Dec.27, 2011
How to hook up a 3D printer to your computer? If you are looking for a simple, quick and flexible way you need to check this HU-320 USB interface board out.
NZ based electronics engineer Joel Coenraadts designs the HU-320 USB interface board which will connect USB to almost anything. All of the hardware, firmware and software are sorted out and all you need to do is to write the function code. The HU-320 provides communication through a logic-level UART interface. The baud rates are ranged from 2400bps to 1Mbps, that is pretty fast to receive and transmit files.
Along with the hardware a regularly updated .NET library is delivered together with the package. If you want to add extra functionality you can simply download the code from his site.
The HU-320 Interface board implements the following features:
- Driver-less USB Interface with easy-to-use .NET library.
- SPI Master/Slave Interface
- I2C Master Interface with pullup resistors
- 20 GPIO pins (5V / 3.3V jumper selectable)
- UART Interface for RS232 or RS485/422
- Full access to AVR timer block
- High frequency 16bit PWM interface with two outputs
- 512byte user programmable EEPROM (instrument calibrations etc)
- Adjustable, software switchable linier power supply for auxiliary circuitry (uses MCP1825 LDO)
- Buffered 8MHz clock for external circuitry
- Status LED
This project is still in a production prototype stage and currently listed on Pozible (sort of Kickstarter). For $30 you can get a HU-320 PCB Kit, all components plus the PCB. The support will allow Joe to produce the initial quantity of 25 on an industry standard SMT production line and eventually be plug-and-play simplicity. There are still 37 days to go before the project is due to expire, if you think it is helpful for your 3D printer controls or home automation, you can check it out on Joel's website and Pozible for detailed information.
Via helionmicro.com
Posted in 3D Printer Accessories
Maybe you also like:
- Designing and 3D printing a synchro gearbox
- 3D Printing in space - Jason Dunn - let your ideas fly
- 3D printing and 111 five euro cent coins
- Holiday project: build a 3D FabScan yourself
- Experimental kite features 1700 3D printed connectors
- Microsoft 3D prints hardware prototypes in-house
- Nature-inspired greenhouse created using a 3D printer
- Z-Corp sponsors mountain bike design competition for student designers
- 3D printing hit the catwalk
- What will 3D printers be like in the future?
.Net library? I use VB6 (not .Net) and am hoping you guys will release an OCX (ActiveX control) that will enable VB6 users (like myself) to use this board.