Comparison OCS2 and OCS2 Mini
Here is a small comparison between the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2 Mainboard and the Mini version. The functionality of both boards is very similar. The Mini version requires fewer modules, and some functions are already integrated. The larger version is slightly more flexible due to its modular design. The OCS2 Mini covers most scenarios and is more affordable than the OCS2 with modules.
With the OCS2 Mini, both the InOutModule and DriverModule can be omitted. Connections for inputs, outputs, and driver signals are already present on the board. In addition, the OCS2 Mini includes an integrated ESP32, so no separate ESP32 purchase is required.
This DriverModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x and is designed for use with external drivers. Technical Specifications: Connection of external drivers via 5-pin screw connector Scope of Delivery: DriverModule Matching screw connector Further Links: Documentation
This DriverModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x and is designed for use with plug-in drivers. This module is compatible with all Pololu drivers, including: DRV8825 (also available here in the shop) A4988 Various TMC drivers, e.g., TMC2209 Technical Specifications: Microstepping selectable via jumpers Connection via 4-pin header or 4-pin screw terminal Jumper for 5V on A4988 drivers or FLT on DRV8825 Scope of Delivery: DriverModule Further Links: Documentation Fan mount
Note on the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2The OCS2 Mainboard and OCS2 Mini are currently not being restocked. I am developing a new version, expected in 2027. Until then, the boards are available only while stock lasts.Welcome to the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2 Mainboard! This modular base module is the perfect foundation for your CNC machine. In addition to connecting a controller module for Arduino Mega, Estlcam, and others, the mainboard supports two In/Out modules with a total of 16 inputs and 8 outputs. Furthermore, you can connect six driver modules for either plug-in or external drivers. With the PanelModule, you can attach an external control panel to your machine. The ESP32 Devkit Doit v1 enables wireless communication. With the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2 Mainboard, you have the ideal foundation to build your CNC machine! Connections available for the following modules: 1 x Controller Module (e.g., for Arduino Mega - Estlcam) 2 x In/Out Modules, each providing 8 inputs and 4 outputs. 6 x Driver Modules for connecting plug-in or external drivers 1 x Panel Module for connecting an external control panel 1 x ESP32 Devkit Doit v1 for autosquaring and more Technical Specifications: Board supply voltage: 12–24V (24V recommended) – 3A Supply voltage for plug-in drivers may vary depending on the drivers used. The board’s supply voltage can also be used, but this increases the power demand. Refer to the driver datasheet for details. Maximum number of axes: 6 (may vary depending on the controller) Axes can be linked (e.g., MPCNC – 2 x X-axis and 2 x Y-axis) All Step and Dir signals are buffered and can provide up to 25mA Spindle connection: 0–10V, 0–5V, or PWM (e.g., for lasers) Spindle On/Off connection for an external relay Number of inputs: 16 (may vary depending on the In/Out modules) Number of outputs: 8 (may vary depending on the In/Out modules) Interface for external control elements – joystick, feedrate, start/stop, etc. (varies depending on the controller) 12V fan connection Interface for an ESP32 for additional functions: Autosquaring Reading onboard temperature sensor Reading external temperature sensor Wireless control panel Control panel via serial communication Scope of Delivery: Mainboard Standoffs and screws for mounting Jumper connectors Further Links: Documentation
This ControllerModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x for operation with the Estlcam control software. It is also possible to flash GRBL with a customized pinout onto the Arduino Mega, allowing the use of software such as LaserGRBL. Technical Specifications: 16 inputs 8 outputs 3 axes (axes on the mainboard can be paired, e.g. two X-axes) Spindle On/Off Spindle speed (0–5V, 0–10V, or 5V PWM) Support for the following external control elements: Handwheel / encoder Motor Start button Program Start button OK button (for zeroing the axes) Feedrate potentiometer (machine speed) Rotation Speed potentiometer (spindle speed) Joystick for easy manual movement Selection buttons for each axis (used with the handwheel) No longer supported by Estlcam v12 Two different speed settings (Speed 1 and Speed 2 – configurable in Estlcam) No longer supported by Estlcam v12 Pinout for remaining Estlcam functions: Speed 3–6 No longer supported by Estlcam v12 Motor Stop and Program Stop (unnecessary, as pressing the Start button again also stops the process) LED X, Y, and Z to indicate which axis is currently selected Scope of Delivery: ControllerModule Additionally Required for Operation: Arduino Mega 2560 OCS2 Mainboard PCB Further Links Documentation Video Tutorial
This In/Out Module is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x. Up to two of these modules can be connected to the mainboard. Technical Specifications: Number of inputs: 8 Number of outputs: 4 (two of them with 5A relays) Maximum current for relay outputs: 5A – approximately 1 kW on a 230V mains supply Maximum current for other outputs: 500 mA per output Output voltage selectable between 5V, board input voltage, or user-supplied external voltage Inputs can switch with either GND or 5–24V — both PNP and NPN sensors are supported Scope of Delivery: InOut Module Jumper connectors Further Links: Documentation
