3D Printable Control Unit with 32 Programmable Keys

Here is a very useful DIY 3d printable control unit that can send custom g-code scripts and macros via 32 programmable keys. It can be used on almost any machine that uses g code, like CNC mills, 3d printers, laser cutters and other. It is powered with Arduino Nano. 

The "Gcode Sender" was developed and released by James Sierra. Here is his description of the project:

This project is very much like using Pronterface or Repetier Host manual control to send gcode instructions to your printer while connected to the computer via USB cable, but instead using an Arduino Nano connected to a small keypad to send the Gcode scripts/macros.
Gcode sender is intended to work for 3D printers as well as a CNC mills and laser engravers. Any machine that uses gcode.
This setup allows one to send highly customized gcode scripts/macros to the printer with a push of a button. I've tested all of the scripts I included in the sketch. Any one of them can be replaced or edited.
In the sketch, i tired to include a lot of comments to make it easier to tweak the code to suit your own needs.
Communication between Gcode Sender and printer is through serial communication (Tx, Rx). On RAMPS style boards the AUX-1 port can be used. Specifics on wiring can be found in the Wiring.zip file. Be sure that Tx out wire on the Gcode Sender is connected to Rx on printer and Rx is connected to Tx. In Repetier firmware, I had to enable Bluetooth serial port to make use of the AUX-1 port.

All files and instructions to make it yourself can be found at:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2105847

Raspberry Pi Zero 5$ Computer for Your Next 3D Printing Project

Raspberry Pi foundation released 5 USD computer: the Pi Zero. Yes, it is truly revolutionary at 5 dollars. It will certainly find many applications in DIY projects and 3d printers.

Here are the video introductions:








More detailed Adafruit overview:





Raspberry Zero tech specs:

• A Broadcom BCM2835 application processor
• 1GHz ARM11 core (40% faster than Raspberry Pi 1)
• 512MB of LPDDR2 SDRAM
• A micro-SD card slot
• A mini-HDMI socket for 1080p60 video output
• Micro-USB sockets for data and power
• An unpopulated 40-pin GPIO header
• Identical pinout to Model A+/B+/2B
• An unpopulated composite video header
• smallest ever form factor at 65mm x 30mm x 5mm

Zero homepage:

https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-zero/

Here is the Adafruit step-by-step guide on how to design 3d printable enclosure for the Zero:




... and here are more details on how to test and 3d print the enclosure:




You can download the file HERE,

Here is the first Raspberry Pi Zero hack adding a wifi module on it:

http://hackaday.com/2015/11/28/first-raspberry-pi-zero-hack-piggy-back-wifi/

You can add an ethernet port:

http://raspi.tv/2015/ethernet-on-pi-zero-how-to-put-an-ethernet-port-on-your-pi

...or audio output:

https://learn.adafruit.com/adding-basic-audio-ouput-to-raspberry-pi-zero?view=all

... and here is the more detailed review by Hackaday showing some problems and disadvantages:

http://hackaday.com/2015/12/01/raspberry-pi-zero-or-minus-one/


Things have truly changed trough the time...

SinapTec ultra cheap DIY 3d printer controller board

Here is a very simple open source controller board you can make yourself even with low skillset.

SinapTec description:

SinapTec AT328.02 is a 3D FDM printer controller board of very low cost, its operation is based on an Arduino Nano running a version of Teacup_Firmware. The board layout is designed so that it can be manufactured by any hobbyist, it is a simple face plate with through-hole components. The board was designed by: vdirienzo. SinapTec its fully open source.

Technical details:

• 1 Arduino Nano socket.
• 4 Pololus sockets (X,Y,Z y E)
• 3 Line in for X_MIN, Y_MIN and Z_MIN endstops.
• 2 Line in for Hotend and heated bed sensors.
• 3 Mosfets outputs for Heater, Fan and Bed (this last with independent power supply).

Development forum: http://forums.reprap.org/read.php?276,499849

Detailed wiki: http://www.reprap.org/wiki/SinapTec

Hackaday.io page: https://hackaday.io/project/5957-sinaptec-at32802-is-a-3d-fdm-printer-controller

Alligator is new powerful open source control unit for your 3d printer or CNC

Alligator board is a new powerful electronic control unit for your 3d printer or similar CNC device. You can get it for 120 euro on their Indiegogo fundraiser.



Learn more about Alligator board or get your own unit at:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/alligator-board-professional-3d-printer-controller

Best of all: Alligator is open source hardware!

