New Products (04.2019)

8 mm REX Shafting

The REX shafting now available from goBILDA has an 8 mm diameter combined with a 7 mm flat to flat. The 8 mm diameter pairs well with their 8 mm bearings and pillow blocks. The 7 mm flat to flat is the same dimension as an M4 hex nut which makes using a 7 mm wrench a convenient tool to have on-hand while building. Pricing ranges from $1.99-$9.59.

1310 Series Hyper Hubs

goBILDA’s 8 mm REX bore hyper hub is a beefy solution to fastening a component to an 8 mm REX shaft. By nature, since it’s a hyper hub, it’s balanced for high speed applications. The internal bore matches that of 8 mm REX shafting so that a positive drive is created. However, goBILDA added pinch bolts for a little extra reassurance. The pinch bolts constrict the hub down onto the shaft for a no-slip connection between the shaft and the hub. Due to the added length of the hyper hub (when compared to other hub styles), this is the preferred design for handling high torque loads. Price is $5.99.

4007 Series Hyper Couplers

The 6 mm D-bore to 8 mm REX bore hyper coupler (also from goBILDA) is a strong, compact, balanced way to couple two shafts together; for example, if you have motors with 6 mm D-shafting but you want to run 8 mm REX to handle higher torque loads. Or, if you’re going the other way due to a surplus of 6 mm D-bore pinion gears, hubs, sprockets, etc. The diameter of the coupler has been thoughtfully chosen so that, when installed, you can still access screws on the 16 mm pattern with the use of a hex key. As with all hyper couplers, this coupler is balanced so that it can be used in high-speed applications without introducing vibrations. Price is $5.99.

1309 Series Sonic Hubs

This hub has an 8 mm REX bore to match goBILDA’s 8 mm REX shafting. The hex profile creates a positive drive that can handle heavy torque loads without concern of rounding out.

The Sonic style hub is perfectly balanced for high-speed applications. The unique design conforms tightly around a shaft when tightened, without distorting the threaded holes on the goBILDA 16 mm pattern. The outer profile is 32 mm so that it can be run in a bearing to isolate radial loads, or even clamped around. Price is also $5.99.

For further information, contact:
goBILDA
www.gobilda.com

AC Charger

Expanding on the popularity and performance of their RDX1 charger line, Hitec introduces the AC input, microprocessor RDX1 Mini. Hitec’s sleekly designed, compact AC charger packs 65 watts of power into a fraction of the size of most chargers to meet your battery management requirements. It’s compatible with a full range of the most popular battery types, including the new generation LiHV. The unit features six amps of maximum charging current and two amps of discharging current. The set contains the RDX1 mini charger, power cord, and two-pin T-type charging cable for $42.99.

For further information, contact:
HITEC RCD USA
www.hitecrcd.com

Desktop MAX ATC

ShopBot Tools has announced the launch of the ShopBot Desktop MAX ATC, the newest addition to their desktop tool line. The Desktop MAX ATC has all of the same capabilities of their popular Desktop MAX but has the additional power and efficiency of an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC). Like their other desktop tools, it utilizes a unique frame and bed design (36”x 24” cutting area) which is completely open underneath.

There are two different deck options: a universal vacuum hold down deck or an aluminum deck, which can be partially or completely removed for a wide variety of end-milling and edge work. It also features a dual-motor gantry design, providing stability and precision.

An ATC reduces production time by quickly and robotically changing cutters between tool paths, eliminating the need to change and zero tools individually.

ShopBot’s expanding array of CNC tools are used in prototyping, full production cutting, carving, machining, and milling in a variety of materials, including wood, MDF, plastics, foams, and soft metals. The full line of tools from ShopBot is oriented to be used for both standard and specialty operations.

The tool ships fully assembled and uses 110V household power. It comes standard with a six-position tool bank, six ISO20 tool holders, and six 1/4” collets. Customers will need an air source to provide 4cfm @90PSI in order to utilize the automatic tool changer.