This In/Out Module is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x. Up to two of these modules can be connected to the mainboard. Technical Specifications: Number of inputs: 8 Number of outputs: 4 Maximum output current: 500 mA per output Output voltage selectable between 5V, board supply voltage, or custom external voltage Inputs can switch with either GND or 5–24V — both PNP and NPN sensors are supported Scope of Delivery: InOut Module Screw connectors Further Links: Documentation
This PanelModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2. This module provides an RJ45 (LAN) interface for connecting a handwheel to the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2. The connection is currently used primarily to supply power to the handwheel. Technical Specifications: RJ45 connector Scope of Delivery: PanelModule Further Links: Documentation
This DriverModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x and is designed for use with external drivers. Technical Specifications: Connection via RJ45 patch cable Compatible with Beamicon pin configuration and their driver adapter boards Scope of Delivery: DriverModule Further Links: Documentation
This ControllerModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x for use with FluidNC. FluidNC is CNC firmware optimized for the ESP32 controller. It is the next-generation firmware from the creators of Grbl_ESP32. It includes a web-based user interface and offers the flexibility to control a wide variety of machine types, including the ability to operate machines with multiple tool types such as laser + spindle. Technical Specifications: 6 axes 8 inputs 8 outputs Connection to PC via USB or web interface Spindle speed control: 0–5V, 0–10V, or 5V PWM Spindle On/Off connection for switching a relay or frequency converter Micro SD card slot Connection for OLED display (unfortunately no longer supported by FluidNC; instead, a UART display is required) Scope of Delivery: ControllerModule FluidNC Additionally Required for Operation: ESP32 Devkit V1 OCS2 Mainboard PCB Further Links Documentation YouTube Video Tutorial
This PanelModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2. This module provides screw terminals for directly connecting various external control elements. Scope of Delivery: PanelModule Further Links: Documentation
This controller is specifically designed for use with the software Estlcam, developed by Christian Knüll, which perfectly meets the requirements of hobbyists and semi-professional users. The controller module utilizes the latest Estlcam hardware and offers the extended features of the XL terminal adapter. Technical Data: Compatible only with Estlcam version 12.100 or higher. For older Estlcam versions, the ControllerModule Estlcam with Arduino Mega can be used. 3 axes (one axis can be operated with two individual motors for aligning a gantry milling machine via Estlcam) For motors/drivers/power stages with 5V step and direction signals 16 inputs 8 outputs 7 analog inputs, e.g. for temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc. Pulse measurement, e.g. for flow sensors... Use of the original Estlcam Mini-Din handwheel or OCS2 handwheel Connection to PC via galvanically isolated USB-C port Protects the computer from short circuits Increased stability and interference suppression of the connection Spindle on/off Spindle speed control (0–5V, 0–10V, or 5V PWM) Optional: driver enable can be switched via an Estlcam output Supports the following external control elements: Handwheel / encoder Motor start button Program start button OK button (for zeroing the axes) Feedrate potentiometer (machine speed) Rotation speed potentiometer (spindle speed) Joystick for easy manual movement Additional functions directly on the ControllerModule 7 analog inputs 3 × resistance measurement (labeled 1R, 2R, 3R) 2 × 0–20mA current measurement (labeled 4I, 5I) 2 × 0–10V voltage measurement (labeled 6U, 7U) Connection for the original Estlcam handwheel via Mini-Din socket 5V step signal for a stepper driver This output generates precisely timed pulses, e.g. for mist cooling with injector valves or central lubrication with magnetic pumps. Frequency/pulse counting input (5V TTL) e.g. for monitoring spindle coolant flow using a turbine flow meter. Scope of Delivery: ControllerModule with all bootloaders and firmware preinstalled Required for operation OCS2 Mainboard or OCS2 Mainboard Mini Further Links Documentation Configuration example with an MPCNC
