Tim's Mini Plotter 2 With Single PCB

by Palingenesis in Circuits > Microcontrollers

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Tim's Mini Plotter 2 With Single PCB

Tims Mini Plotter 2 001.png
Tim's Mini Plotter 2 (Write Text)

The video is of the original Mini Plotter 2 to show how it works.

Story

This is a PCB from PCBWay PCB Version of mini plotter I did quit a while ago, my original mini plotter I made of standard modules I bought and a home made PCB.

Details of the original can be found at my Blog.

Bullet Tim's Mini Plotter 2 (tims-mini-plotter2.blogspot.com)

Bullet I go into more detail on how I compressed files to fit on the memory in my blog.

PCB from PCBWay do a great offer in prototyping PCBs, so I decided to make a version based around a single PCB. This is the same as the original except for the electronics, it has been made slightly longer to accommodate a single PCB.

My Brief

For this project, I wanted to make a compact portable plotter using 2 motors from CD/DVD Drives. I wanted to use the cheap L298 drivers. I wanted to give it some memory where it can store some plots, and have a menu system to set some basic settings and be able to chose plots stored in memory.

What I use

I use FreeCAD to design my 3D Prints, and KiCAD EDA to design my PCB. Both these programs can integrate with each other. They are open source and I recommend them. KiCAD EDA also has a plugin from PCB from PCBWay that makes it simple to order PCBs.

There are some Live Streams I did when making this.

Bullet Treat my live streams like you would a reference book, click through it to find bit you are interested in.

Bullet Tim Live Part 1 of Mini Plotter (youtube.com)

Bullet Tim Live Part 2 of Mini Plotter (youtube.com)

Bullet Tim Live Part 3 of Mini Plotter (youtube.com)

I also did a follow up video.

Bullet Tim's Mini Plotter 2 [Live stream follow up] (youtube.com) (I hope you find this one entertaining)

I also have a GitHub Page for this project.

Bullet Palingenesis/Mini_Plotter_2_Single_PCB: A Portable Mini Plotter (github.com)

Note!

Programming the memory may look a little complex.

Bullet I have tried to make it flexible so that you will be able to load your own Plots into the memory.

Bullet My blog goes into more detail about saving memory space.

Bullet I hope the videos help.

Supplies

PCBWay.png
Arduino_NANO.png
Stepper Motor CD-DVD.png
OLED 0.9 inch I2C.png
L293D.png
Memory 24C256.png
Linear Rod.png
Screws.png
_My 3D Printer 1200x1000.png
USBasp.png
Compleat.png
Memory AT24C256 Programing Module.png
Cable Flat 4 Way.png
DuPont_Kit.png

PCB

As this version is based around a PCB I had made at PCB from PCBWay

Bullet One PCB from PCB from PCBWay

Bullet I have done a Shared project at PCB from PCBWay There is all the Gerber Files and a BOM there.

Bullet Tim's Mini Plotter 2 - Share Project - PCBWay

Additional Components

In addition to the PCB the are components listed here:

BulletAn Arduino NANO.

Bullet2 Stepper Motors.

BulletAn OLED.

BulletA Servo SG90.

BulletMemory.

Bullet2 L293 Drivers.

BulletSome 3mm polished Linear Rod.

BulletA small spring.

BulletSome M1.7x6mm self tap flat nose screws.

Bullet3D printed parts.

BulletCable 4 way.

BulletDupont Connectors.

Tools

Bullet 3D Printer.

Bullet USBasp Programmer. (See Updating a USBasp Chinese Clone Using an Arduino Uno : 3 Steps - Instructables)

Bullet A hot plate, (Tim's Hot Plate : 36 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables)

Bullet Memory Programming Module.

Software

There is also some Software that I wrote required.

Bullet Mini_Plotter_2_Single_PCB/Memory_Package/Memory Writer at master · Palingenesis/Mini_Plotter_2_Single_PCB (github.com)

3D Prints

STL files for 3D printing are attached.

The PCB

PCBWay.png
Tims Mini Plotter 2 006.png

I know I have mentioned PCB from PCBWay a lot, but that's where I had the PCB Made.

Bullet I use KiCAD EDA to design my PCB, and PCB from PCBWay make it very easy to order a PCB.

Bullet Just one click on there KiCAD plugin button PCBWay and all the hard work is done for you.

Bullet Your order is placed on there web site and all you have to do is enter your address info and pay.

