The Axis stepper motor controller allows you to easily control the motion of your machinery, helping them perform tasks accurately and efficiently. With our product, you can control the motion of your stepper motor with high precision and monitor its operation using modern technologies. Our controller is a reliable and efficient solution for your business or private project, enabling you to move forward and reach new heights.
The Axis Controller UPAN is designed to control a wide range of stepper motors, from small ones used in 3D printers to large industrial servomotors.
User-friendly touchscreen interface:
The controller features a large and intuitive touch screen interface, designed with the user in mind. The interface provides easy access to all motor control functions and configuration options. The touch screen display allows for precise control over motor movement, with real-time feedback on motor speed, position, and direction. The interface is easy to navigate, with clearly labeled buttons and icons, making it easy to set up and configure the controller for any motor application. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, our user-friendly interface makes controlling your motor a breeze.
Bluetooth / PC connectivity and mobile app integration:
The Axis Controller UPAN can also be controlled wirelessly via Bluetooth from our custom Android app. This feature provides users with the freedom to control their motors from a distance, without the need for cables. Additionally, the controller features a modern Type-C connector that allows for fast and reliable communication with a PC. Users can control their motors through a variety of software applications, making the UPAN controller a versatile and user-friendly solution for any motor control application.
Compact and durable:
The Axis Controller UPAN is designed to be both compact and durable, making it a reliable solution for a wide range of motor control applications. Whether you need to control small stepper motors for your 3D printer or larger industrial servo motors, the Axis Controller UPAN is up to the task. Its rugged design means it can handle demanding environments and challenging conditions, so you can rely on it to keep your motors running smoothly and efficiently. And with its compact size, it’s easy to mount and install, even in tight spaces.
Update Firmware:
Firmware updates are performed through an Android application. You can choose the firmware version that is suitable for your industry.
Choose from a range of firmware versions designed for your specific industry needs or contact our team for a customized solution.
Download the 3D Model for UPAN Controller Generation 3.0
For those interested in customizing or exploring the physical dimensions of the UPAN Controller Generation 3.0, we have made a 3D model of the enclosure available for download. This model, created in Autodesk Fusion, can assist in understanding the layout and designing any necessary mounts or modifications.
Please note, the link will direct you to a resource where you can easily download the model for your use. The model provides a detailed representation of the enclosure, allowing for precise customization and integration.
How it works
Designed to control the movement of a stepper motor, whether it’s a small motor for a 3D printer or a large industrial servo motor. Equipped with a touch screen for easy control, our controller can also be connected to a PC or our own Android app via Bluetooth, allowing you to control your motor with modern technology.
Weight
0,19 kg
Dimensions
113 × 80 × 28 mm
Menu Manual
MAIN MENU
SETTINGS
SETTINGS -GENERAL
UNITS: Toggle the measurement units between inches and millimeters for machine operations.
INPUT SENSORS: Access end switch
MOTOR INVERS: Reverse the direction of motor operation if necessary to ensure correct movement.
RULER INVERS: Invert the readings from the ruler.
STEPS PER UNIT: Set the number of steps the motor must make to move the machine by one unit of measurement.
ACCELERATION UNIT/MIN²: Define the rate of change of speed per minute squared for accelerating movements.
MAX SPEED UNIT/MIN: Establish the maximum speed limit of the motor per unit of measurement per minute.
DECELERATION UNIT/MIN²: Set the deceleration rate, controlling how quickly the machine slows down per minute squared.
SETTINGS – CALIBRATE
DISTANCE TO MOVE, UNITS: Set the intended travel distance for the calibration process.
SPEED UNITS/MM: Input the speed for the calibration move in units per millimeter.
DISTANCE MEASURED, UNITS: Enter the actual distance that the device has traveled during the calibration process for accuracy assessment.
CALIBRATE: Initiate the calibration sequence to ensure accuracy in movements.
STEPS PER UNIT: Displays the calculated number of motor steps per unit that the controller automatically determines by comparing the desired travel distance with the actual distance moved during calibration.
SAVE: Save calibration settings into the system.
