The new revised version 1.4 also known as revC has been finally released in January 2025 and addresses the previous issues with the first version.
Nitehawk-36 by LDO is a USB toolboard featuring RP2040 MCU, TMC2209 stepper drive, ADXL345 accelerometer, and built-in USB HUB.
Since it’s a USB based connection board it’s very simple and easy to setup compared to CAN toolboards.
There is only one cable from the toolhead to the raspberry pi.
This is the first toolhead PCB we offer at our store with a built-in USB hub. This integrated USB Expansion Hub allows the user to connect a secondary USB device directly connected to the toolhead. This means you can effortlessly connect a Beacon 3D surface scanner or any other USB devices directly to the toolhead.
Rated up to 65ºc in closed chambers.

Starting on the 25/March/2025

We now include in all orders the umbilical cable fully over molded.

Features

• Convenient wiring, no more complicated and error prone breakout cables – nitehawk only requires 24V power and a USB connector to the RPI host.
• USB Klipper connection, no additional software or hardware setup compared to CAN.
• Secondary USB port, an onboard USB port allows you to connect a second USB device to your toolhead without running any additional umbilical cable.
• Custom toolhead cable, a single combined USB data and power cable rated for drag chain use, but can also be used in umbilical configuration.
• Convenient Input Shaping, run input shaper calibration at anytime with an onboard accelerometer.
• Tacho enabled HEF, the hotend fan port is three pin tachometer compatible, allowing for additional diagnostics and safety.

Major Differences in v1.4 RevC versus previous version RevA

New Toolhead Board:

• The toolhead board has been redesigned with improved functionality while maintaining a layout and size similar to the previous version.
• The RESET and BOOT MODE buttons have been repositioned for easier access.
• A right-angle stepper port connector has been introduced to simplify cable management and make installation more convenient.
• The USB port has been relocated to the top-right corner for better accessibility, while all other connectors remain in their original locations for compatibility with existing setups.

New USB Breakout Board:

• The USB breakout board has been updated with revised circuitry to enhance connection stability across a wider range of wiring setups. Its shape remains unchanged for compatibility.

Additional Always-On Fan Port:

• To address cooling needs, an optional always-on fan port (24V) has been added. This port can be soldered by users to enable active cooling, ensuring better thermal management for demanding applications.

Better Thermal Management:

• The new design features a larger board size, optimized component layout, and an additional heatsink. These improvements reduce operating temperatures, resulting in enhanced stability and prolonged durability under heavy use.

Benefits over CAN

• Easy Firmware Updates: Updating the Nitehawk is as straightforward as flashing a motherboard. Simply press the boot and reset buttons to enter DFU mode and upload the Klipper firmware. No need for canboot / katapult, etc. No need for CAN, U2C, or CAN bridge mode.
• Enhanced Connectivity: Operating over the USB protocol ensures reliable, two-way communication. Unlike CAN, which communicates only one way and can be problematic, USB offers a stable connection for consistent performance.
• Simplified Wiring: The Nitehawk connects to your RPI with a single cable, eliminating the need for cumbersome cable chains with 14 or 16 cables. Enjoy a clean, organized setup that enhances both aesthetics and functionality.
• Improved Performance: Users have reported significant improvements in accuracy and repeatability, particularly with rapid bed probes and end switches. Experience precision like never before.

Why nitehawk36

The Nitehawk 36 is a direct replacement for the EBB36, maintaining a similar size and format. It fits perfectly behind any round pancake stepper motor, making it compatible with Galileo 2, XOL, Stealthburner, Mini Stealthburner, and more. This toolhead will work seamlessly in almost any printer featuring a round pancake stepper motor on the extruder, especially the Voron V2, Voron Trident, and V0.2 models.

• Versatile Voltage Options: Both the parts cooling fan and hotend extruder fan can run at selectable voltages of 5V or 24V.
• Fan Compatibility: The extruder fan accommodates both 2-wire and 3-wire fans with a tachometer (with 3 wire fans it’s possible to detects if the fan is slowly dying and stalling!).
• Built-In Accelerometer: Includes an ADXL345 accelerometer for ressonace purposes
• User-Friendly Connectors: Heater ferrules are standard size (not super thin as EBB36) and it features normal size JST-XH 2.54mm connectors.
• Integrated USB Expansion: The Nitehawk 36 includes a built-in USB Hub / expansion port, allowing you to directly connect devices like the Beacon 3D surface scanner or a nozzle cam.
• Reliable and Safe: A breakout board between the Nitehawk and your Raspberry Pi ensures smooth operation and protects against shorts and malfunctions.
• Convenient Connection: Uses an XT30 connector to link the umbilical cable from the board to the RPI.

Is my Raspberry Pi safe from shorts?

Yes. There is a breakout board between the NH36 and the Raspberry Pi specifically designed to protect your raspeberry agains any shorts or malfunctions.