For you to get this PCB you can go to my Shared Project page.

PCB from PCBWay

  1. Chose your option.
  2. Add to cart.

For a BOM you can download form my Shared Project page or my GitHub.

BulletThe parts I have listed above are the Parts not directly connected to the PCB.

BulletI did a video stream of me assembling my PCB. Tim Live Part 1 of Mini Plotter (youtube.com)

Stepper Motors

Sizes.png
Stepper_Data_Sheet.png
Stepper Motor CD-DVD.png

Info

BulletThe stepper motors I am using for this project are motors I repurposed from some CD/DVD drives.

BulletThe dimensions are approximate, I have put holes to suit what I have shown.

BulletCare should be taken when soldering new cables to these motors, it is very easy to melt the coil bobbins.

BulletThe only data I could find for these type of motors was from a data sheet for a PL15S-020. (I will assume other makes are similar)

I soldered my own cables to the stepper motors.

BulletIf you get stepper motors with ribbons attached, I recommend just cutting the excess of.

BulletIt is very easy to melt the pin off the bobbins of this type of stepper motor.

To connect these to the PCB, I have a four way DuPont female connector.

BulletThe cable I use is 4 way Servo cable.

OLED

OLED 0.9 inch I2C.png

The OLED needs to be as shown.

The PCB has been designed for this one to fit.

BulletPin order viewed from the top: GND, VCC, SCL, SDA.

BulletSize: 0.9" (inch).

BulletResolution: 128 x 64.

BulletDriver: SSD1306.

Arduino Code

Arduino_NANO.png
USBasp.png
Arduino_NANO ICSP.png
Power Shell.png

As mentioned all my files are available on GitHub.

BulletAgain, though I ask, one of the files are not supported here.

BulletMini_Plotter_2_Single_PCB/Nano_Firmware at master · Palingenesis/Mini_Plotter_2_Single_PCB (github.com)

The code for the Arduino are a HEX and an EEP file.

BulletThese needs to be uploaded using AVRDUDE.

BulletThis is instruction for backing up and restoring data on an Arduino NANO. aka ATMega328p Using AVRDUDE in the windows terminal.

To upload the files an USBasp tool is required.

BulletSee my Instructable for upgrading one to know more about these.

BulletUpdating a USBasp Chinese Clone Using an Arduino Uno : 3 Steps - Instructables

Replace "Backup" with the name of the corresponding name of my files for this project.

BulletYou will not need to backup, I have included it just so you know how to do it.

My files are:

BulletMini_Plotter_2_eeprom.eep

BulletMini_Plotter_2_flash.hex

First thing is know where your copy of AVRDUDE is installed on your computer.

BulletI am using the copy Arduino IDE uses and is installed on my E: Drive.

BulletIf yours is in the default on C:, you will probably only need to change E: for C:

BulletThere is the location for AVRDUDE.EXE "E:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\hardware\tools\avr\bin\avrdude"

BulletThere is the location avrdude.config "E:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\hardware\tools\avr\etc\avrdude.conf"

The files created/used will be in the location your are in in the windows terminal.

BulletYou must be in the location the files are or you want them to be.

The file names used here in the example are:

Bulletbackup_flash.hex

Bulletbackup_eeprom.eep

BulletIf you are backing up a specific device, I suggest renaming them to something relevant.

BulletSo to upload my files you replace the names with the name of my files above.

Back up HEX and EEPROM (ATMega328p) with USBasp

"E:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\hardware\tools\avr\bin\avrdude" -C"E:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\hardware\tools\avr\etc\avrdude.conf" -v -p m328p -c usbasp -P usb -F -U flash:r:backup_flash.hex:i -U eeprom:r:backup_eeprom.eep:i

Restore HEX and EEPROM (ATMega328p) with USBasp

"E:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\hardware\tools\avr\bin\avrdude.exe" -C "E:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino\hardware\tools\avr\etc\avrdude.conf" -v -p m328p -c usbasp -P usb -U flash:w:"backup_flash.hex":i -U eeprom:w:"backup_eeprom.eep":i

Memory

Memory 24C256.png
Memory AT24C256 Programing Module.png
Arduino UNO and EEPROM.png

You may just want to watch the video :)

I have use two 24C256 I2C Memory Chips, there is room for three.

You will find all software on my GitHub to program the memory.