SETTINGS – RAIL
The AUTODISCOVERY feature operates on a straightforward principle designed to automate the measurement of the rail’s length. Here’s the process breakdown:
AUTODISCOVERY Activation: Upon pressing the AUTODISCOVERY button, the device initiates the calibration process by moving in one direction towards the first endpoint.
INITIAL ENDPOINT DETECTION: The device continues to move until it triggers the end sensor, marking one endpoint of the rail.
DIRECTION REVERSAL: After reaching the first endpoint, the device reverses its direction and travels towards the opposite end of the rail.
SECOND ENDPOINT DETECTION: The device stops upon triggering the second end sensor, which marks the other maximum point of the rail.
MEASUREMENT CALCULATION: Based on the distance traveled between the two endpoints, the controller automatically calculates and sets the rail’s length.
After the AUTODISCOVERY feature locates the second endpoint, the device will automatically return to the starting position, completing the calibration process. This ensures that the system is ready for precise operations from the designated origin point.
Additionally, the following settings can be adjusted:
SPEED UNITS/MM: Specifies the speed at which the AUTODISCOVERY process operates.
RAIL’S LENGTH, UNITS: Manually enter the total length of the rail if known, useful for setups like a rotary axis where the length corresponds to the degree of rotation (e.g., 360 units for a full turn).
START COORDINATE, UNITS and END COORDINATE, UNITS: Manually set the starting and ending points of the rail, which can be utilized when AUTO-DISCOVERY is not necessary or when working with preset limits.
For AUTODISCOVERY to function correctly, end sensors must be connected and activated within the controller’s settings, ensuring they are ready to detect the machine’s movement and set the rail’s length accurately.
Settings – Parking
HOMING DIRECTION: Select the direction in which the machine should move to find the home position, which is marked by the end sensor also acting as the hard limit.
HOMING SPEED UP, UNITS/MIN: Set the speed at which the machine moves towards the home sensor.
HOMING SPEED DOWN, UNITS/MIN: Determine the speed at which the machine moves away from the home sensor after triggering it. This is set at a lower rate to fine-tune the machine’s position to the exact home location.
BACK OFF, UNITS: Define the offset distance the machine must travel away from the machine home to establish the working zero point. This offset ensures the start of operations occurs at a predefined position from the machine’s home.
MODE – SPEED
START/STOP Button: Press to start or stop the machine’s movement. This function is accessible via the on-screen button or can be managed with an external physical button. The external button uses a standard switch mechanism activated by a 5-volt signal for compatibility with various setups. For connecting external buttons, refer to the “External Button Connection Diagram” for proper setup.
DIRECTION Button: Alters the direction of the machine’s movement. This too can be controlled by an on-screen option or an external switch, facilitating quick directional adjustments during operation. It also operates with a 5-volt signal. Make sure to consult the “External Button Connection Diagram” for correct installation.
MODE – COORDINATE
CONNECTION STATUS: Displays the controller’s connectivity status with an Android app or PC.
SPEED: Allows you to set the speed at which the machine will move during operations.
TARGET POSITION: The large number represents the target coordinate the machine will move to, which is input through a digital keypad that appears upon selection.
SCALE: Visual representation of the rail length, showing the current position and the target position where the machine needs to move.
START/STOP Button: Initiates or stops movement towards the target coordinate. This control can be executed through the on-screen button or via an external physical button, allowing for manual override or integration with external control systems. For instructions on connecting an external START/STOP button, please refer to the “External Button Connection Diagram.”
GO TO 0: Commands the controller to move to the established working zero at a designated parking speed.
SET AS 0: Defines the current position of the machine as the new working zero.
P (Parking): Indicates the need to perform a parking macro upon each startup to determine the machine’s position for accurate operation.
MENU – OLD
Old Menu (Generation 2.0) This interface appears to be a combined mode that includes both speed and coordinate settings
MENU – DISTANCE
SPEED: This setting allows the user to specify the velocity at which the stepper motor should operate.
SET AS 0: By selecting this option, the current position of the stepper motor is defined as the ‘working zero’ or reference point. This can be essential after changing the setup or when initiating a new series of operations.