Alligator Board Repetier Firmware on Github

Alligator Board Design Files on Github

Download Alligator Board User Manual

Download Alligator Board Wiring Scheme

Overview of Alligator versus other boards:

BBP controller for faster 3d printer and expansion flexibility

BBP is a new controller that wants to speed up your printer and provide it with flexibility to expand. It can also be use don various other CNC machines like CNC mills or laser cutters.

Technical specifications:

Microcontroller

• Texas Instrument Sitara AM335x, 1GHZ Cortex-A8 ARM
• 2 Programmable Realtime Units (PRU) to generate really high frequency step and dir signals
• 4GB eMMC
• 512M DDR3 memory
• 10/100M ethernet
• microSD card
• USB Host to connect USB disk, WiFi, Camera .etc
• USB Device interface, shows to the computer as a mass storage device

Stepper drivers

• 5 to 6 DRV8825 stepper drivers
• 1/32 microsteps / step
• Each capable of driving bipolar steppers up to 45V and 2.5A
• Digital control of the current setting for each driver

Outputs

• 3 heaters, 2 for extruder and 1 for HBP
• 6 connectors for fan or LED light belt, all adjustable

Inputs

• 3 Thermistor (ADC) inputs
• 2 Thermalcouple (MAX6675) inputs
• 6 endstops
• 1 connector for external power button

Extensibility

• 50 pins FFC connector for 24 bits TFT LCD and touch screen
• connector for 2 extended steppers
• connector for 3 extended heaters
• Serial connector to print debug log
• Lots of pins broken out, including step, direction and enable pins for the stepper drivers

Here is the comparison of BBP to other popular controller boards: 

BBP KS campaign with much more information:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1177488680/bbp-making-your-3d-printer-faster

How to remotly control ATX power supply modes with Raspberry Pi and OctoPrint

Standard ATX power supply unites are widely used to give electricity to 3d printers. Instructables user "mfoster" published a very useful tutorial on how to use RasPi and Octoprint to remotely control ATX power supply and enable you to put it in different power modes like standby mode.
The hack is easy to perform even by novice users, you need do use some code and conect some wires from Raspberry Pi GPIOs to ATX wiring.

Detailed instructions and the code can be found here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Using-the-Raspberry-Pi-to-control-an-ATX-power-sup/

MatterControl Touch Android based 3d printer control unit

MatterHackers present their Android based touch screen controller: the MatterControl Touch. It is compatible with most (probably all) G-code 3d printers.

Some basic technical specifications:

• RAM: 1GB
• GPU: Quad Core 4x1.4GHz
• Internal Storage: 8GB
• External Storage: SD Card
• USB interface
• Camera Included
• Voice Capable
• Touchscreen
• Wifi-Connectivity
• Standalone Control
• Web Monitoring
• Price: 299 USD

Key features from the product page:

• Simple Setup - Preloaded configurations make setting up your 3D printer a snap - plug it in and start printing in minutes.
• Integrated Slicing - Give your printer the ability to directly generate print files from 3D models using MatterSlice.
• Remote Print Monitoring - Keep an eye on your 3D prints from afar using your phone or any web-enabled device. 
• Automatic Print Leveling - Use software-based leveling to achieve printing excellence.
• SMS / Email Notifications - Have your printer send a text message or email alert with a photo of your finished part.
• Onboard Camera - Take a picture of your finished print or check on the status while printing.
• Free Updates - MatterControl is a continuously improving platform and staying up to date with the latest developments is just a simple click away.
• Open Source Software - MatterControl Touch is powered by open source software and libraries, including MatterControl, MatterSlice, the agg-sharp graphics engine, and the Android operating system.
• Wifi Enabled, Not Required - Enjoy a fully standalone experience or connect your printer to the web to take advantage of cloud features
• Send Files over the Web - Send models to your printer from anywhere, or transfer models between printers. SD Cards not required.
• Model Editing Tools - Make simple changes to your 3D model quickly and easily prior to printing. Rotate, scale, mirror and position your models for the perfect print.
• Full Preview - Preview and interact with 3D models prior to printing. Use the layer-by-layer preview to see exactly how your print will turn out.
• Customizable Settings - Create and customize your own, or use built-in presets for material and quality settings to make switching filaments simple and convenient. No more failed prints because you forgot to change a setting.
• Design Plugins - Get add-ons to make simple parts right on your printer.
• Dual Extrusion / Multi-Material - Assigning different materials is a snap so you can take full advantage of any multi-extruder equipped 3D printer.
• Mid-print Tuning and Adjustment - Fine tune your prints with on-the-fly adjustments to speed and extrusion rates.
• Print History - Keep a record of your favorite prints so you can reprint your most impressive parts with the click of a button.
• Design Library - Organize all of your 3D printable models in one searchable location for easy access.
• Advanced Features - MatterControl Touch puts the full capability of 3D printing into the hands of power users. So if you want to adjust eeprom settings, create custom macros, or send terminal commands directly to your machine - you can.
• Future improvements: Secure Cloud-based Control, Support for .x3g and .s3g 3D Printers, More Camera Integration (time lapse videos, streaming prints, etc), Voice Command, Developer API

