Adafruit
Synthetos gShield (grblShield) V5
The Synthetos gShield (formerly grblShield) V5 is a 3-axis CNC stepper motor driver shield for Arduino. Designed as a complete hardware companion for the grb...
The Synthetos gShield (formerly grblShield) V5 is a 3-axis CNC stepper motor driver shield for Arduino. Designed as a complete hardware companion for the grbl CNC motion control firmware, it turns an Arduino Uno into a capable CNC controller for mills, routers, laser cutters, and other motion-control projects.
Version 5 adds compatibility with the Arduino Due via a power jumper that allows native 3.3V operation, in addition to standard 5V operation with the Uno and other ATmega328P-based boards. Three TI DRV8818 stepper drivers provide reliable, high-current motor control with 8× microstepping.
Key Features
- 3-Axis Stepper Control – X, Y, and Z axes on a single shield
- TI DRV8818 Drivers – Three robust stepper drivers at 2.5A per winding
- 8× Microstepping – Smooth, precise motor movement
- grbl Compatible – Purpose-built for the grbl CNC firmware
- Arduino Uno & Due Support – V5 power jumper for 3.3V or 5V operation
- Open Pin Pass-Through – Access unused Arduino pins for limit switches, spindle control, etc.
Specifications
- Stepper Drivers: 3× TI DRV8818
- Current per Winding: 2.5A
- Microstepping: 8×
- Input Voltage: 12–30V (screw terminal)
- Logic Voltage: 5V (Uno) or 3.3V (Due, via jumper)
- Axes: 3 (X, Y, Z)
Compatibility
- Arduino Uno and ATmega328P-based boards (5V)
- Arduino Due (3.3V via power jumper)
Ideal For
- DIY CNC mills and routers
- Laser cutter and engraver builds
- 3-axis motion control systems
- grbl-based CNC projects
Package Contents
- 1× Synthetos gShield V5
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- ATmega328P
- An 8-bit microcontroller chip used on many Arduino Uno-compatible boards. Knowing the controller uses an ATmega328P helps you understand its memory, speed, pin compatibility, and the Arduino sketches it can run.
- motor driver
- An electronic circuit that lets a low-power controller switch and control a motor that needs more current than the controller pins can safely provide. Checking motor driver support matters because pumps and motors usually cannot be connected directly to a microcontroller output.
- Shield
- An add-on board that plugs into a main controller board to give it extra features such as sensing, motor control or communication. Knowing a product supports shields helps you judge whether it can connect neatly into an existing maker-board setup.
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