I think we can probably all agree that some form of network connectivity is a desirable feature, however if it will add significantly to the projected cost then that will defeat the intended purpose of this board (and Oco-Print is certainly a good solution for anyone that needs a Web interface).
@AndrewBCN
You make a good point that the software toolchain could be redesigned to remove more of the heavy lifting from the printer electronics (as has been discussed before on this forum), and that in turn could allow a rethink of the printer electronics, however that is a much bigger project than "just" producing a 32 bit RAMPS/Mega replacement.
@dc42
Good luck with this, a low cost viable alternative to RAMPS/Mega is long overdue (before anyone says anything, I know there are lots of alternatives already out there, but none have yet had the right combination of price and features to wean the majority of users away from RAMPS - which this project sounds like it could), my only request on the hardware would be to use screw terminals or friction fit (not ordinary pcb headers) for the main connections like stepper motors, endstops, and thermistors (as well as power, heatbed, and extruder(s)). If that is not possible then consider leaving room for people to solder whatever type of connector they want.
+1 for a pin for ATX power standby.
You might want to take note of the lesson from RAMPS-FD, don't publish the full schematic until the worst bugs have been worked out (RAMPS-FD was picked up by the clone makers, but they cloned the early beta version of the board).
The biggest stumbling block I see to take up will be firmware, unless this can run a straight port of firmware from another board then you will not get large scale take up until people see it can match the features and performance of the likes of Marlin. Also the clone makers probably won't pick it up until they see viable firmware. Is your plan to develop new FW from scratch, or will this be based on an existing FW?
Tim
@AndrewBCN
You make a good point that the software toolchain could be redesigned to remove more of the heavy lifting from the printer electronics (as has been discussed before on this forum), and that in turn could allow a rethink of the printer electronics, however that is a much bigger project than "just" producing a 32 bit RAMPS/Mega replacement.
@dc42
Good luck with this, a low cost viable alternative to RAMPS/Mega is long overdue (before anyone says anything, I know there are lots of alternatives already out there, but none have yet had the right combination of price and features to wean the majority of users away from RAMPS - which this project sounds like it could), my only request on the hardware would be to use screw terminals or friction fit (not ordinary pcb headers) for the main connections like stepper motors, endstops, and thermistors (as well as power, heatbed, and extruder(s)). If that is not possible then consider leaving room for people to solder whatever type of connector they want.
+1 for a pin for ATX power standby.
You might want to take note of the lesson from RAMPS-FD, don't publish the full schematic until the worst bugs have been worked out (RAMPS-FD was picked up by the clone makers, but they cloned the early beta version of the board).
The biggest stumbling block I see to take up will be firmware, unless this can run a straight port of firmware from another board then you will not get large scale take up until people see it can match the features and performance of the likes of Marlin. Also the clone makers probably won't pick it up until they see viable firmware. Is your plan to develop new FW from scratch, or will this be based on an existing FW?
Tim