Here is a video presentation of MatterControl Touch, it sure looks easy and powerfull :



MatterControl Touch home page:

http://www.matterhackers.com/store/printer-accessories/mattercontrol-touch

Is this machine worth your money? Well it depends. If you are able to use open source software and a cheap Android tablet, maybe you can get the most of functionality (but not all) for no cost. You could also use paid Android software like gCodePrintr to get some extra functionality.
You decide! Independent test and reviews are not yet available. We will se what will be user experiences in the future.

Photon Elephant Raspberry Pi based OS for your 3d printer

Photo Elephant is new Raspberry Pi based software product that will control your 3d printer via GPIOs. You can get your copy for 75 USD.

Here is the presentation:



they are on Kickstarter now:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/photonelephant/photon-elephant-a-real-os-for-your-3d-printer

Photon Elephant homepage: http://photonelephant.com/

German RepRap 3DPrintBox 3d print server

German RepRap just released their stand-alone 3d print server control unit. It can be used from web interface from any computer or smartphone, it connects to the internet via WiFi or LAN cable and with three USB ports to the controlled 3d printer. Web camera monitoring is also available via USB ports.

It is priced at 149 euro.

Is it too much? Maybe ... you can make something similar with Raspberry Pi and other similar devices from less money. I would like to see more test to see if there are any advantages like in stability, processing or reliability.

Product homepage:

https://shop.germanreprap.com/en/product?info=376

Activ8 standalone touchscreen computer that can control any 3D printer

What is Activ8? Here is the description from their KS page:

The Activ8 is a hand-held, touch screen device that comes preloaded with a carefully crafted suite of applications designed to make the operation of a 3D printer easy and efficient for both professionals and enthusiasts.

The Activ8 combines the best open source software created by the 3D printing community with our own custom operating system to produce an elegant and powerful new way of interacting with your 3D printer. The operating system has been specially designed to be compatible with any RepRap based 3D printer.

It is our goal to have the Activ8 working with every RepRap based 3D printer and we are currently continuing to test the Activ8 with every available board we can get our hands on. Whilst there is no reason why any RepRap board shouldn't work (all the drivers come preloaded in the OS), we can only guarantee that they work with the ones we have physically tested, which are:

Melzi, Printr Board, Arduino/RAMPS, Duet, RUMBA and Rambo.

We will continue to update this section throughout the Kickstarter campaign. If your unsure whether or not your board type will work or would like to find out if it is currently being tested, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

We are also committed to continually updating the firmware and adding to the number of supported printer boards beyond this campaign.

 Activ8 is preloaded with many software tools:

• Active 3D Pronterface - Custom version of Pronterface which incorporates Slic3r, with a .STL and .Gcode 3D viewer and plater. 
• Repetier-Server - A multi-printer, multi-connection printer server that handles the communication with 3d printers. 
• RepG - Drives MakerBot Replicator, Thing-O-Matic, CupCake CNC, RepRap machines and generic CNC machines.
• Slic3r, Cura and Skeinforge -programs convert a 3D model into G code instructions for a 3D printer. Most printers are designed to work optimally with one of these programs
• Octorprint - An application that allows you to operate your 3D printer wirelessly.
• Meshlab - Allows for the processing and editing of unstructured 3D triangular meshes. 
• Web browser - An integrated Web Browser that can be used to access and download all your favourite 3D designs straight from the internet.
• Physical and Virtual keyboard - Key to any touch screen device is the inclusion of a virtual keyboard, which was created to fully utilize all the space on a 10 inch touchscreen. There is also a wireless keyboard alternative that comes packaged with every Activ8. 
• Custom OS - All these programs come packaged in custom Operating System built on Debian Linux OS.

Activ8 technical specifications:

It will be made in in Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom. Wow. Electronics made in Europe!

