to the full system.
- The design uses two optical endstops (front and back). Connect them to digital input pins on the controller and enable internal pull-ups or use pull-up resistors if required.
GRBL (or a fork) — runs on many Arduino-style controllers and accepts standard G-code.
TBD
TBD