AR2 from switzerland

Hi.... totally dismantled the CNCCS prototype. Many of the parts are the same as used on the current builds, so I decided to do a new build from scratch so that I could utilize these parts. On this build I am going to go with aluminum on the plate material. My goal is to do this without any special machining gear. IE pretty much using a drill press. Before I get started I wanted to show you my layout since you will see much of it in the background of this build.

turnkey pcb assembly

@rochmesaprotonmail-com

1) Sorry, what is the "CNCCS prototype"

2) If you can use as much aluminium plate I think that is a great goal.

3) Can we see the layout?

@max favre

I'm so glad that your thinking of using Trinamics. I was also thinking the same when I first saw your design. Do you follow Marco Reps on youtube?

I wonder if limit switches are necessary with the trinamics current sense back shown in his video here.

Do you think an HDMI cable could work? OR DVI? I have been reading that in premium HDMI cables that the strands are paired and sub wrapped by AL as pairs then externally wrapped by braided steel or AL. Furthermore premiums can have 26 or 28 AWG which might be able to handle the current. 2 amps roughly at 26 awg. https://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm I haven't dived into the typical current draw for this arm design using the motors from the stepper online kit, so take that with a grain of salt.

Also I am a big fan of raspberry pi. Any interest in model 3b+?

Max, This is a very intensive piece of work. Thank you for contributing back, I would love to try this board out when I start my build/s. Are you planning to continue to develop this? ;and what ECAD / CAD platform do you work with?

Looks like T-1000. Very well. Regards from Chile.

Wow. That looks incredible. Very clean and well built.

Are there any available for purchase? I'm happy to do all the soldering if need be 🙂

The final part is here:

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_4.avif

All soldered

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_5.avif

With the 3d printed housing, cables enter from behind

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_6.avif

In the meanwhile I discovered that some VGA cables simplified: ground pins are shared. I need to find 3 fully wired.

Here are the source files for the PCBs projects:

Controller shield:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BVWQ9XtNRVI-LLkeI67GsTA8-qUJy9d6?usp=sharing

! Require reflow oven SMD soldering and some arduino knowledge to flash the bootloader

BOM and 7th axis version coming soon

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_7.avif

Robot interface:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DC262n13lVaJyhVmGSyD9pbmnmeG-PZu?usp=sharing

SMD soldering are optional status leds, doable by hand.

Use VGA connectors and wago 804-103 & 804-104

3d printed housing coming soon.

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_8.avif

I ordered 5 pieces of each, used 1 and will spare 1 "in case of" so 3 sets are available. I don't intend to make any money of them, they're just better being used than taking dust in a drawer. I gladly do the SMD and flashing magic, the other components are on your side.

Meanwhile you can order the boards yourself by uploading the zip on the gerber folder on JLCPCB or any other pcb maker.

Mechanical assembly is almost done, wiring is on the way 😉

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_9.avif

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_10.avif

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_11.avif

Steppers and drivers are here !

Everything fits nicely on the controller. I will wire the smaller driver (planned to use 6x 542 at the beginning).

The drivers are smaller than expected, some models have a bigger heatsink. The board could have been a bit smaller but at least they won't heat.

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_12.avif

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_13.avif

Sorry for the spam 😉

This one is almost finished. I tested the digital ouputs trough the AR2 software, everything works fine.

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_14.avif

YAY ! It talks

I had to mess with the USB to UART driver (U2 thing on the board 😉 ) but it works. AR2 2.0 sketch is loaded.

Now I can solder the remaining leds and connectors. Still no news for the steppers 😐

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_16.avif

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_17.avif

can I know how much will it be cost for this complete set?

The stepper aren't here but I did what was possible without them. It went pretty well, great job Chris ! Those aluminium parts are really nice.

2 remarks:

- J5 HOUSING: holes for the 3mm rods were drilled at 2.7-2.8mm, I re drilled them to 3mm.

- J6 HOUSING SINGLE PIECE: None of the M3 were threaded but it wasn't a big issue 😉

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_19.avif

Meanwhile some progress on the controller: put the cnc to work:

https://anninrobotics.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AR2-from-switzerland_20.avif

New PCBs should be here monday 😉

Now I'm just hoping OMC can get the missing stepper in stock and post my order before chinese new year holidays 😐