The MAX ATC ships with ShopBot Control System software and comes bundled with two powerful software programs to create CNC projects. It also includes a simple quick start set-up guide. The Desktop MAX ATC starts at $14,950 and can be bundled with an Invision Full Enclosure, the ShopBot Edge Clamp Joinery Jig, and other accessories.

For further information, contact:
ShopBot
www.shopbottools.com

Code Cube: An Educational Wearable/Codable Device

PITSCO Education’s newest creation — Code Cube — is a wearable tech learning tool that offers both teachers and students a true coding experience.

Because of its open-ended design, Code Cube implements objective logic and code to develop something subjective, creative, and personalized.

With only one piece of programmable hardware, Code Cube is designed to teach potentially intimidating coding concepts (such as if-then statements and loops) in a no-fear environment.

Students program Code Cube using block-based software similar to Google’s Blockly; this application functions in a web browser, so the tool will always be up-to-date. A pack of nine standards-based lessons with a variety of open-ended projects is included with the solution. Each straightforward activity introduces a coding skill to students and then gives them free range to apply that skill to their Code Cube.

As students work through the activities, they learn how to design and interact with the Code Cube’s programmable 64-pixel LED screen, accelerometer, and sound output features. Some of the open-ended activities have students bitmap the screen to create a shape-shifting creature, draw up a treasure map, and celebrate a holiday in any animated or stationary form they choose, as well as write a song to accompany their visual component. Students can also adjust the commands to change based on the angle of the Code Cube.

The Code Cube can be purchased individually or as a 10-pack for use in the classroom. Each individual box comes with a slap band for Code Cube to be worn as a wristband and a USB cable for charging and connectivity to the software. Code Cube includes a long-lasting battery; the device turns off after one minute of inactivity to conserve battery life. The 10-pack comes with a multi-charger.

Code Cube will officially be available starting December 1, but you can preorder it for $49.95 at Pitsco.com/CodeCube or by calling 800-835-0686.

For further information, contact:
PITSCO Education
www.Pitsco.com

Stepper Motor Driver Carrier

This breakout board now available from Pololu makes it easy to use Toshiba’s TB67S128FTG microstepping bipolar stepper motor driver, which features adjustable current limiting and microstepping down to 1/128-step.

In addition, it has the ability to dynamically select an optimal decay mode by monitoring the actual motor current, and it can automatically reduce the driving current below the full amount when the motor is lightly loaded to minimize power consumption and heat generation. The driver has a wide operating voltage range of 6.5V to 44V and can deliver approximately 2.1A per phase continuously without a heatsink or forced air flow (up to 5A peak).

It features built-in protection against under-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature conditions; Pololu’s carrier board also adds reverse-voltage protection (up to 40V). Some of the board’s key features include:

• Two interface modes to select from:
✓ Clock mode for simple step and direction control
✓ Serial mode for controlling the driver’s many features through a serial interface (this mode also allows for serial control of the current limit)
• Eight different step modes: full-step; half-step; 1/4-step; 1/8-step; 1/16-step; 1/32-step; 1/64-step; and 1/128-step
• Adjustable current control lets you set the maximum current output with a potentiometer which lets you use voltages above your stepper motor’s rated voltage to achieve higher step rates
• Four different decay modes: mixed decay (two timing ratios); fast decay; or Advanced Dynamic Mixed Decay (ADMD) which dynamically switches between slow and fast decay modes by monitoring the state of current decay (not according to fixed timing)
• Configurable Active Gain Control (AGC) automatically reduces drive current to minimize power consumption and heat generation when maximum torque is not needed
• Motor supply voltage: 6.5V to 44V
• Can deliver up to approximately 2.1A per phase continuously (5A peak) without additional cooling
• Can interface directly with 3.3V and 5V systems
• Protection against over-current/short-circuit and over-temperature
• Open-load detection
• Active-low error outputs indicate over-current, over-temperature, or open-load condition
• Carrier board adds reverse-voltage protection up to 40V
• Carrier board breaks out all of the TB67S128FTG pins in a compact size (1.2” x 1.6”)
• Exposed solderable ground pad below the driver IC on the bottom of the PCB