BulletMini_Plotter_2_Single_PCB/Memory_Package at master · Palingenesis/Mini_Plotter_2_Single_PCB (github.com)

BulletOne of the videos I did goes through the process of programming the Memory. Tim Live Part 3 of Mini Plotter

BulletNo need to bother with the first 18 minutes.

BulletMy blog goes into a lot more of the details on how all this works. Tim's Mini Plotter 2: Adding Memory to Arduino NANO and compressing G-Code (tims-mini-plotter2.blogspot.com)

Tim's EEPROM Writer

Tims Mini Plotter 2 007.png

Note!

I have not made the program idiot proof, that is: Do the wrong things and it may crash.

BulletAfter all, I originally just wrote it for me.

BulletAlso window may give warnings when you install it. (I used Microsoft Visual Studio Community Edition to write it and I haven't signed it)

BulletAs with all the Applications I write It is all about trust.

To use this:

BulletYou need an Arduino (any type) plugged into you computer via a USB.

BulletThe Arduino must have Tims_Arduino_Memory_Writer_Firm.ino Installed.

BulletThe EEPROM needs to be connected to the Arduino.

First we need to connect to the Arduino.

BulletIn the Coms section, choose the correct COM Port the Arduino is connected to.

BulletSet the communication speed to 115200.

BulletClick the connect button. (if it connects, the status will be written green)

BulletNote! Only 1 device can be connected to a COM Port at a time, make sure your Arduino IDE Serial Monitor is not connected.

The First Memory Chip (Mem 1) [Menu Text]

Memory_Words.png

Once connected, "Browse" for the file: Memory_Words.txt

BulletTo send this file, the Pre-set "Send Words" must be selected.

BulletThis is a pre-set, you will notice that the settings for "Start Address" and "Page Length" Have been set, and cannot be changed.

BulletThis is so things happen according to the rules I have talk about on my blog.

BulletNow click "Send Settings" button. when the settings on the Arduino have been set, a conformation should be shown in the "Feed Back" window.

BulletAfter conformation, click the "Send" button.

BulletWhere it currently shows Done, data being sent should appear.

BulletWhen all is done, "Done" should be displayed again.

After this first part, the Arduino NANO with be able to use the data to create the menu.

The First Memory Chip (Mem 1) [Plot Data]

Plot_Names.png

On my Git there are several G-Code files.

BulletI would list them here but the files have my extension ".tgc" (Tim's G Code)

BulletI have given them my extension because they are a simple form of G-Code.


  1. Cube 001 Cube.tgc
  2. Snowflake 002 Snowflake.tgc
  3. Wolf 003 Wolf Howling.tgc
  4. Links 004 Links.tgc
  5. Witch 005 Witch on a Stick.tgc
  6. Unicorn 006 Unicorn.tgc
  7. Butterfly 007 Butterfly.tgc
  8. Spider 008 Spider.tgc
  9. Triangles 009 Triangles Rotating.tgc
  10. Skull 010 Skull.tgc
  11. Tim 011 Tim Logo.tgc
  12. Alien 012 Alien.tgc
  13. Agent 013 Agent.tgc
  14. 5 P Star 014 5p Star.tgc
  15. 9 P Star 015 9p Star.tgc
  16. 18 P Star 016 18p Star.tgc
  17. Reaper 017 Reaper.tgc
  18. Octopus 018 Octopus.tgc
  19. Corner 1 019 Corner_1.tgc
  20. Corner 2 020 Corner_2.tgc
  21. Corner 3 021 Corner_3.tgc
  22. Corner 4 022 Corner_4.tgc
  23. Inst Robot 023 Inst_Robot.tgc

I have numbered/listed them all so that we are working on the same page so to speak.

BulletUpload them in this order.

I will be linking a Text file with the notes made from saving these plot files. (Similar to what we did with the "Words" and "Phrases") (I saved them in this order)

Once connected, "Browse" for the first plot file.

BulletTo send a plot file, the Pre-set "Compress Code" must be selected.

BulletThis is a pre-set, you will notice that the settings for "Page Length" has been set, and cannot be changed, but "Start Address" this time needs setting to 3000. (3000 is the address where Plot files start on EEPROM 1)

BulletI have left "Start Address" changeable so that more plot files can be added at a later date.

BulletThis again is; so things happen according to the rules I have talked about on my blog.

BulletNow click "Send Settings" button. when the settings on the Arduino have been set, a conformation should be shown in the "Feed Back" window.

