Brookwood Design – CNC Control Boards by Phil Barrett
Overview
Phil Barrett, the innovative force behind Brookwood Design, combines electronics and software expertise to bring high-performance, reliable control boards to CNC and laser enthusiasts. He currently offers three advanced boards tailored for different CNC needs—all built on the powerful grblHAL firmware platform. Below is a refined look at each, featuring detailed specifications and practical use cases.
1. RP23CNC (RP23U5XBB) – 5-Axis grblHAL Controller MORE INFO
A comprehensive, all-in-one motion control board built around the ARM Cortex‑M33 RP2350B microcontroller (same as Raspberry Pi Pico 2). It supports up to 5 axes, providing:
- Step, Direction, Enable outputs with independent enables for all axes
- Spindle control via 5V PWM or user-adjustable 0–10V
- Opto-isolated inputs (Cycle Start, Feed Hold, Safety Door, Reset, Probe) with LED feedback and 12 V support for EMI immunity
- Relay support to control up to 7 devices (e.g., spindle, coolant, dust collection)
- USB and optional Ethernet connectivity, two UARTs (one with 3.3V/5V translation), I²C, SPI ports, and a microSD card slot
- LED indicators for step, spindle, and input diagnostics
- Boot and Run buttons for easy firmware updates and network setup
- Flexible power setups with separate isolation and auxiliary outputs
2. Bob Unkit for Teensy 4.1 (T41U5XBB) MORE INFO
A breakout board designed for the Teensy 4.1 microcontroller powered by grblHAL:
- Controls up to 5 axes with independent enable features
- 10 opto-isolated inputs (including standard grbl inputs and limit switches) with EMI protection
- Relay control for spindle, mist, flood coolant, dust collection, and three auxiliary outputs, all voltage-selectable (5V or 12V)
- Supports dust collector automation and separate manual control via headers
- Spindle outputs include both PWM (5V) and 0–10V for VFD use
- Built-in USB and Ethernet, plus screw-terminal reliability
- Comes SMT-assembled; requires soldering of through-hole components (Teensy 4.1 included separately)
3. PicoCNC – 4-Axis grblHAL Controller MORE INFO
A compact and budget-friendly CNC solution designed for the Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W:
- Manages up to 4 axes with independent enable controls
- Features opto-isolated inputs (including limit switches, probe core support, dust collection signals) with 12V isolation and EMI immunity
- 7 relay outputs (spindle, mist, flood, dust extraction, plus 3 auxiliary), opto/SSR compatible, adjustable to 5V or 12V
- Includes USB connectivity and, with Pico W, Wi-Fi; Ethernet support is also available via expansion module
- Offers microSD slot for local G-code execution, onboard 5V regulator, breakout headers for I²C, SPI, UART (3.3/5V), expansion options, and LED indicators
Side-by-Side Summary
| Board | Axes | Microcontroller | Connectivity | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RP23CNC | Up to 5 | RP2350B (Cortex‑M33) | USB, Ethernet | High-speed, full-featured board with extensive I/O |
| T41U5XBB | Up to 5 | Teensy 4.1 (ARM) | USB, Ethernet | Reliable with Teensy performance, grblHAL support |
| PicoCNC | Up to 4 | RP2040 (Pico/Pico W) | USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet | Cost-effective, compact, SD card and wireless capable |
Click Here to view side by side
Why Choose Brookwood Design?
Phil Barrett’s boards bring together modern electronics with user-friendly design and reliable support. From scalable axis control to clean wiring and advanced firmware, each board meets the needs of both DIYers and seasoned professionals—with the promise of quality, performance, and ongoing assistance when you need it.
Purchase Information
Interested in purchasing? Head to Phil Barrett’s official store on Tindie to view availability, pricing, and order directly:
👉 Order Brookwood Design CNC Boards on Tindie
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