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dc42
The AT90USB line might have been a good choice a few years ago, but it is still an 8-bit processor. The 32-bit ARM-core ATSAM processors are so inexpensive now that there is no longer any reason to use an 8-bit processor in a system as large as a 3D printer controller. Many of the ATSAM series have USB built in. Some have Ethernet as well, such as the ATSAM3X used in the Arduino Due (which sadly does not make the Ethernet interface available) and the Duet electronics for 3D printers (which does).
Personally I don't think using an Arduino core is a significant advantage. The Arduino IDE is awful compared to typical IDEs for C++, and while the Arduino core is very helpful for novices to microcontroller programming, it gets in the way when doing serious software development.
i know that the Atmel is not so fast compaired to a 32 bit arm, but when i look to my Sanguino i can print with 400mm/s from SD-Card including a Panelolu2 so its still fast enough for the job, and most people are printing below 200mm/s , so i think the Atmel still has a lot of resources left and there are also no single board solutions that are small and inexpensive afaik.
Printing from USB over the FTDI from the sanguino is showing clearly that the connection can`t handle it, therefor i thought of the 1287 which is connected directly at very high speed.
It would be the same as with ramps when you use a Arduino Due, additional board cost, complete size very large, bulky to handle.
I mean a buddy of me already designed a small Oneboard solution some time ago only 45x80mm small, but based on the sanguino and has also only 4 steppers and all that FTDI troubles.
when i look at that board i think, at this size and also using the backside of the PCB for components (not the stepperdriver) there should be a way to make a really handy and nice solution which fits the most requirements today.
Quote
Dust
hey, open your eyes...
http://reprap.org/wiki/Printrboard Atmel AT90USB1286 Microcontroller (or AT90USB1287 drop-in compatible for 20mhz support)
http://reprap.org/wiki/Teensylu also a AT90USB1286 (same as AT90USB1287, but 16mhz)
http://reprap.org/wiki/SAV_MKI also a AT90USB1286 (same as AT90USB1287, but 16mhz)
cdru, yip works fine in Arduino IDE, you have to add the cpu files, like you do for a 644p
NB these micros can't keep up with true usb speeds, but I agee is nicer than serial over usb implmentation that has baud rates.
I already have a printrboard :D
And of course i know the teensylu, the SAV MKI is new to me but has only very less features.
Sure the printrboard is capable of a 20mhz cpu, thats why i was thinking about it, but no manufacturer is selling them with a 20mhz chip, all available Boards i found are with 16mhz.
and then there is the thing that they don`t use the additional i/o`s directly on the board they only have an additional expansion header.
Chri