BulletIt is important that the Arduino is told where to start saving data, before sending a file, otherwise other data on the EEPROM could get corrupted.

BulletAfter conformation, click the "Send" button.

BulletWhere it currently shows Done, data being compressed should appear.

BulletWhen all is done, "Done" should be displayed again.

BulletThis time the data being sent is shown underneath where it currently show done, it is represented by three characters.

When done sending, to the right of "Start Address" and above "Send Settings" button, There are two numbers:

BulletThe lower number is the number of characters sent. (How long the plot is)

BulletThe upper number is the next address to use to save a plot file.

Before we continue we need to make a new text file to save notes on what we want to name the plot, the address where it starts, and how long the plot is.

BulletI have done a Plot_Names.txt file.

BulletThis file is made as you upload you plots to the EEPROM. (You create it manually)

You will see that each line of plot file has an extra piece of data (1). This is EEPROM number.

BulletI have mentioned my Mini Plotter has three EEPROM's. (so my program expects this rule as well)

So the rules for the Plot_Names text file is as follows:

BulletEach plot has it's information on one line.

BulletEach piece of information separated by a comma.

BulletFirst, the Name we give it. (Not more than 10 characters and does not contain a comma)

BulletNext, the EEPROM number. (The above plots will all fit on EEPROM 1)

BulletNext, the start address. (3000 to 31999 for EEPROM 1)

BulletLastly, the length of the plot file.

To continue saving:

BulletMake sure "Compress Code" checkbox is still ticked.

Bullet"Browse" for the next plot file.

BulletEnter the address where to start saving the plot file. (To make it easy to enter the next address, you can double click the upper number above the "Send Settings" button)

BulletOnce the address has been entered, click the "Send Settings" button.

BulletAfter conformation that the settings have been set in the "Feed Back" window, click "Send".

BulletWhen the plot is saved. Remember to make notes of all the names, start addresses and plot lengths.

The First Memory Chip (Mem 1) [Number of Plots]

Tims Mini Plotter 2 008.png

After uploading all the plots to be saved. We need to let the menu system on my Mini Plotter know how many plots to look for.

BulletTo send the number of plots, the Pre-set "Number of Plots" must be selected.

BulletThis is a pre-set, you will notice that the settings for "Start Address" and "Page Length" Have been set, and cannot be changed.

BulletNow click "Send Settings" button. when the settings on the Arduino have been set, a conformation should be shown in the "Feed Back" window.

BulletThe number of plots can be entered in the "Number Of Plots" box. There is a rule here also, the number must +1, one mor than you uploaded.

BulletClick the "Send Number Of Plots" button to set the number of plots.

As I have only allocated enough room for 166 plot names, (one of the rules in my blog) 1 byte can hold this.

The First Memory Chip (Mem 1) [Plot Names Text]

Plot_Names.png

As you was uploading the Plot Data in Step 7, you should have been creating a Plot_Names.txt file.

BulletIt should look like the one shown.

BulletThis needs to be uploaded so that the names can be seen in the Plotter menu.

Once connected, "Browse" for the file: Plot_Names.txt

BulletTo send this file, the Pre-Set "Send Plot Names +" must be selected.

BulletOn selecting this pre-set, you will notice that the settings for "Start Address" and "Page Length" Have been set, and cannot be changed.

BulletThis is so things happen according to the rules I have talked about in my blog.

BulletNow click "Send Settings" button. when the settings on the Arduino have been set, a conformation should be shown in the "Feed Back" window.

BulletAfter conformation, click the "Send" button.

BulletWhere it currently shows Done, data being sent should appear.

BulletWhen all is done, "Done" should be displayed again.

Text Characters [Memory 3]

Tims Mini Plotter 2 009.png

My Blog ends at this point, but a some time later after writing it I added Text Characters to my Plotter.

BulletThis is done in the same way as Plot Data and Plot Names.

BulletThis time though they are saved om Memory 3.

I have grouped these file into categories.

  1. Capitals
  2. Lower Case
  3. Numbers
  4. Symbols

This is the order to upload them to the EEPROM 3.

BulletThere is a lot, so it will take time.

BulletBe carful not loose track of the start address of each.

Once connected, as before "Browse" for the first plot file.

BulletTo send a plot file, the Pre-set "Compress Code" must be selected.

BulletThis is a pre-set, you will notice that the settings for "Page Length" has been set, and cannot be changed, but "Start Address" this time needs setting to 1000. (1000 is the address where Character files start on EEPROM 3)

BulletI have left "Start Address" changeable so that more character files can be added.

