I'm running an mpcnc primo (dual endstops) with my 6pack. My IO includes 5x end stops, z probe, 3x user buttons (start, pause, e-stop), 3x relays (flood, mist, vacuum), laser pwm, and a 12V LED. So 9 inputs, 3x 5V outputs, and 2x fet outs was my requirement. Then I added a vfd spindle with rs485. There wasn't enough io, so I decided to sacrifice one of the quad inputs (including start button) to make way for the rs485 board. I'm thinking of ways to get that start button back...
I'm aware of the 4 extra unused gpio pinned out into all 5 module headers. I'm also aware that the rs485 module slot has an additional 2 free pins available (in my case those could be inputs). Both of those pins are available to make a "hybrid" module with extra input(s). Since I'm using rs485, and it's a low density pcb, I figured that would be the easiest target to add on 2 more inputs. I also figure it might become a mess milling and assembling such a circuit in my garage. I also think such adding hybrid boards might also make sense for your customers in general. 5 endstop machines are becoming more and more popular, and a lot of folks use a probe and 3 buttons. Without options for hybrid expansion boards for such cases, the 6pack can become very limited.
So I figured I would ask if there was any interest in adding something like this to your tindie store? Just shmitt triggers and basic filtering would be fine for my needs... optical if there's room I suppose I just don't need it. I figure even optical would be easy if it was produced at a board house with smd etc. Any interest in this? If so, let me know how I can help (I'm can help design in eagle).
I'm running an mpcnc primo (dual endstops) with my 6pack. My IO includes 5x end stops, z probe, 3x user buttons (start, pause, e-stop), 3x relays (flood, mist, vacuum), laser pwm, and a 12V LED. So 9 inputs, 3x 5V outputs, and 2x fet outs was my requirement. Then I added a vfd spindle with rs485. There wasn't enough io, so I decided to sacrifice one of the quad inputs (including start button) to make way for the rs485 board. I'm thinking of ways to get that start button back...
I'm aware of the 4 extra unused gpio pinned out into all 5 module headers. I'm also aware that the rs485 module slot has an additional 2 free pins available (in my case those could be inputs). Both of those pins are available to make a "hybrid" module with extra input(s). Since I'm using rs485, and it's a low density pcb, I figured that would be the easiest target to add on 2 more inputs. I also figure it might become a mess milling and assembling such a circuit in my garage. I also think such adding hybrid boards might also make sense for your customers in general. 5 endstop machines are becoming more and more popular, and a lot of folks use a probe and 3 buttons. Without options for hybrid expansion boards for such cases, the 6pack can become very limited.
So I figured I would ask if there was any interest in adding something like this to your tindie store? Just shmitt triggers and basic filtering would be fine for my needs... optical if there's room I suppose I just don't need it. I figure even optical would be easy if it was produced at a board house with smd etc. Any interest in this? If so, let me know how I can help (I'm can help design in eagle).