Developing a Raspberry Pi Pico-based I/O Board for LinuxCNC

Prototype boards arrived.

Houston, we have a problem, i ordered the io port expander (mcp23017) in wrong package so28 instead of ssop28, and the zener diodes is missing from the order, and i missed the i2c port pullup resistors from the design this need a littlebit of workaround, but the outputs are working now (tbd 62783). Tested with 5v and 24v without load, i messed up 1 of the w5100s-evb-pico-s usb port by pulling the whole microusb inside out but now this programmed trough the SWD debug port, the positive side is i do not need to printing debug info in the usb serial port.

i think i finished the prototype stage, all of the prototype faults are corrected, pcb updated, Linuxcnc HAL Driver finished with safety mechanism (watchdog + jump code checksum, (also in the pico)), added optional lcd connector(128x64 sh1106) to the pcb, python library is ready for other uses (experimenting, remote io, etc....)

 

Dear Community,

I’m excited to share io-samurai, an open-source, budget-friendly interface for LinuxCNC and remote I/O projects, built from the ground up for makers like you! I’ve been working hard on this project, and I’m thrilled to announce that once the first batch of final PCBs arrives and I’ve thoroughly tested them, I’ll be releasing the full project on GitHub under the MIT License. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:
What is io-samurai?
io-samurai is a versatile platform for CNC control and remote I/O, powered by Raspberry Pi Pico/Pico 2 and W5100S/W5500-Lite Ethernet modules. Key features:

    16 inputs (20–50 V, MCP23017, I2C) with Zener protection.
    8 high-current outputs (50 V, 500 mA, TD62783-driven, MCP23008-controlled).
    Single analog inputs (10 kΩ potentiometer, 0–3.3 V, GP26).
    40 MHz SPI (~6000 Hz burst) for fast Ethernet communication.
    Optional SH1106 OLED for I/O status and IP display.
    LinuxCNC uspace HAL driver (compiled with halcompile, .so), with safety features like timeout and data checks.
    Python library for automation and remote I/O.

It’s perfect for LinuxCNC users, but also great for IoT, home automation, or any project where you want to experiment with hardware and software.
Current Status
I’ve invested $268 into prototyping, and the first five final PCBs are on their way (~$40–50 each). Once the PCBs arrive and pass testing, I’ll publish the project on GitHub, including:

    Firmware: Pico/Pico 2 code with Wiznet’s ioLibrary_Driver (MIT licensed).
    HAL Driver: Uspace .so for LinuxCNC, with full setup guide.
    Hardware: Gerber files for PCB manufacturing (e.g., JLCPCB, PCBWay).
    Documentation: Detailed pinout.md, setup-guide.md, and io-samurai-manual.pdf.
    Python Library: For remote I/O and automation.

The GitHub repo (github.com/atrex66/io-samurai) is ready to go live under the MIT License, ensuring everyone can use, modify, and contribute to the project.
Get Involved!
I’m passionate about making io-samurai accessible to the LinuxCNC and maker communities. Here’s how you can join the journey:

    GitHub: Follow the repo for the upcoming release (github.com/atrex66/io-samurai).
    X: Follow updates and share your thoughts: @aTrEx77.

What’s Next?

    PCB Testing: Validate the final boards with W5500-Lite, MCP23017, MCP23008, and 10 kΩ potentiometer.
    GitHub Release: Share all code, docs, and Gerber files under MIT License.
    Roadmap: Mach3 driver, FPGA-based step generator, (~$150 full CNC or HMI control with display and pi Zero 2W).

I’d love to hear your feedback or ideas for io-samurai in LinuxCNC setups! What features would you like to see? Let’s build something awesome together. Built with ❤️ in Hungary.

Cheers,
Zsolt Viola

Patreon: Support development for early firmware access, technical posts, or consultations ($5–$30/month)
Patreon link ( #)