BulletThis again is; so things happen according to the rules I have talked about on my blog.

BulletNow click "Send Settings" button. when the settings on the Arduino have been set, a conformation should be shown in the "Feed Back" window.

BulletIt is important that the Arduino is told where to start saving data, before sending a file, otherwise other data on the EEPROM could get corrupted.

BulletAfter conformation, click the "Send" button.

BulletWhere it currently shows Done, data being compressed should appear.

BulletWhen all is done, "Done" should be displayed again.

BulletThis time the data being sent is shown underneath where it currently show done, it is represented by three characters.

When done sending, to the right of "Start Address" and above "Send Settings" button, There are two numbers:

BulletThe lower number is the number of characters sent. (How long the plot is)

BulletThe upper number is the next address to use to save a plot file.

Before we continue we need to make a new text file to save notes on what we want to name the plot, the address where it starts, and how long the plot is.

BulletI have done a Plot_Charectors.txt file.

BulletThis file is made as you upload you plots to the EEPROM. (You create it manually)

You will see that each line of plot file has an extra piece of data (3). This is EEPROM number.

BulletI have mentioned my Mini Plotter has three EEPROM's. (so my program expects this rule as well)

So the rules for the Plot_Charectors.txt text file is as follows:

BulletEach plot character has it's information on one line.

BulletEach piece of information separated by a comma.

BulletFirst, the Name we give it. I have used the ASCII Character number for the names (Not more than 10 characters and does not contain a comma)

BulletNext, the EEPROM number. (The above character plots will all fit on EEPROM 3)

BulletNext, the start address. (1000 to 31999 for EEPROM 3)

BulletLastly, the length of the plot file.

To continue saving:

BulletMake sure "Compress Code" checkbox is still ticked.

Bullet"Browse" for the next plot file.

BulletEnter the address where to start saving the plot file. (To make it easy to enter the next address, you can double click the upper number above the "Send Settings" button)

BulletOnce the address has been entered, click the "Send Settings" button.

BulletAfter conformation that the settings have been set in the "Feed Back" window, click "Send".

BulletWhen the plot is saved. Remember to make notes of all the names, start addresses and plot lengths.

Text Characters [Plot Characters Text]

Plot_Characters.png

As you was uploading the Plot Data in Step 10, you should have been creating a Plot_Charectors.txt file.

BulletIt should look like the one shown.

BulletThis needs to be uploaded so that the names can be seen in the Plotter menu.

Once connected, "Browse" for the file: Plot_Charectors.txt

BulletTo send this file, the Pre-Set "Send Plot Characters" must be selected.

BulletOn selecting this pre-set, you will notice that the settings for "Start Address" and "Page Length" Have been set, and cannot be changed.

BulletThis is so things happen according to the rules I have talked about in my blog.

BulletNow click "Send Settings" button. when the settings on the Arduino have been set, a conformation should be shown in the "Feed Back" window.

BulletAfter conformation, click the "Send" button.

BulletWhere it currently shows Done, data being sent should appear.

BulletWhen all is done, "Done" should be displayed again.

Plastic Parts

Tims Mini Plotter 2 010.png

There is a special orientation for some of the parts to print correctly.

BulletI have shown in the image which way I printed the parts.

BulletI did not print all the parts at the same time. The image is just to show the orientation.

BulletAll parts are made of PLA.

Assembly [Base]

Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 001.png
Tims Mini Plotter 2 011.png
Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 002.png

Attach Stepper Motor to Base.stl using 2 screws.

BulletI added a sketch to show where the Screw Shaft should be positioned.

BulletThere are many stepper motors to chose from, hopefully you can get one that is close to the correct size.

BulletIt is important that the foot that sits on the Screw Shaft is a good fit.

Attach PCB using 4 screws.

Assembly [Y Axis Stepper Motor]

Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 003.png
Tims Mini Plotter 2 012.png

Attach Stepper Motor to Part_Y using 2 screws.

BulletI added a sketch to show where the Screw Shaft should be positioned.

BulletThere are many stepper motors to chose from, hopefully you can get one that is close to the correct size.

BulletIt is important that the foot that sits on the Screw Shaft is a good fit.

Assembly [Servo]

Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 004.png
Tims Mini Plotter 2 013.png

Attach the Servo to Part_X.stl using 2 screws.

BulletCheck the image for orientation.

