Thanks for your input. It certainly helps.
I strongly agree with you about the connectors. Even with a hard made mega shield that I am using now I am using the phoneix-screw connector, or for all the extruder, sensor connections. (I use some other motor drivers module). Stick the screw driver on the PCB just for connecting/disconnecting is such an troublesome job. I don't understand why RAMPS couldn't make D8/D9/D10 a phoneix-screw capable, it doesn't take much more space than what it is currently using.
Last time I check the small size phoneix-screw driver is only capable to deliver 10A. In fact, I was using one for heated bed but get way too hot. I am looking for fitting a Mini Fit Jr (CPU/PCI-e style) plug for heated bed instead.
I see your point about pluggable and how easy an M205/automative fuses could be obtained. Though they have a large foot-print. I am going with Littelfuse 1808 SMD holder.
Seperated voltage - agree. I have the power input for logic, and Extruder/PWM/Motor input seperated. Can't do more with the cramped PCB though.
The main issue with RAMBo is that - it's quite of expensive to prototype/fab a 4-layer PCB. =P
I strongly agree with you about the connectors. Even with a hard made mega shield that I am using now I am using the phoneix-screw connector, or for all the extruder, sensor connections. (I use some other motor drivers module). Stick the screw driver on the PCB just for connecting/disconnecting is such an troublesome job. I don't understand why RAMPS couldn't make D8/D9/D10 a phoneix-screw capable, it doesn't take much more space than what it is currently using.
Last time I check the small size phoneix-screw driver is only capable to deliver 10A. In fact, I was using one for heated bed but get way too hot. I am looking for fitting a Mini Fit Jr (CPU/PCI-e style) plug for heated bed instead.
I see your point about pluggable and how easy an M205/automative fuses could be obtained. Though they have a large foot-print. I am going with Littelfuse 1808 SMD holder.
Seperated voltage - agree. I have the power input for logic, and Extruder/PWM/Motor input seperated. Can't do more with the cramped PCB though.
The main issue with RAMBo is that - it's quite of expensive to prototype/fab a 4-layer PCB. =P