Activ8 Kickstarter where you can get it for 300 - 350 £:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1177632968/activ8-a-touch-screen-device-and-os-for-your-3d-pr

Company homepage:  http://www.active3d.co.uk/

Replicape 3d printing BeagleBone cape

Replicape technical specifications:

• 1GHz of raw power
• 5 stepper motor drivers (DRV8825)
• 3 high power MOSFETs for 2 extruders and 1 HPB
• 3 medium power PWM controlled MOSFETs for up to 3 fans/LED strips
• 3 analog input ports for thermistors. Noise-filtered inputs and option for shielding
• 6 inputs for end stops
• 1 bus for Dallas 1W temperature sensor for monitoring the cold end. Up to 10 sensors can be added to the bus.
• Microstepping individually programmable for each SMD from 1 to 32.
• All steppers are controlled by the Programmable Realtime Unit (PRU) for hard real time operation.
• Single 12 to 24V PSU, fans are still 12V.
• Compatible with BeagleBone and BeagleBone Black
• Controllable via Ethernet, USB and Manga Screen
• Rugged connectors and lots of protection makes it ideal for development.
• Open source software written in Python for maintainability and hackability.
• Both hardware, firmware and software are open source under the CC BY-SA licence
• Priced at 179 USD

Replicape homepage:

http://www.thing-printer.com/product/replicape/

Replicape wiki:

http://wiki.thing-printer.com/index.php?title=Replicape

T-Bone high performance 3d printing and CNC BeagleBone cape

New and powerful BeagleBone 3d printing and CNCing cape from Germany.

From T-Bone crowdfunding campaign:

The T-Bone is a cape for the BeagleBone Black, dedicated for motion control. These are 3D printers, laser cutters, milling machines, and other applications using stepper motors.
The T-Bone will come preprogrammed for Reprap Mendel 3D Printer. Best kown in the Prusa Mendel or Prusa i3 variant. The Software will include low level drivers, the printer application and a high level Web Interface for control. Just connect your steppers, heaters and sensors, configure the software and you are ready to print.

To join highest performance with flexibility and easy programming, we use a very powerful concept: Hard- and software abstraction layers! User interface, configuration, G-Code interpreter, and path planner are running on the BeagleBone. This makes it easy to use existing open source software components, using the existing toolchain on the Linux operating systems of the BeagleBone. Real-time communication with the BeagleBone is handled by a small microcontroller, placed on the T-Bone. The microcontroller is fully compatible with the Arduino toolchain, so everybody can easily modify it. Complex acceleration and velocity calculations for the stepper motors are done by dedicated motion controllers. These are dedicated hardware components, developed to get the maximum performance out of a given stepper motor without putting any workload to the host system.

The low level drivers for the motion controllers and realtime applications are written with the Arduino IDE in C. The higher level applications for G-Code analysis, motion control and web interface are written in Python. There are no special hardware drivers involved. Most of the hardware can be used on the built in Arduino or BeagleBone Black. All software will be released as open source software on github.

Here are the main features of the basic board: 

• 5 stepper motor driver (run syncronized, 3 x up to 4 A, 2 x up to 1.5 A)
• 10 inputs for end switches (two for each axis)
• 3 inputs for incremental encoders (3 axis supporting closed loop control)
• 3 inputs for thermistors
• 1-wire interface for digital temp and other sensors
• 2 high power outputs (for extruder and heatbed, up to 12 A)
• 1 mid power output (for fans, LEDs, ..., also expandable)
• Power supply for BeagleBone (5 V, 1.2A)
• Input voltage 12 - 24 V
• For more detailed description of the hardware features see here (to be continued...).

But that's not all. We are planning to create some additional expansion boards with special features. Here are some of the feature we are planning:

• Support for rotary axis like driller, miller, ...
• Support for laser cutters
• External touch panel display
• Support for other hardware platforms

And you can do even more! The software is easily adaptable to most CNC applications. If you want to connect your CNC mill you do not have to develop it from ground up, just adapt the printing logic a bit.

http://www.tbone.cc/


T-Bone Indiegogo campaign:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/t-bone-cape

Here is detailed video overview of T-Bone:

How to install the Sainsmart Smart 2004 LCD Controller

Jaidyn Edwards shows how to connect on Sainsmart Smart 2004 LCD Controller to a 3d printer.

This Smart Controller contains a SD-Card reader, an rotary encoder and a 20 Character x 4 Line LCD display. You can easy connect it to your 3d printers board using the "smart adapter" included.

