New
SPI INDEPENDENT MODE ACCESSORY
Give each external TMC5160 its own chip-select route
Plug this compact signal adapter into a compatible PiBot A4988/StepStick socket to route SPI and a dedicated CS line to an external PiBot SilentStep TMC5160 V5.
V5.88 UltraV4.96 Pro3.3 V logicAdapter only
Power off before fitting. This is a signal adapter—not a stepper driver, motor-output board or power converter. The external TMC5160 V5 remains the motor driver.
Designed for independent SPI control
One CS per driver
Independent mode gives each external TMC5160 a dedicated chip-select line for direct FluidNC communication.
Uses the controller socket
The adapter occupies the selected compatible A4988/StepStick position and routes its SPI signals to the external driver connection.
Made for PiBot setups
Use it with V5.88 Ultra or V4.96 Pro when following the documented external TMC5160 V5 SPI Independent configuration.
Compatibility at a glance
Use this adapter for
- V5.88 Ultra — SPI Independent mode
- V4.96 Pro — external SPI Independent mode
- One unique CS line per external driver
- FluidNC drivers configured with
spi_index: -1
You do not need it for
- Normal / Standalone step-dir mode
- SPI Daisy Chain mode
- V5.77 Carrier or V4.7B configurations documented on the PiBot Wiki
Quick installation
Remove power
Disconnect USB and main power before touching the controller, adapter or jumpers.
Disconnect USB and main power before touching the controller, adapter or jumpers.
Select 3.3 V logic
Set the controller SPI logic side and TMC5160 V5 logic selection to 3.3 V.
Set the controller SPI logic side and TMC5160 V5 logic selection to 3.3 V.
Fit the adapter
Insert it into the correct StepStick socket and match the key/orientation shown in the guide.
Insert it into the correct StepStick socket and match the key/orientation shown in the guide.
Wire and verify
Give every driver a unique CS line, load the matching YAML and check communication with
Give every driver a unique CS line, load the matching YAML and check communication with
$MI.Controller connection examples
V5.88 Ultra · SPI Independent mode
V4.96 Pro · SPI Independent mode
FluidNC configuration pattern
tmc_5160: cs_pin: I2SO.3 # example only spi_index: -1 # independent SPI r_sense_ohms: 0.1 run_amps: 1.2 hold_amps: 0.5 microsteps: 16
First-power check
- Recheck orientation, 3.3 V logic, MOSI, MISO, SCK, CS and GND.
- Apply power only after wiring is confirmed.
- Send
$MIin the FluidNC console. - Do not attempt motion unless every expected TMC5160 is detected.
The code above is a configuration pattern, not a machine-ready file. Confirm the pins, current, travel, limits, homing and steps/mm for your machine. PCB or connector colour may vary between production batches.
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