MakerBot Motherboard v2.4

thingiverse

The MakerBot Motherboard, a shield designed for the Arduino MEGA, is integral to your MakerBot as it controls all other boards. With an emphasis on connectivity, this board features a USB interface provided by the Arduino MEGA and an SD card slot for storage purposes. For precise motion control, it has provisions for 5 stepper drivers that can manage your XYZ positioning system and leave room to control two extra stepper motors. Additionally, it includes connectivity for six endstop cables (X+/-, Y+/-, Z+/-) and an emergency stop switch. It is also compatible with an interface connector which can be linked to an interface board for controlling the machine without a computer. For extruder control, this motherboard comes equipped with two RS485 ports that can support up to five RS485 ports. It accepts a standard ATX header for power supply. Detailed instructions are available at MakerBot's wiki.