Universal Controller

Hint: The Universal Controller is a LCD-screen equipped controller that is capable of controlling 3D printers, CNC machines, welders, filament makers, automated machines, or any other applications where a microcontroller runs different actuators, sensors, or power elements. It is a platform consisting of RAMPS, LCD screen, power supply, power outlet, and power handling SSRs, and can be connected to external stepper drivers, solenoid valves, or other power elements. Equipped with an Arduino Mega, it can be used to control just about anything that requires a 100 kHz or lower control signal. See 2019 work on this at OSE Design Manual - Universal Machine Controller

How to Build

The Universal Controller consists of a 3D printed mounting panel, which holds all the components. This panel is printed with a 90 degree bend, and is straightened with a heat gun as shown in 4D Printing. The main components for the D3D Pro 3D printer are 5:

1. GFCI - safety device, which shuts off the circuit if any short is detected.
2. 24V power supply - provides power to stepper motors and electronics
3. RAMPS control board - the brain of the controller
4. LCD display - allows for controlling the machine with an SD card, without using a wire computer connection
5. Solid State Relay - switches power to the heatbed.

Then, a 5V wall wort powers the RAMPS control board. A plug connected to the GFCI feeds the heat bed and power supply.

See below for all the connection details.

With External Stepper Drivers

As used in the CNC Torch Table v19.10:

Uses

• D3D_v20.04.27 and older printer models
• CNC Torch Table v19.10
• Intended for use in the CEB Press, with weatherproof enclosure.

Working Doc

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CAD

See D3D v19.06 for complete machine.

See more at 3D Printer Control Panel

• 

  Control Panel - FreeCAD -File:Controlpanel v1904.fcstd. Bent panel STL - File:Bentpanel v1904.stl

• 

  D3D v19.04 Power Supply - FreeCAD -File:Powersupply v1904.fcstd

• 

  RAMPS 1.4 - FreeCAD -File:RAMPS14 v1904.fcstd. Full detailed file - 4MB - [1]

• 

  Stepper driver - FreeCAD -File:Stepperdriver v1904.fcstd. File for detailed LCD controller and endstop can be found at [2]

• 

  Solid state relay - FreeCAD -File:Ssr v1904.fcstd. Source: [3]. See Fotek SSR. Dimensions verified with Amazon source.

• 

  Reprap Discount Smart Controller - FreeCAD -File:Smartcontroller v1904.fcstd. Source: [4].

• 

  Ground Fault Connection Interrupt (GFCI) outlet - FreeCAD -File:Gfci v1904.fcstd. CAD source at McMaster Carr: [5]. May not represent actual GFCI.

• 

  Wire box cover. - FreeCAD -File:Wireboxcover v1904.fcstd.

• 

  Power cord wire clamp - FreeCAD -File:Heatbed wirelock.fcstd.

• 

  Inner part of D3D Electric Plug - FreeCAD File:D3DPlugInner.fcstd. STL - File:D3DPlugInner.stl

• 

  Outer cover of D3D Electric Plug - FreeCAD File:D3DPlugCover.fcstd. STL file is scaled to 105% already - File:D3DPlugCover.stl

BOM

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Video - from June 2019 STEAM Camp

• Connect Power Cord to the GFCI on the Control Panel - [6]

Build

See 4D Printing:

From 2019 STEAM Camp - Video by Adrian Sinclair

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZRZDaOsyJex-eOKjf2QqtyDj6Gbs97yg?usp=sharing

Links

• Arduino
• Arduino Environment
• ArduinoIDE
• Arduino Beginner Resources
• Arduino Tutorial
• RAMPS on 24V
• 2019 work - OSE_Design_Manual_-_Universal_Machine_Controller. See also STEAM Camp Recordings.
• Old work - Universal Controller 2017