 

What is included in the package

• Nitehawk-36, this is the main PCB, which houses the MCU, stepper driver, fan drivers, and other circuits.
• Umbilical Cable, this is a custom flex cable that is rated for drag chain use. It delivers 24V power to the main Nitehawk PCB while also carrying USB data.
• USB Adapter, this simple PCB combines 24V power from the power supply and USB data from the Raspberry Pi into a unified connection to the main Nitehawk PCB via the Umbilical cable.
• All connectors and terminal crimps

Description	Quantity
Toolhead PCB	1
USB Adapter PCB	1
USB Umbilical Cable 2.15m	1
USB-A to USB-C Data Cable, 0.4m	1
24V Power Cable	1
USB Hookup Cable	1
Self-Tapping Screw, M2x10	3
Screw, SHCS, M3x8	2
Screw, SHCS, M3x12	4
MicroFit3 style Male Connector, 3x2pin	1
MicroFit3 style Female Crimp Terminal	8
XH2.5 Female Connector, 4pin	1
XH2.5 Female Crimp Terminal	8
PH2.0 Female Connector, 2pin	5
PH2.0 Female Connector, 3pin	3
PH2.0 Female Crimp Terminal	30
Ferrule, 1008	4
Ferrule, 0508	4

What is NOT included in the package

• If you want to connect a USB device to the USB HUB you might need to make a custom cable. We offer a Beacon to Nitehawk36 DIY cable kit

Layout of the new board

Pinout schematics

Klipper Config

## LDO Nitehawk36 Toolboard Partial Config

## *** THINGS TO CHANGE/CHECK: ***
## MCU paths                            [mcu] section
## Thermistor types                     [extruder] sections

## *MAKE SURE* to include this partial config file *AFTER* the main controller config. 
## This will ensure the relavent sections are overwritten by the pin mappings specified here.

[mcu nhk]
##  Obtain definition by "ls -l /dev/serial/by-id/" then unplug to verify
##--------------------------------------------------------------------
serial: /dev/serial/by-id/usb-Klipper_rp2040_E012345678900000-if00
restart_method: command
##--------------------------------------------------------------------

#####################################################################
#   Endstops
#####################################################################
## XES - Toolhead PCB
[stepper_x]
endstop_pin: nhk:gpio13


#####################################################################
#   Filament Sensor
#####################################################################
#[filament_switch_sensor filament_sensor]
#switch_pin: nhk:gpio3
#pause_on_runout: True

#####################################################################
# 	Extruder
#####################################################################
[extruder]
step_pin: nhk:gpio23
dir_pin: nhk:gpio24
enable_pin: !nhk:gpio25
heater_pin: nhk:gpio9
sensor_pin: nhk:gpio29
pullup_resistor: 2200

[tmc2209 extruder]
sense_resistor: 0.100
uart_pin: nhk:gpio0
tx_pin: nhk:gpio1
interpolate: false
run_current: 0.5         #recommend setting is below 0.7

#####################################################################
#   Fans
#####################################################################
## PCF
[fan]
pin: nhk:gpio6


## HEF
[heater_fan hotend_fan]
pin: nhk:gpio5
tachometer_pin: nhk:gpio16
tachometer_ppr: 2

#####################################################################
# 	Probe
#####################################################################
## Probe Port
[probe]
pin: nhk:gpio10

#####################################################################
#   Lights
#####################################################################
##Stealthburner Headlights
[neopixel sb_leds]
pin: nhk:gpio7
chain_count: 3
color_order: GRBW
initial_RED: 0.0
initial_GREEN: 0.0
initial_BLUE: 1.0
initial_WHITE: 0.0

## PCB Activity Light
[output_pin act_led]
pin: !nhk:gpio8

#####################################################################
#   Accelerometer
#####################################################################
[adxl345]
cs_pin: nhk:gpio27
spi_software_sclk_pin: nhk:gpio18
spi_software_mosi_pin: nhk:gpio20
spi_software_miso_pin: nhk:gpio19

[resonance_tester]
accel_chip: adxl345
##--------------------------------------------------------------------
## Uncomment below for 250mm build
#probe_points:
#    125, 125, 20

## Uncomment below for 300mm build
#probe_points:
#    155, 155, 20

## Uncomment below for 350mm build
#probe_points:
#    175, 175, 20

Tacho Macros

## This config file contains macros that can be used in conjuction with tacho-enabled part fans
##
## - PREFLIGHT_CHECK, add this to the beginning of your PRINT_START macro to check your PCF fans. 
##     If either of the fans are malfunctioning, the print job will be cancelled.

[gcode_macro PCF_CHECK]
description: sub-macro of PREFLIGHT CHECK, not intended to be used outside of parent macro
gcode:
  {% if printer.fan.rpm is not none %}
    {% if printer.fan.rpm > 500 %}
      {action_respond_info("Part fan self-test: PASS")}
    {% else %}
      CANCEL_PRINT
      {action_respond_info("Part fan self-test: FAIL!")}
    {% endif %}
  {% endif %}

[gcode_macro PREFLIGHT_CHECK]
description: Use before print startup, checks the part fan for failures
gcode:
  M106 S128 ; turn on the part fan
  G4 P2000  ; wait for the fan to spin up
  M400
  PCF_CHECK ; check part fan speed
  M106 S0   ; turn off the part fan

How to flash nitehawk36 with klipper?

Access to your RPI via ssh with Putty and execute

cd ~/klipper
make clean
make menuconfig

compile firmware

make

Enter DFU Mode, Press and hold both the RESET and BOOT button.
Release the RESET button
Release the BOOT button

 

Check if the board is in DFU mode.

lsusb

Flash board

sudo mount /dev/sda1 /mnt
sudo cp out/klipper.uf2 /mnt
sudo umount /mnt

double check if the nitehawk36 has flashed correctly with with klipper.
It must list a device with the following format: usb-Klipper_rp2040_E012345678900000-if00

cd ~
ls /dev/serial/by-id/*

Does it need new printed parts?

Yes. You can download the custom printed parts for LDO Nitehawk36 here.