GO TO 0: This function commands the stepper motor to move to the previously defined ‘working zero’ position. It is used to reset or return the motor to a known start point before commencing or repeating tasks.
DISTANCE: In this field, the user can input the exact distance that the stepper motor needs to travel during its operation.
DELAY, MS: This option enables the user to set a delay in milliseconds before each cycle begins when the LOOP function is active, or before the first cycle if LOOP is not used.
LOOP: When activated, LOOP allows the user to dictate the number of times the set distance should be traveled by the stepper motor.
DIRECTION: This arrow indicates the direction in which the stepper motor will move. The user can adjust this to control the forward or reverse motion of the motor.
PARKING OPTION (P): The ‘P’ symbol is associated with the parking feature, which moves the motor to a preset parked position.
GO (START/STOP): The green ‘GO’ button is used to start the motor operation. It can also function as a stop button to halt the motor’s movement.
Wiring Diagram
Wiring Diagram for the UPAN Controller.
Follow this diagram for a seamless setup and optimal performance of your CNC system. For any inquiries or further assistance, please contact our support team.
GENERATION 2.0
GENERATION 3.0
Update Firmware
If something goes wrong with your UPAN device, updating the firmware can often resolve the issue.
Follow these step-by-step instructions to safely update your device’s firmware:
Install STM32CubeProgrammer: The first step is to download and install STM32CubeProgrammer on your computer. This software is essential for the firmware update process.
Open the Controller’s Back Cover: Carefully unscrew the four black screws to remove the back cover of the controller. This will expose the internal components of the device.
Press the OT1 Button: Locate the OT1 button on the circuit board (refer to the photo for guidance). Press and hold this button down.
Connect the Device to Your Computer: While holding the OT1 button, connect the device to your computer using a Type-C cable. You should hear a sound indicating that your computer recognizes a new device.
Launch STM32CubeProgrammer: Open STM32CubeProgrammer. In the upper right corner, you will find the “Refresh” button in the USB configuration section (refer to the photo for location). Click this button.
Connect to the Device: Once you see your device listed under the Port section as a recognized USB device, press the large green “Connect” button (refer to the photo for guidance).
Locate and Select the Firmware: Navigate to the location of the firmware file on your computer (refer to the photo for guidance). Select the file and proceed by clicking the “Start programming” button.
After successfully uploading the bootloader firmware, you need to reboot the device with the Start/Stop or Direction button pressed (see the wiring diagram). If you’re not using external physical buttons, simply short these inputs with a metal object, such as tweezers.
If everything is done correctly, you will see the Bootloader menu on the screen (refer to the photo).
Carefully ensure there are no red warnings displayed, and that the Bluetooth name has changed to UPAN 0003. If not, press the RESET button on the back of the controller and without turning off the power, your controller will reboot. Should you still see entries in red (errors) after this, please contact us for assistance ([email protected]).
Important information: When pressing the reset button, you also need to press the Start/Stop or Direction button to re-enter the Bootloader menu.
After installing the bootloader and initializing Bluetooth and USB, it is essential to install the main firmware of the controller.
To install the working firmware, there are two options available:
Through the Android app via Bluetooth.
Using our PC software (Windows) through Bluetooth or Type C
If you have chosen a Bluetooth connection: Open the Bluetooth section on your phone (Android) and find the new device named UPAN XXXX. Click ‘Pair’ and enter the connection code 0000 or 1234. If successful, the UPAN XXXX device will be added to your phone.
If you have opted for a Type C connection, simply connect the controller to your computer.
To enter the firmware update mode in the software, you need to hold down the Start/Stop button before powering on the controller.
If done correctly, the following window will appear on the screen of the Android app or the PC version.
Click ‘Guide Rail’ from the CNC section, and the latest firmware will begin to install automatically.
When the process is complete, the controller will automatically reboot into the working firmware. If this does not happen, press ‘Switch to Firmware’.
After the working firmware has loaded, go to SETTINGS — RESETS and press ‘FACTORY RESET’.
