The redLeaf CNC Electronics and Computer Plug-and-Play System

So, you've decided connecting the electronics is just not your thing! And, making it work with your computer is just out of the question! The redLeaf was a complete CNC electronics system and basic computer all-in-one, tested and ready to go.

The basic system had three standard motors (425 oz-in torque) and drivers (3.0 amp per phase), which suited the blueChick, blackToe, or general duty machines. The Heavy Gantry option included two standard motors and drivers plus a heavy duty motor (651 oz-in) and driver (6.0 amp) to move the gantry, which suited the blackFoot or machines with a heavy gantry. The Heavy Duty option used large motors (651 oz-in) and drivers (6.0 amp) on each axis.

The All-In-One Electronics/Computer System Included:

• Motor Drivers 40 Volts 3.0 Amps or 6.0 Amps Max (capable of 1/64 microstepping) depending on the option chosen
• 425 oz-in or 651 oz-in bipolar motors depending on the option chosen
• breakout board
• 36 Volt 8.8 Amp Power Supply
• Panel Motor Cable Connectors
• Fan (Near the Middle)
• Micro ATX Motherboard with Parallel Port and Standard Connectors - 2 Gigs of Installed DDR3 RAM
• AMD Athlon II 3.0GHz Dual Core
• Micro ATX Power Supply (300 Watts)
• 1 TB SATA Hard Drive
• CPU Heat Sink and Fan
• Cabling and Wires
• Operating System (Windows 7 or Linux Depending on Option Purchased)
• Wood, Plastic and Fasteners in a Clean and Aesthetic Arrangement to Encase the System

The drivers were wired to the breakout board and the connectors on the axes plates, both high powered and signal wires separated to reduce interference. The breakout board was connected to the motherboard via specially soldered 25 pin D-sub connectors from the motherboard to the breakout board insuring the most appropriate connectivity. Under the case, the drivers had a special cut-out to allow for the flow of air to transfer the heat out of the enclosure, with a large AC-powered fan providing positive pressure to limit dust entering the enclosure. Power for the computer and the CNC motion electronics was kept on separate plugs so each could run from its own circuit.