After connecting this panel to your 3d printers board you don't need your PC any more, the Smart Controller supplies power for your SD card. Further more all actions like calibration, axes movements can be done by just using the rotary encoder on the Smart Controller. Print your 3D designs without PC, just with a g-code design stored on the SD card.



Source:

https://www.youtube.com/user/chickenparmi?feature=watch

Here is link to Sainsmart Smart LCD 2004, it is priced at 43 USD:

http://www.sainsmart.com/3d-printing/3d-printing-modules/sainsmart-smart-lcd2004-controller-with-adapter-for-reprap-ramps-1-4-3d-printer.html

New Makible Makibox controller board the 5D Print D8 presentation

New Makible Makibox controller board: the 5D Print D8.

3D RTP v450 - first 3d printing real time processor from Denmark

Create it REAL are research and development company from Denmark focused on 3d printing. They just released 3D RTP v450 the worlds first 3d printing real time processor.  The specification look interesting and it is a sign that the technology is moving forward. I am generally suspicious of companies who develop processing hardware who also develop DRM / control technology which limits users access, since Create IT REAL also developed technology which prevents 3d printing of weapons.

http://3dprintingindustry.com/2013/07/02/create-it-real-stops-3dp-guns-from-becoming-real/

Usually gun control or pornography control is precursor to various controls of intellectual property rights which limit the hardware usability and enforce various payment schemes.
It goes without saying that it is still to be seen how it will work in realistic conditions and independently tested.

From the company press release:

Create it REAL, a Danish 3D printing technology provider is pleased to announce the first worldwide 3D printing real time processor. After 2 years of research and developments, our team have succeeded in producing a range of chips that are going to boost the 3D printer industry.
Speed is the key breakthrough - the 3D RTP v450 can reach up to 450mm/sec which is some three times faster than typical desktop printers on the market today. 3D printer manufacturers will be able to solve the speed issue - which is blocking market adoption - without changing current designs and mechanics.
The chips are initially targeting Fused Filament Fabrication printers, but are also ready to support SLA technology (Stereolithography) and will support SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) in a near future.
Create it REAL partners will appreciate the ease of integration in their current range of printers. Using only the 3D RTP chip (installed on a standard dim socket), or the full motherboard including all the controllers for the different printer parts, OEMs will be able to release new versions of their products quickly.
Finally, Create it REAL also offers an optional intuitive software to print 3D files, optimized to take advantage of all the features included in the 3DRTP chip. If needed, OEMs can get a complete tailor-made package to meet their exact needs and make sure they offer unique value to their customers.

“Our objective is to support all the 3D printer players, from small start-ups up to large OEMs, and to offer them easy to integrate, state-of-the-art technologies so they can spend their time and resources on their most important assets: their customers” says Jeremie Pierre Gay, Create it REAL’s CEO.

Key Features Summary

• Worldwide first 3D printing real time processor

• Boost 3D printers speed up to 450mm/sec

• 3 different versions to address the different market needs from desktop to high-end

• Improved print quality thanks to smoother X,Y,Z (simultaneous control)

• Integrated temperature control for optimum filament extrusion

• Supports 3 motors, up to 2 extruders, 1 heated bed, 2 fans and 6 limit switches (start/end positions)

• Create it REAL’s Motherboard also includes an innovative semi-automatic calibration mode to quickly set up the printer


The development kit will be available end-January 2014 for 3D printer manufacturers eager to integrate Create it REAL technologies into their products.

Create It Real press release:

http://www.createitreal.com/download/3D%20RTP%20Create%20it%20REAL%20Press%20Release.pdf

Create It Real company page:

http://www.createitreal.com/

SAV MkI 3d printer electronics board

SAV MkI open source control electronics board made by RepRap CloneWars community is on Indigogo now.



From RepRap wiki SAV MkI page:

This 3D printer board electronics has been designed and developed using all the great contributions and feedback from the RepRap CloneWars group in Spain. All shortcomings from other similar boards have been addressed providing an affordable yet feature rich 3D printer electronics. The SAV MkI, improves upon the previous production-grade electronics set (Gen6, sanguinololu) by adding well dimensioned power MOSFETS, SD card support, on-board regulated 3.3V to connect to 3.3V level peripherals such us Bluetooth, as well as improving on USB link's reliability and reducing cost by eliminating the FTDI UART chip.
The SAV MkI is a derivative of Teensylu and the Printrboard, an AT90USB1286 development board originally based on Sanguinololu. The Atmel AT90USB1286 MCU has an on-chip USB, removing the need for the FTDI UART (USB-to-serial) IC. On-chip USB means that you will get faster firmware upload times, communications, g-code transfer and reduce the time file transfers take from the host to the on-board microSD card. The AT90USB connects at any baud rate regardless of firmware configuration, and operates virtually free of serial communication errors/pauses.

