Carbide 3D BitRunner User manual

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BitRunner Quick-Start Guide
The Carbide 3D BitRunner automates your
router’s on/off functionality in Carbide
Motion. No more reaching into the working
envelope with a moving end mill. Power
down your router with the touch of a button
from your computer to perform tool changes
quickly and safely.
Use the BitRunner in conjunction with the
BitSetter and BitZero to automate your
cutting process even more.
BitRunner Kit
Item
Description
Qty
Note
A
BitRunner
1
BitRunner enclosure and attached power cords
B
Communications Cable
1
Gray 6-pin male-to-female extension cable
C
Mounting Hardware
2
M6 x 12mm button head cap screws
Kit Option 1:
Description
Qty
Note
Carbide Motion Board with BitRunner Connector
1
BitRunner connector already installed (not pictured)
Cover for Carbide Motion Enclosure
1
Replacement for existing cover (not pictured)
Kit Option 2:
Description
Qty
Note
BitRunner Connector
1
Must be soldered to current Carbide Motion board
(not pictured)
Cover for Carbide Motion Enclosure
1
Replacement for existing cover (not pictured)
Which Shapeoko Model Do You Have?
Figure 1

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Installation procedures differ for older and newer versions of Shapeoko XXL, XL, and 3. Models that shipped
prior to the addition of the Z-Plus (our latest X/Z-axis carriage) in late 2019 require an upgrade to the Carbide
Motion board, its enclosure cover, and the Y-axis right aluminum extrusion rail (Y2-rail).
Models that shipped with the Z-Plus as standard equipment are ready for BitRunner right out of the box—no
modifications needed. They come standard with an upgraded Carbide Motion board, enclosure cover, and a
Y2-rail that is tapped and ready to mount the BitRunner with the included hardware.
This guide will show you how to install BitRunner on both newer and older versions of the Shapeoko. If you
run into any problems along the way, please send us an email at [e-mail] and we will get
you back on track.
Install the BitRunner
Attach BitRunner to Y2-Rail: Newer Models With Z-Plus
The BitRunner attaches to the two M6 holes
on the outside of the Y2-rail, with the switch
and LED on TOP, and the power cords to the
REAR. See Figure 2.
1. Use a 4mm hex key and the two (2)
provided M6x12mm button head cap
screws to secure the BitRunner to the
Y2-rail as described above and shown
in Figure 2.
New models include an upgraded Carbide
Motion board and enclosure. You can jump
directly to the Connect the Communications
Cable section for instructions on how to
connect the BitRunner to the Carbide Motion
board.
Attach BitRunner to Y2-Rail:
Older Models (Pre-Z-Plus)
Similar to the newer models, the BitRunner attaches to the outside of the Y2-rail with the switch and LED on
TOP, and the power cords to the REAR. See Figure 2. There are two methods for attaching the BitRunner to
the Y2-rail: taping or tapping. Choose the one that works best for you based on your comfort level and
experience.
Figure 2

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Method 1: VHB Tape (Not Included)
Use a high-quality, double-sided, multi-purpose acrylic tape, with a service temperature of up to 200F, such
as 3M Scotch RP45 VHB Tape.
1. Clean the back of the BitRunner enclosure AND the outside of the Y2-rail (roughly in the center) with
rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits. Both must be free from contaminates for maximum adhesion.
2. Apply two strips of VHB tape lengthwise to the back of the BitRunner: one across the top and bottom.
3. Peel the backing from the VHB tape, position the BitRunner with the LED on TOP, and adhere it
squarely to the center of the Y2-rail.
4. Apply a set of clamps to the BitRunner, ensuring even pressure across the face.
5. Leave clamps in place for at least 15 minutes.
Method 2: Drill / Tap
1. Hold the notched-side of the BitRunner squarely against the outside of the Y2-rail (roughly in the
center) and use it as a template to locate the position of the tap holes.
2. Use a center punch or transfer punch to mark the Y2-rail at the center of each notch. The center-to-
center distance between mounting holes is 6.10" (155mm).
3. Use a 5mm drill bit for the tap hole and an M6 tap to form the threads. Be sure to drill all the way
through the outer wall of the extrusion and into the cavity.
4. Use a 4mm hex key and two (2) M6x12mm button head cap screws (included) to secure the
BitRunner to the Y2-rail with the LED on TOP.
Carbide Motion Board and Enclosure Upgrade
For late 2019 and earlier Shapeoko models (pre-Z-Plus), there are two options for upgrading the Carbide
Motion board. The option you choose will depend on which BitRunner Kit you ordered.
Option 1 is a complete replacement of the Carbide Motion board and enclosure cover. Option 2 is a
modification to the existing Carbide Motion board and a replacement of the enclosure cover.
PRO TIP: A good mark from the center punch will prevent your drill bit straying from its mark. Pre-drill your
tap hole with a 3mm bit first, then step up to the 5mm bit.
NOTE: VHB tape is pressure activated. To permanently bond to the extrusion rail, you must use clamps.
WARNING: The “Carbide Motion board” is the printed circuit board (PCB) that shipped with your Shapeoko.
It is located in the black enclosure attached to the Y1-rail (Shapeoko XXL & XL) or the X-rail (Shapeoko 3).
Do not confuse it with the BitRunner’s PCB. Do not open the BitRunner or modify its PCB in any way.