Note on the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2The OCS2 Mainboard and OCS2 Mini are currently not being restocked. I am developing a new version, expected in 2027. Until then, the boards are available only while stock lasts.Welcome to the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2 Mainboard Mini. The OPEN-CNC-Shield 2 Mini is the compact and cost-efficient evolution of the successful OPEN-CNC-Shield 2. Despite its smaller size, it offers extensive features and is fully compatible with all controller and panel modules of its larger counterpart. With a built-in ESP32 and identical firmware, all advanced functions remain available. The shield is ideal for hobby and semi-professional use. Connections are available for the following modules: 1 x Controller Module (e.g., for Arduino Mega - Estlcam) 1 x Panel Module for connecting an external control panel Technical Data: Board power supply: 12–32V (recommended 24V) - 1A Maximum number of axes: 5 (may vary depending on controller) Axes can be linked, e.g., MPCNC - 2 x X-axis and 2 x Y-axis All Step and Dir signals are buffered and can supply up to 25mA Spindle connection 0–10V, 0–5V or PWM for e.g. laser Spindle On/Off connection for an external relay Number of inputs: 8 (may vary depending on In/Out module) Number of outputs: 6 (may vary depending on In/Out module) Interface for external control elements – joystick, feed, start/stop, etc. (may vary depending on controller) Integrated ESP32 with the latest firmware and multiple functions Auto-squaring Read onboard temperature sensor Read external temperature sensor Wireless control panel Control panel via serial communication Scope of delivery: Mainboard Spacers and screws for mounting Jumper plugs Further links: Documentation Software Web Installer
This In/Out Module is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x. Up to two of these modules can be connected to the mainboard. Technical Specifications: Number of inputs: 8 Number of outputs: 4 Maximum output current: 500 mA per output Output voltage selectable between 5V, board input voltage, or user-supplied external voltage Inputs can switch with either GND or 5–24V — both PNP and NPN sensors are supported Scope of Delivery: InOut Module Jumper connectors Further Links: Documentation
This ControllerModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x and provides the option to switch between two different ControllerModules. This adapter is mounted on the controller module slot of the OCS2 and provides space for two additional modules. This allows two different controller modules to be operated on one OCS2. A switch on the dual adapter makes it easy to toggle between the two modules. However, note that the machine can only be controlled by one module at a time. A practical example would be using the FluidNC controller module for laser applications while the Estlcam controller module is used for milling operations. Overview Use of two ControllerModules without replugging Switch which module is active with a toggle switch The following signals are switched/disconnected: STEP and DIR for all 6 axes Spindle on/off Spindle PWM All 8 outputs The following signals are present on both ControllerModules (generally all input signals): Input 1–16 Encoder A/B Motor Start (control panel) Program Start (control panel) OK button (control panel) Feedrate (control panel) Rotation Speed (control panel) Joystick X/Y/Z (control panel) Selection X/Y/Z (control panel) Speed 1/2 (control panel) ENA/Enable of motor drivers ALARM_ALL of motor drivers I2C from ESP32 Compatibility: Not all combinations of controllers and configurations have been tested. Please refer to the notes in the documentation regarding compatibility! Scope of delivery: ControllerModule Dual Adapter 6 x M3 screws 6 x M3 nuts 4 x spacers 2 x 3D printed brackets Required for operation: An additional ControllerModule to control the CNC Further links Documentation Blog post YouTube video 3D print files for brackets
This ControllerModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x for operation with GRBL. Technical Specifications: 5 inputs 3 outputs 3 axes (axes on the mainboard can be paired, e.g. two X-axes) Spindle On/Off Spindle speed (0–5V, 0–10V, or 5V PWM) Support for the following external control elements: Motor Start button (GRBL “feed hold” – repurposed) Program Start button (GRBL “cycle start”) OK button (GRBL “reset” – repurposed) Pinout for free Arduino Mega pins Scope of Delivery: ControllerModule Additionally Required for Operation: Arduino Mega 2560 OCS2 Mainboard PCB Further Links Documentation
The “Table Router Shield” is designed for the fully automatic height control of an under-table router. An ESP32 is used to control its functions. In fact, its application is not limited to a router table — it can be used for any setup where a stepper motor needs to be moved. Functions: Slot for an ESP32 with dual-core functionality, allowing independent control of the stepper motor and the display Slot for a plug-in driver in Pololu design (e.g., DRV8825, A4988, or the ultra-quiet TMC2209) Connections for using external drivers when the motor requires more power Analog 0–10V output for spindle speed control Connector for an I2C display Connector for an encoder Connectors for endstops (upper limit, lower limit, and tool length measurement) 12V output, e.g., for an external stepper motor driver 5V output, e.g., for LEDs in switches All inputs and outputs feature LEDs to indicate the current activation state Reverse polarity protection on the 12V input Self-resetting fuses in case of short circuits Pinout available for implementing additional functions Button/Switch connections for: Tool change Tool length measurement OK button to move to the target position Mode button to switch to direct mode (axis moves directly when the encoder is turned) Turning the spindle on/off Potentiometer for adjusting spindle speed Scope of Delivery Fully assembled Table Router Shield Additionally Required for Operation ESP32 Devkit Doit1 Further Links Table Router Shield Documentation Blog post: Router Table – Table Saw Combination Changelog / Firmware etc.
This PanelModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.This module provides a SUB-D25 connector for external control elements. Scope of Delivery: PanelModule Further Links: Documentation
This ControllerModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x for operation with GRBL. Technical Specifications: 5 inputs 3 outputs 3 axes (axes on the mainboard can be paired, e.g. two X-axes) Spindle On/Off Spindle speed (0–5V, 0–10V, or 5V PWM) Support for the following external control elements: Motor Start button (GRBL “feed hold” – repurposed) Program Start button (GRBL “cycle start”) OK button (GRBL “reset” – repurposed) Pinout for free Arduino Uno pins Scope of Delivery: ControllerModule Additionally Required for Operation: OCS2 Mainboard PCB An Arduino Uno Further Links Documentation
This adapter is designed for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.The adapter board can be plugged directly into the PanelModule connector of the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2 using the included ribbon cable. This allows the reuse of control elements from the OPEN-CNC-Shield 1, such as the Wireless Control or the Extension Panel. Note: Not all functions of the OCS1 are available. Available Connections: Encoder Joystick X, Y, Z Feedrate – feed speed Rotation Speed – spindle speed Program Start Motor Start OK Selection X, Y, Z Speed 1, Speed 2 ENA – enable drivers Autosquare Scope of Delivery: D-SUB37 to PanelModule Adapter Ribbon cable 10 cm Further Links: Wireless Control Documentation Extension Panel Documentation
This ControllerModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x for use with WinPC NC. Technical Specifications: 4 axes 10 inputs 5 outputs Connection to PC via USB WinPC generally supports external handwheels via USB connection to the computer, making them independent of the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2 Spindle speed control: 0–5V, 0–10V, or 5V PWM Spindle On/Off connection for switching a relay or frequency converter Scope of Delivery: ControllerModule 2 x 30 cm D-SUB25 connection cables for WinPC NC USB controller Additionally Required for Operation: WinPC NC USB controller OCS2 Mainboard PCB Further Links Documentation
This ControllerModule is an expansion board for the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2.x designed for use with Beamicon boards. It supports both the Micropod and the CncPod2 boards from Beamicon. Since the functionality of these two boards differs significantly, the following sections describe each separately. Technical Specifications – CncPod2 Up to 6 axes 9 inputs 8 outputs Connection to PC via RJ45 – LAN Beamicon generally supports external handwheels via USB/RJ45 connection to the computer, making them independent of the OPEN-CNC-Shield 2 Spindle speed control: 0–5V, 0–10V, or 5V PWM Spindle On/Off connection for switching a relay or frequency converter Technical Specifications – Micropod Up to 4 axes 6 inputs 2 outputs Connection to PC via RJ45 – LAN Beamicon generally supports external handwheels via USB/RJ45 connection to the computer, making them independent of the OPEN-CNC-Shield Spindle speed control: 0–5V, 0–10V, or 5V PWM Spindle On/Off connection for switching a relay or frequency converter Scope of Delivery: ControllerModule 2-pin screw connector 4 x spacer bolts 10 cm 2x25-pin IDC cable Additionally Required for Operation: Beamicon CncPod2 or Micropod OCS2 Mainboard PCB Further Links Documentation Video Tutorial