Using Roto Tool board for other extruders

RockB

Hello,
I am trying to decide between Toolboard 1LC v1.3 vs Roto toolboard for my custom tool changing machine setup currently under development. I plan to use some revo family of extruders (E.g. Hemera XS) and some other brands as well.

I like the compactness, improved wiring, and LED output in the Roto toolboard. Comparing these tool boards, the main differences I see are:

1LC stepper drivers are rated for 1.6A peak, 1.1 RMS while Roto TB is 1A peak and 1.1 RMS
5A high current output at Vin for TB 1LC (120W @24V) and 3.4A output at Vin for RotoTB (80W at 24V)
OUT_2 (3 Pin heatsink Fan) rated for 5V on roto TB while Vin possible on TB 1LC - I think I should be able to swap out 24V default fans with 5V Noctua fans
RotoTB has a dedicated output for driving LEDs - I need this for my application since I am planning to use IO_0.out for something else

Questions:

Most of the extruders I am planning to use (E.g. Hemera XS) are within the current rating (1.1A) and heater output rating of Roto TB, so I think I should be good there. However, One of the extruders I am using is a compact pellet extruder and the documentation says that driver current is to be set to ~1.6A in RepRap firmware. Can Roto TB handle this?

The documentation says that "Note further thermal testing may allow higher extruder current for Extruders other than the Revo Roto which should not exceed 600mA current"

The heater unit for the pellet extruder is rated at 70W, so should be good there.

Although OUT_1 is meant for the part cooling fan, can it be used as a switch to turn on/off an air solenoid (24V DC and 2.5W rated)?
What is the built-in inductive sensor (LDC1612) in roto TB typically used for?
Are there any other major differences between these toolboards that I am missing?

gloomyandy

@RockB said in Using Roto Tool board for other extruders:

Are there any other major differences between these toolboards that I am missing?

The connectors used on the two boards are different, that may or may not matter to you. But it can have a big impact on how you are able to mount the board in some cases.

RockB

@gloomyandy Had to design and build some custom mounts for Roto TB to work with other extruders. Connectors should be ok

RockB

@RockB said in Using Roto Tool board for other extruders:

Most of the extruders I am planning to use (E.g. Hemera XS) are within the current rating (1.1A) and heater output rating of Roto TB, so I think I should be good there. However, One of the extruders I am using is a compact pellet extruder and the documentation says that driver current is to be set to ~1.6A in RepRap firmware. Can Roto TB handle this?

The documentation says that "Note further thermal testing may allow higher extruder current for Extruders other than the Revo Roto which should not exceed 600mA current"

Any issues setting extruder current to ~1.6A in Roto Toolboard? (M906 E1680.00) for the pellet extruder? or better to use T1LC for this?

o_lampe

@RockB I wouldn't use the Roto for the Pellet extruder.
My argument is the common usecase of these extruders: They are meant to run for a very long time to avoid filament-spool changes.
Running the motor driver at or above it's limit is no option then.
I also wouldn't consider using the 1LC.

dc42

@RockB said in Using Roto Tool board for other extruders:

@RockB said in Using Roto Tool board for other extruders:
Any issues setting extruder current to ~1.6A in Roto Toolboard? (M906 E1680.00) for the pellet extruder? or better to use T1LC for this?

The maximum current you can set the TOOL1RR to is currently limited to 1.0A in firmware. It's a 1-line code change to increase this, and during testing we had it set to 1.6A.

At 1.6A you will need to fan-cool the tool board. The TMC2240 driver provides a temperature read-out, so you will be able to monitor the temperature to see if this is viable in the long term.