In addition, the SAV MkI has broken out the second UART with its levels adjusted to 3.3V logic. You will be able to connect any HC-05 or HC-06 bluetooth dongle to wirelessly control your printer.
Features
Feature rich yet affordable 3d printer electronics. The SAV MkI has been designed after taking feedback from the Clone Wars RepRapers out there. We have come through with an electronics that we believe will meet your expectations.

• Hotend and heatbed well dimensioned FETs that can take up to 15A without heat-sinks.

• High speed native USB interface connectivity going up to 12Mbps so that there is no lag on your prints.

• As opposed to the 38400-115200 baud via FTDI. The end result is: virtually no serial communication errors (common with Sanguinololu and Generation_6_Electronics).

• 12V built-in fan controller for your layer fan or hot end cooling.

• Micro SD reader for autonomous printing.

• Bluetooth dongle (dongle not provided, tested with HC-05 and HC-06) interface adapted to its logic levels for wireless operation.

• Expansion bus to connect a keyboard and LCD.

• Support for 4 standard pololu compatible stepper motor drivers.

RepRap Wiki page with detailed information:

http://www.reprap.org/wiki/SAV_MKI

Indiegogo campaign:

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sav-mki-3d-printer-electronics


Technical specifications:

Processor

Atmel AT90USB1286 Microcontroller @16 MHz
Native USB interface
Flash: 128KB
RAM: 16KB
EEPROM: 128KB

Supply: 4.2V to 5.5V
Voltage input: 12V-15V
Internal regulated voltage: 5V and 3.3V

Logic supplied by on-board voltage regulator through Vin Logic can also be supplied through USB (internal source selection).
Connectivity
Edge connectors enabling right-angle connections
2 x 15A switching connectors with high power N-MOSFETs.
1 x switching N-MOSFET for low power fan.
1 x on-board uSD connector
Bluetooth interface output levels adjusted for 3.3V logic (connected to UART1 - Rx and Tx).
4 x Endstop connectors supplied @ 5V. Includes X, Y, Z and E
2 x Thermistors
14 Extra pins available for expansion and development, with the following capabilities
UART1 (RX and TX)
I2C (SDA and SCL)
SPI (MOSI, MISO, SCK)
PWM pin (1)
Analog I/O (6)
JTAG (uses some of the ADC pins)
Dimensions: 100mm x 65mm

SW, Firmware and SDK

All preassembled SAV-MkI come pre-loaded with a bootloader and Marlin firmware. You may also upgrade the firmware, modify calibration data for use with another style of RepRap, or perhaps assemble your own board.
Highlights
Marlin (pre-loaded) - Marlin's main branch already supports the SAV-MkI (MOTHERBOARD==83)
you can also get a pre-configured version of Marlin for the SAV MkI.
Bootloader: LUFA's CDC Bootloader
SDK: Arduino IDE with Teensy add-on.
Windows users only, will need to install USB Serial device (will be downloaded with the Teensy environment).

To use a SAV MkI, you will need to load appropriate USB drivers, you can get them from:
Windows-only: USB Serial Device (PRJC.com)
Compatible Firmware
Marlin Marlin: Official support, use (MOTHERBOARD==83)
Repetier List_of_Firmware#Repetier-Firmware: No support yet.

(Other firmwares are currently untested but any firmware for an arduino mega should work with proper pin setup).

Improv - low cost powerful open hardware engineering board

Improv is very powerful and affordable electronics board that could replace Raspberry Pi in 3d printers and provide much more processing strength. connectivity and control options.  I have not found any 3d printer projects with it. If you know any, let me know.







http://makeplaylive.com/index.html#/open-hardware/improv

Technical specifications from product page:

Open, Modular Design
The Improv is a modular engineering kit that comes with a CPU card and a separate feature card to connect it to. The CPU card powers the device while the feature card provides convenient access to the on-board capabilities of the CPU card through a variety of ports and pins on it.
This unique design allows one to have multiple CPU cards for different projects, upgrade the kit by ordering new CPU cards for additional features or feature cards for different sets of ports and off-board components.
Improv comes pre-installed with the Linux-based Mer operating system. We chose Mer because it has been designed specifically for device development, has a thriving community of both companies and enthusiasts and has a proven open governance model directing development. You aren't locked into this, however: you can install the operating system of your choice.

