CNC Board Failed Again? Upgrade to Reliable 32-Bit Control
Frustrated with Your Current CNC Controller?
Common Controller Limitations:
- ❌ 8-Bit Processing Limits - GRBL’s 2KB RAM limits motion planning buffer; users report “out of program storage space” with complex toolpaths
- ❌ Configuration Complexity - GRBL/Marlin require firmware recompilation (5-30 min) for many configuration changes
- ❌ Limited Multi-Axis Support - Budget 8-bit controllers designed for 3-axis; adding 4th/5th/6th axes requires custom builds
- ❌ Spotty Documentation - Cheap controllers often have minimal or poorly translated documentation
- ❌ No Network Control - Most budget controllers are USB-only; cable disconnections can interrupt jobs
- ❌ Limited Expandability - 8-bit Arduino boards have limited GPIO for adding features
With Smoothieboard v2:
- ✅ 32-Bit Dual-Core Power - STM32H745 @ 400MHz with 1MB RAM (500x more than GRBL’s 2KB)
- ✅ Handles Complex Toolpaths - Deep motion planning buffer handles large CAM files from Fusion 360, VCarve, etc.
- ✅ Text-File Configuration - Edit config.txt, save, reboot (30 sec) - no firmware recompilation needed
- ✅ Drag-and-Drop Firmware Updates - Copy firmware.bin to SD card, automatic flash - no compilation tools needed
- ✅ Native 6-Axis Support - X,Y,Z,A,B,C built-in; no custom builds or pin remapping required
- ✅ Network Control - Built-in Ethernet with HTTP web interface, Telnet console, Simple FTP
- ✅ GRBL Compatibility Mode - Can parse GRBL-style G-code for easy migration
- ✅ 250+ Pages Documentation - Comprehensive, organized, community-supported
- ✅ 63 GPIO Expansion - 8 Gadgeteer headers for adding rotary axes, probes, sensors, custom features
32-Bit Power Under the Hood
Processor:
- STM32H745 dual-core (Cortex-M7 400MHz + M4 240MHz)
- 1MB Flash, 1MB RAM
- Handles complex calculations 8-bit boards can’t
Stepper Drivers:
- TMC2660 (1.2-2.2A) or TMC2590 (2.5-4.6A) options
- SPI-controlled, quiet operation
- Microstepping up to 256
Connectivity:
- Ethernet (HTTP, Telnet, Simple FTP)
- USB host + device
- SDIO for fast SD card access
- 8× expansion headers (63 GPIO total)
Applications:
- CNC Mills (3-5 axis)
- Laser Cutters (CO2, diode, fiber)
- 3D Printers (Cartesian, Delta, CoreXY)
- Pick-and-place machines
- Custom automation
Built by Makers, for Makers
What the Community Says:
“Upgraded from GRBL to Smoothieboard - night and day difference. Actually handles my 3D surfacing toolpaths now.”
— r/hobbycnc community member
“Been running Smoothie on my laser cutter for 3 years. Rock solid, never fails. Best upgrade I ever made.”
— MakerForums user
How Smoothieboard Stacks Up
| Feature | 8-Bit GRBL Controllers | Smoothieboard v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ATmega328 @ 16MHz | STM32H745 dual-core @ 400MHz |
| RAM | 2KB (documented limit) | 1MB (500x more) |
| Flash Storage | 32KB | 1MB |
| Configuration | Recompile for many changes | Text-file config (30 sec) |
| Firmware Updates | Compile + flash (5-10 min) | Drag-and-drop .bin (1 min) |
| Multi-Axis | 3-axis (4+ requires mods) | Native 6-axis (X,Y,Z,A,B,C) |
| Networking | USB only | Ethernet + USB + Web Interface |
| Console | Limited $$ commands | Full Telnet/USB console |
| GRBL Mode | N/A (native) | Compatibility mode available |
| Applications | CNC primarily | CNC + Laser + 3D Print |
| Expansion | Limited Arduino GPIO | 63 GPIO via 8 Gadgeteer headers |
| Stepper Drivers | A4988/DRV8825 (basic) | TMC2660/TMC2590 (silent) |
| Documentation | Wiki, scattered | 250+ pages organized |
| Open Source | Firmware only | OSHWA certified HW+FW (FR000021) |
Never Feel Stuck
What You Get:
- 250+ pages of documentation - Browse the full docs
- Step-by-step guides - 3D Printer Guide, Laser Guide, CNC Mill Guide
- Active community forums - 24-hour average response time
- Configuration examples - For every common machine type
- Regular firmware updates - 15 years of continuous development
Key Resources:
Ready to Upgrade?
Smoothieboard v2 Prime - $200
What’s Included:
- Smoothieboard v2 Prime board
- Choice of TMC2660 or TMC2590 stepper drivers
- Pre-flashed with latest firmware
- Quick start guide
- Access to full documentation
Where to Buy:
- Robosprout (USA) - Official reseller, in stock, ships internationally
OSHWA FR000021
OSHWA Certified Open Hardware
Smoothieboard v2 is certified by the Open Source Hardware Association (OSHWA) under certification FR000021. This means:
- You own it - No vendor lock-in
- You can fix it - Design files available
- You can modify it - Improve it for your needs
- You can build it - Make your own if you want
- Community-driven - 15 years of collaborative development
This is more than just an open-source firmware running on proprietary hardware. Smoothieboard v2 is fully open - hardware, firmware, and documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this work with my existing CNC/laser/3D printer? A: If your machine currently uses a motion controller (GRBL, Marlin, etc.), Smoothieboard can replace it. Wiring is straightforward - connect stepper motors, endstops, and any heaters or laser controls.
Q: Is it difficult to set up? A: If you built or wired your current machine, you can handle Smoothieboard. Configuration is done via a text file (no firmware compilation needed). Our 250+ page documentation walks you through every step.
Q: What software can I use with Smoothieboard? A: Any software that sends G-code works. For CNC: bCNC, CNCjs, Universal G-Code Sender. For lasers: LightBurn, LaserGRBL, LaserWeb. For 3D printing: OctoPrint, Pronterface, Repetier-Host.
Q: Can I add more features later? A: Absolutely. With 63 GPIO pins available via expansion headers, you can add rotary axes, tool changers, probes, sensors, whatever you can imagine.
Q: How is this different from GRBL? A: Smoothieboard is a complete hardware + firmware solution with a 32-bit processor (vs GRBL’s 8-bit). Key advantages: 1MB RAM vs 32KB, text-file configuration vs recompiling firmware, built-in Ethernet, native 6-axis support, and extensive documentation. See our GRBL Alternative page for detailed comparison.
Q: Do you offer support? A: We have extensive documentation (250+ pages), active community forums, and IRC channels. Average response time is under 24 hours. For commercial support inquiries, contact us.