I am working on a design for a control panel for 3D printers based around a touch screen. Here is a photo of the prototype:
![2014-11-06%2014.25.07.jpg]( "2014-11-06%2014.25.07.jpg")
As well as the TFT display, the unit will include a rotary encoder with pushbutton and a piezo buzzer. It will talk gcode to the printer through a serial interface (a genuine one, not serial over USB ). I am currently using a 3.2 inch 400x240 touch screen ($22 from Itead), however the board should also work with other screens with the same 40-pin interface, such as 4.3 inch 480x272 and 5 inch 800x480 (see [imall.iteadstudio.com]). The processor is a ATSAM3S1B or ATSAM3S2B, so plenty of power and room for firmware expansion.
My initial target for this is Duet electronics, which uses 3.3V signals. However, I imagine that electronics based on the Arduino Mega may have a spare serial port too. So if there is enough interest, I could include a 3.3V regulator and level shifters on the board, so that it can be used with 5V electronics without needing additional interface circuitry.
I intend to have an initial batch of about 50 manufactured, and my target selling price for the board without the display is GBP40 + shipping + VAT (if applicable). It's not intended to compete with low cost devices like the Panelolu, but it provides more functionality.
If you are interested, please add a comment to this thread [forums.reprap.org] and make it clear in your comment if you would need a 5V version. The firmware is open source, but the PCB layout will not be open until after I have sold the initial batch of boards.
As well as the TFT display, the unit will include a rotary encoder with pushbutton and a piezo buzzer. It will talk gcode to the printer through a serial interface (a genuine one, not serial over USB ). I am currently using a 3.2 inch 400x240 touch screen ($22 from Itead), however the board should also work with other screens with the same 40-pin interface, such as 4.3 inch 480x272 and 5 inch 800x480 (see [imall.iteadstudio.com]). The processor is a ATSAM3S1B or ATSAM3S2B, so plenty of power and room for firmware expansion.
My initial target for this is Duet electronics, which uses 3.3V signals. However, I imagine that electronics based on the Arduino Mega may have a spare serial port too. So if there is enough interest, I could include a 3.3V regulator and level shifters on the board, so that it can be used with 5V electronics without needing additional interface circuitry.
I intend to have an initial batch of about 50 manufactured, and my target selling price for the board without the display is GBP40 + shipping + VAT (if applicable). It's not intended to compete with low cost devices like the Panelolu, but it provides more functionality.
If you are interested, please add a comment to this thread [forums.reprap.org] and make it clear in your comment if you would need a 5V version. The firmware is open source, but the PCB layout will not be open until after I have sold the initial batch of boards.