Set the Servo to it's central position to fit the Horn. (use screw that came with Servo)

BulletThe horn I used was a four arm type.

BulletThe horn will need trimming, see image.

Assembly [Tool Holder]

Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 005.png
Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 006.png

Attach the Tool_Holder.stl to Part_Z.stl using 4 screws.

BulletCheck the image for orientation.

Fit the Holding_Screw.stl

BulletThe Tool_Holder.stl has two psitions for the Holding_Screw.stl

BulletTop is for holding a small laser.

BulletBottom it for holding a pen.

Assembly [Z Axis]

Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 007.png
Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 008.png

Before fitting the Linear Rod, make sure that the Linear rod slides freely and smoothly through Part_Z.stl

Fit Part_Z.stl over the Horn of the Servo.

BulletAlign a small Spring above the Part_Z.stl

BulletSlide a 3mm linear rod through the top of Part_X.stl and the other parts.

BulletThen secure the Linear Rod in place with a screw.

Notes

Linear Rod is a mirror polished type, very smooth.

BulletThis rod is 71mm long.

The spring is a week one.

BulletMade from wire no more than 0.6mm diameter.

BulletThe diameter should be a slack fit over the Linear Rod.

BulletThe length is approximately 25mm.

BulletThe spring needs to be just strong enough to hold the pen against the paper.

Assembly [Y Axis]

Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 009.png
Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 010.png

Before fitting the Linear Rod, make sure that the Linear rod slides freely and smoothly through Part_X.stl

Hold Part_X.stl in position.

BulletSlide a 3mm linear rod through the end of Part_Y.stl and through Part_X.stl .

BulletThen secure the Linear Rod in place with a screw.

Notes

Linear Rod is a mirror polished type, very smooth.

BulletThis rod is 96mm long.

Assembly [X Axis]

Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 011.png
Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 012.png

Before fitting the Linear Rod, make sure that the Linear rod slides freely and smoothly through Part_Y.stl

Hold Part_Y.stl in position.

BulletSlide a 3mm linear rod through the end of Base.stl and through Part_Y.stl .

BulletThen secure the Linear Rod in place with a screw.

Notes

Linear Rod is a mirror polished type, very smooth.

BulletThis rod is 97mm long.

Assembly [Side Support]

Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 013.png
Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 014.png

Fit the Side_Slide.stl to the side of the Base.stl using 3 screws.

Assembly [Control Knob]

Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 015.png
Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 016.png

Fit the Knob.stl to the Rotary Encoder Switch.

BulletThis knob is designed for the type of Rotary Encoder Switch that has Star Groves like the one shown in the image.

Assembly [OLED Support]

Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 017.png
Mini_Plotter_With_New_PCB 018.png

I have made a support OLED_Support.stl

BulletAttach as shown using 2 screws.

BulletThere is a correct orientation, so that it does not hit the memory chips.

The OLED has Dupont Pin Header fitted, so that it just plugs into a Dupont female header on the PCB.

BulletThis is to make it easy to access the memory modules.

Chips

Tims Mini Plotter 2 014.png

Fit the components to the PCB.

BulletI have tried to mark all connections on the PCB.

BulletBe sure to get the Servo connected the correct way.

BulletThere is a 2 pin header for 5 volts auxiliary tool (laser) this can be selected in the menu.

BulletI added an extra I2C connection, Just In Case.

The Stepper Motor connections.

BulletPins 1 and 2 are coil A.

BulletPins 3 and 4 are coil B.

BulletIf the Stepper Motors Move in the wrong direction, you may need to turn the connections.

Power

BulletThis circuit is wired to Limit Current to the Stepper Motors.

BulletVoltage will give speed.

BulletI run mine at 10 Volts.

BulletThe Linear regulator on the Arduino NANO is setting the max voltage you can use.

BulletMy NANO has a AMS1117 5.0 Linear Regulator, this has a limit of <12v.

Happy Plotting

Tims Mini Plotter 2 015.png
Tim's Mini Plotter 2 [Live stream follow up]

Although the Plot size is limited to 40mm x 40mm.

BulletThrough creation of the right type of pattern larger things can be drawn.

BulletYour not limited to the Plots I have created, I hope that was clear.

I do hope I explained this in a way you can reproduce it.

BulletI have done some videos to try and help, Defiantly not a pro. at making video though. haha.

BulletThere is also my original Blog that goes into detail about coding rules I used to achieve the reduced memory space.