Hardware
Included CPU card capabilities
Processor: ARM® Cortex™-A7 1Ghz dual core (Allwinner A20)
GPU Mali400MP2 with OpenGL ES 2.0/1.1
RAM 1GB DDR2
Storage 4GB NAND flash
Micro SD card reader
Video Micro HDMI (video + audio)
RGB/TTL
USB Micro USB OTG
USB2 host
Networking 10/100 Mbit Ethernet
Other buses i2c, 8 GPIO, UART0
Weight Under 40 grams
Dimensions 85.6x54 mm
Feature board ports
USB Fullsize USB2 host port
Ethernet 10/100/1000 RJ-45
UARTO Pins:
1: GND
2: 5VDC
3 TX
4: RX
EEPROM 32K Serial EEPROM (i2c address 0x54)
SATA SATA II interface connector
Casing Sturdy metal case with guides for docking with the feature board

Power 6-12VDC, up to 2.5A. Recommended 9VDC or less.
Green power status LED.
Energy consumption (these numbers are for guidance only; exact draw will vary depending on use case):
At idle: 3.1-3.4 Watts (344mA @ 9V).
With a SATA drive, flash drive connected to OTG port,
keyboard and 2.4Ghz mouse via USB2 Host Port,
Ethernet active, playing a 720p movie: 4.4Watts (488mA @ 9v).
44 PIN DIL Pins:
1-29: RGB/TTL interface
30-31: i2c SDA/SCL lines
32-39: 8 GPIO for user's choice
40: uBoot (Short to GND to enable)
41-42: TX/RX UART0
43-44: GND/5VDC
Dock 68 pin header with guide rails and push-button ejector
Weight Under 60 grams
Dimensions 100x74 mm
Mounting holes 3mm diameter
92x67mm center-to-center

Manufacturer suggested retail price: US$75 

Software
Pre-installed operating system
Distribution Mer OS
Kernel Linux 3.x: SunXI 3.4, upstream Linus tree merge ongoing
Init systemd
Userspace GNU
Package format RPM
Software management zypper
Build service dedicated OBS farm
Display X.org, Wayland, framebuffer, Linux console
Toolkits Qt4 with QtQuick1, Qt5 with QtQuick2, KDE Platform Libraries 4
Graphical environments KDE Plasma Desktop and Plasma Active
Developer SDK Mer Platform SDK

RAMPS v1.4.2 open source control board

RAMPS version 1.4.2 open source controller electronics board is available.

From product page (google translated from German):

The new RAMPS 1.4.2 promises significantly fewer failures and has other improvements , such as 2 motor connections per socket or a labeling slots . The RepRap Arduino Mega Pololu Shield (short: RAMPS ) is the centerpiece of a RepRap 3D printer . On the board there are all electronic components such as mosfets transistors , fuses, plug-in connections for the Pololu stepper motor drivers, etc. Previous versions of the shelf had the problem that the electronics are often failed.

The RAMPS 1.4.2 is equipped with automotive fuses instead of the usual thermal fuse now. These new backups are less sensitive to heating . In order to enhance availability, the strength of the traces of 35 microns were increased to 70 microns and its course optimized. The limit switches now have a capacitor that prevents accidental turn off .

Further improvements can be found at the bases for the Pololu motor driver . You have the RAMPS 1.4.2 through two ports and can use it to drive two motors per connection . There is now a slot for external reset, which has advantages when the RAMPS is installed in an enclosure , since you do not have to do without the reset button . By labels on the slots for a warmed bed , fan and extruder also the wiring is simple .

Our RAMPS 1.4.2 is of course open source. The board is a fork of the open-source project of ultimachine / Ramps 1.4 ( https://github.com/GermanRepRap/Ramps-1.4.2 ) and retrieve in Github .

It can be applied to all RepRap 3D printer with RAMPS electronics, such as the PRotos V2, use and runs on RAMPS 1.3 and 1.4 firmware with no change , so it can easily be exchanged for existing RAMPS .

The following connections are provided:

2 * extruder heating
1 bed * Heating
3 * Temperature sensor for Extruder 2 and 1 bed ( No more board longer necessary )
5 * for Pololu motor base
6 * opto end stop (3 * Min, Max 3 * )
1 * Connection option for SD card reader and LCD
1 * Connection for external reset
1 * Connection for FAN adapter.

