We got our first batch of the new JST-XH connector based parts which should hopefully fix encoder connection issues. You can find the updated encoder boards, controller boards and cables in the shop.
We’re starting out with a pretty small batch to make sure that they are working well for folks and fixing the issue so we would love to see this first batch go to folks who are seeing the 15mm position error and who are willing to install them and test them right away. Any feedback would be super super welcome.
We’ve been running them for about a week now of regular cutting and we’ve seen no issues so far, but it’s always the case that what works in our shop may not always work exactly the same in every environment.
We’re starting out with a really small test batch of 10 boards so if there is something wrong we can catch it early and not get stuck with a big batch of bad (and expensive) boards so expect them to sell out reasonably fast, but fear not, more will be on the way quickly.
Use discount code 8L311H1 for 50% off on any of them!
Ordered…I’ll keep things as they are for now—I’m just starting another theatrical set project—but if I hit a wall at any time along the way, I won’t hesitate to swap them out. Once the heavy lifting is done, I’ll swap 'em out anyway so I can help with testing.
Nice! Seeing as it’s a small bath and I haven’t been having encoder issues, I’ll wait for the larger batch before ordering and making the switch and leave this limited supply available for those currently having issues.
Yes, to allow spindles to be used, also to allow the possibility of moving the
board further from the router to see if that cuts down interference (or improves
wifi performance)
The tricky thing about longer cables it that the MOQ for us to buy cables is 1,000 pcs so we would need to see a significant demand to justify ordering a full run of them
Wow - 1000 minimum and we would each need … 4 right? That’s 250 of us. I don’t think we have that many people looking to install spindles (or other options that are taller). SIGH!
Maybe a dumb question, I’ve removed the RJ45 connectors from encoders and main Pcb ready for hard wiring which seems straight forward 4 wires : 3V3,GND,SDA and SCL but i noticed on your new jst version your using a 5 pin plug with 5 wires attached, so what am i missing?
The fifth wire is for the EMI shielding. It only connects on one side, but to make it so the cables are nice and simple and reversible there is a 5 pin connector on both sides
Ok makes sense, I’m going to fit a spindle so considering moving main pcb down to sled and utilise the pre drilled holes to hold it so cable management is tricky, would you envisage a problem running the motor dc lines along with the encoder lines
Yes, probably! I think that many of the connection issues that we saw were miss diagnosed as static electricity but were actually caused by the cables.
The one exception is that we found the hose on our shopvac generates so much static that it actually causes the ESP32 to reset, but that is an issue internal to the ESP32 processor chip itself so there’s not much we can do about that except use an anti static dust hose.
