<![CDATA[Integrate into a "dock" or bench?]]>Hi, I just learned of the m5 stack system and am excited because it seems I won't need to build and program the UI like I have for prior projects. Just a couple buttons can add days to a prototype!

I envision a testing bench with a core, face, and joystick module.

  • Is it possible to also add the USB module with core and face?
  • Does it go above the face and below the core?
  • USB module also has general IO pins? (I may interface with a stepper motor driver, etc)

This bench it would affix to, I will create and it will hold the face and supply power, too. I have built test benches with chipKIT and ESP32 and wish I have used m5 Stack, which looks like will be my favorite going forward.

Thanks!
Chris

]]>https://community.m5stack.com/topic/1724/integrate-into-a-dock-or-benchRSS for NodeTue, 28 Apr 2026 22:34:09 GMTTue, 25 Feb 2020 22:37:49 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Integrate into a "dock" or bench? on Thu, 27 Feb 2020 01:49:25 GMT]]>@technerdchris yes , USB module go on top of the FACES and under the Core , then stack they together

]]>https://community.m5stack.com/post/7583https://community.m5stack.com/post/7583Thu, 27 Feb 2020 01:49:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Integrate into a "dock" or bench? on Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:43:19 GMT]]>@m5stack does the USB module go on top of the FACES and under the Core?

Yes, I would use an intermediate driver for the stepper itself and use the MCU + USB module to send signals. I mostly assume MCU pins do not do any work beyond to send/receive signals. ESP project above uses 3.3V relay to switch 12VDC. The chipKIT project referenced above uses Sparkfun Easy Driver product. Another application with a more hefty stepper uses "Rugger Circuits" designed Rugged Motor Driver shield.

Thanks,
Chris

]]>https://community.m5stack.com/post/7580https://community.m5stack.com/post/7580Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:43:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Integrate into a "dock" or bench? on Wed, 26 Feb 2020 07:32:17 GMT]]>Yes. You can stack "FACES Bottom + FACSE joystick panel + USB module + Core". The USB module has many IO pins. You can use them to program high or low digital signals. But you are not sure if it has the ability to drive a stepper motor. You can refer to its data sheet for this.

USB Module MAX3421E- datasheet link: https://m5stack.oss-cn-shenzhen.aliyuncs.com/resource/docs/datasheet/module/MAX3421E_en.pdf

]]>https://community.m5stack.com/post/7575https://community.m5stack.com/post/7575Wed, 26 Feb 2020 07:32:17 GMT