Networking the T41U5XBB and RP23CNC
- Jul 26, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
Ethernet is a great feature of the T41U5XBB and RP23CNC. It is very easy to set up and use. Because the Ethernet interface uses transformers, the PCB is galvanically isolated from the Ethernet cable and is not a conduit for EMI. USB, on the other hand, is not isolated and EMI can be an issue. Also, Ethernet IP is a self correcting protocol. Any error packets will be rejected and resent.
This procedure will allow you to connect to a router that dynamically assigns an IP address upon connection (DNS). Use this blog to connect directly to a PC via a static network connection.
You will need:
For the T41U5XBB Teensy
with the optional Ethernet Kit installed.
A Teensy 4.1 with the Ethernet chip - TEENYS41 and NOT the TEENYS41_NE.
For the RP23CNC
with the Optional Ethernet Kit installed
An Ethernet enabled grblHAL build. See below for how to create this.
An Ethernet cable. Pick a length that works for your set up.
An Ethernet switch or hub.
A PC connected to your network.
ioSender installed on your PC.
Building an Ethernet enabled grblHAL.
Go to the grblHAL Web Builder
Select iMXRT 1062 (Teensy 4.x)/T41U5XBB or RP2040/RP23U5XBB
Configure the Axes to reflect your machine
On the Network/WebUI tab, check Ethernet, Telnet Server and WebSocket Server
Enable any other special features your machine has
Save your configuration (to modify later if needed). Do not skip this step!
Click on Generate and Download Binary.
Load it onto your board and proceed to next step. See the appropriate user manual for this process.
Set up to run on Ethernet.
Connect the board via USB to your PC and get it running. Make sure that ioSender can connect via USB. Close ioSender.
Connect the Board's Ethernet Jack to the Ethernet switch via the Ethernet cable.
Plug the USB cable into the Ethernet port on the board and run ioSender on your PC. You will still be connecting via USB. Note that the LED on the Ethernet Jack should be flashing. That indicates it is connected. You may need to power cycle the T41U5XBB (and close/restart ioSender) or press the Reset button on the RP23CNC.
In ioSender, open the Console tab. You should see something similar to this. Note the line circled in red. That shows the IP address of the board.
Write down the IP address. You will see a sequence of numbers of the form [IP:xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx] where the xxx's are the IP address. Note that the IP Address shown in the screenshot is very likely not your IP address.
Unplug the USB cable and restart ioSender (make sure the Ethernet cable is plugged in). It will take up to 10 seconds but ioSender will not find the USB port and you will see the following:
Click on the Network tab. Click on Web Socket and fill in the IP address you saved earlier. Leave Port at 80. It should look like this. Note that the IP address shown is probably not the same as yours. Do not click on OK yet.
Plug the USB cable back into the Ethernet port on the board. Now, click OK.
ioSender should now start up and when you click on the Console tab, you should see something like this. Note the [NETCON: Websocket] line. That indicates you are running over the Ethernet. From now on, ioSender will connect via Ethernet when you start it up.
For the T41U5XBB, choose to power it via the USB connection from your PC (or via a wall wart USB charger). If you have a source of 5V power available, you can connect it to the 5V terminal on the T41U5XBB.
For the RP23CNC, the 5V SRC header controls your power source. Select SWC to power from the external 12V power source and USB to power the board from the USB cable. Be aware that a USB power source does not enable limit switch input or 0-10V output. For more information, see the power section of the RP23CNC user manual.
If you need to revert to USB, unplug both Ethernet and USB from the T41U5XBB, replug in USB and start ioSender. It will put up the connection dialog. Click on the Serial tab and select the com port associated with your board.
And that is all there is to it.
About Me
I'm Phil Barrett, a long time CNC enthusiast. I run a small company, Brookwood Design, that makes several breakout boards for grblHAL and love to help people get the most out of their CNC machines.