Full open source documentation if you want to build it youself:

https://github.com/GermanRepRap/Ramps-1.4.2


You can buy it for 59,95 euro at:

https://shop.germanreprap.com/en/product?info=289

GCode Simulator & Print software - controlling 3d printing on PC, Android or via Bluetooth

GCode Simulator is software package of several programs / apps that run on PC or Android device enabeling you to simulate G-Code 3d printing on your PC and on Android and giving you full control of compatible 3d printer in paid (1,99 €) version.
This is very useful since there is plenty of very affordable low cost Androide devices such as tablets that can provide you with powerful touch screen 3d printer controller.

GCode Simulator also supports wireless printing over Bluetooth. GCode Simulator & Printer can connect to Bluetooth enabled 3D printers. Any RepRap 3d printer based on RAMPS can easily be extended to support Bluetooth by connecting a JY-MCU Bluetooth serial  module.

Video of GCode simulator on PC making a 3d printing simulation:





Video of GCode simulator in Android environment:





Here is Steve Gerbers video of GCode Simulator running on ultra cheap Android tablet and working great with Cerberus delta printer:




For a full set of features and details visit GCode Simulator & Printer homepage

http://www.dietzm.de/gcodesim/

Update:

It has been updated and renamed:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/01/gcodeprintr-v152-for-android-has-been.html

Baboi Box 3d printer control unit

From project page:


Boboi Box is the best complete electronic kit for 3D Printer beginner.

- Easy to use, Easy to Install, Pre-labelled, Pre-Programmed, Fully Tested

1 .It's an all-in-one 3D printer controller that allow you to fully control your 3D Printer without connecting to any other devices.

2. Once you have this controller, you can basically use it for any kinds of stepper motors based 3D printers that you can find in the reprap.org. Which also includes the most popular models like Prusa and Original Mendel.

3. It's an easy to use and easy to install Electronic kit that never before, Everything is pre-labelled, properly set up and well organized. All you need to do is finding the right pins and make simple connections.

Features:

Atmel ATmega 2560 with ATmega16U2

Flash Memory: 248KB
SRAM: 8KB
EEPROM: 4KB
Input Voltage: 12V
clockSpeed: 16MHz
MircoSD slot: Yes
LCD pins: Yes
Joystick: Yes
Motor Driver: 4 x Integrated Allegro A4982
PWN Fan: Yes
Heatbed: Yes
Endstops: 4
External Serial ports: Yes
External I2C ports: Yes
External Reset Pins: Yes

Four integrated Allegro A4982 Stepper Driver
-Thermal shutdown circuitry
-Short-to ground protection
-Shorted load protection

Buildin Push-Push microSD card socket

2 N-MOSFETs for Extruder and Heatbed control
1 N-MOSFET for low power PWM Mosfet driven outputs

External Reset button for emergency stop
External 5V supply and GND for any other modules
External Joystick connection pins for manual control
External LCD connection pins for standard 20x4 LCD

Extra pins available for Raspberry Pi expansion and development;
RX,Tx and GND
SDA, SCL and GND

Physical Characteristics
4-Layer PCB with proper ground plane and power distribution networks
The maximum length and width of the Baboi are 115 and 60 mm respectively, with the USB connector and power
terminals extendng beyond the former dimension. Three screw holes allow the board to be attacted to a surface or case. Baboi is deigned to be compatible with most of 3D printers in the current market.
Further from that, UART(serial port) is also connected as external pins for Raspberry Pi for further development uses.

USB overcurrent Protection
Babo has a resettable polyfuse that protects your computer's USB ports from shorts and overcurrent. Although most computers provide their own internal protection, the fuse provides an extra layer of protection. If more than 500 mA is applied to the USB port, the fuse will automatically break the connection until the short or overload is removed.

3 Modes for Baboi Box:

1. SD Card Printing mode

You can store all your gcode into MicroSD card and inserted into Baboi box, It would automatic read your gcode and start printing after it reach its printing temperature.

2. Manual Control Mode

This mode is perfect for open source 3D printers, as we all known open hardware 3D printer is not as stable as other finished products. So that you will find this mode very useful when you first time set up your printers or when you fix hardware problems. It's an easy-to-use hardware testing function.

3. PC Mode

For people who still like to connect your 3D printer to Computer, here's the mode that you probably would use.

http://efuntime.com/

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/823147708/3d-printer-electronic-kit-baboi-box/