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Both options require the removal of the Carbide Motion board enclosure from the Y1-rail and the removal of
the Carbide Motion board from the enclosure.
Carbide Motion Board Removal
1. Turn off and unplug your Shapeoko.
2. Disconnect the USB and power cables from the Carbide Motion board (located on the Y1-rail).
3. Remove the cover from the Carbide Motion board’s enclosure and disconnect the three (3)
homing/proximity switch cables and four (4) stepper motor extension cables.
4. Use a 4mm hex key to remove the enclosure from the Y1-rail.
5. Use an SAE 3/32-inch hex key to remove the four (4) socket head cap screws in the corners of the
Carbide Motion board.
The Carbide Motion board is taped to the enclosure and will need to be gently pried away.
6. Gently pry the board away from the
enclosure with your fingers. Pry from the
FRONT end (opposite the USB and power
ports) as shown in Figure 3. If you’re
having trouble getting the board out, use
an ESD flat head screwdriver or suitable
implement to gently pry away. Do not
remove the old thermal tape unless
instructed to do so.
Option 1: Carbide Motion Board
Replacement
Kit Option 1 includes a new Carbide Motion
board with integrated BitRunner connector.
To replace the Carbide Motion board:
1. Remove the old thermal tape from the enclosure’s aluminum heat-sink.
Figure 3

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2. Peel the backing from the new tape on
the back of the new Carbide Motion
board.
3. Insert the USB/power end of the board
into the enclosure first. The USB and
power ports will slightly protrude from
the BACK (left) of the enclosure. The
6-pin BitRunner connector protrudes
from the FRONT (right). See Figure 4.
4. Use an SAE 3/32-inch hex key and the four
(4) existing socket head cap screws to
secure the new Carbide motion board to
the enclosure.
5. Use a 4mm hex key and two (2)
M6x12mm button head cap screws to
attach the Carbide Motion board enclosure to the Y1-rail with the USB and power ports at the BACK
and the 6-pin BitRunner connector at the FRONT.
6. Reconnect the three (3) homing/proximity switch cables and four (4) stepper motor extension cables.
7. Install the new enclosure cover included in the BitRunner kit and secure with existing hardware.
8. Reconnect the power and USB cables at the rear of the Carbide Motion board.
Figure 4
WARNING: The new 6-pin BitRunner connector protrudes from the front of the Carbide Motion board
enclosure. When installing the new cover, place it carefully over the BitRunner connector first, then bring it
down over the USB and power ports. If you should ever need to remove the cover, pry it open from the
USB/power end first, then open like a book to avoid damaging the Bitrunner connector.

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Option 2: Carbide Motion Board Modification
Kit Option 2 includes a 6-pin BitRunner
connector which needs to be soldered onto
your existing Carbide Motion board. Use best
practices when soldering onto the PCB.
To modify the Carbide Motion board:
1. Solder the male 6-pin BitRunner
connector to the board. Insert the
connector’s alignment peg and six (6)
solder pins into the six available thru-
holes on the right edge of the board. See
Figure 5. The connector points away
from the enclosure (toward the FRONT
of the machine).
2. Re-insert the modified board,
USB/power end first, into the enclosure.
The USB and power ports will slightly
protrude from the BACK (left) of the enclosure. The 6-pin BitRunner connector protrudes from the
FRONT (right).
3. Use an SAE 3/32-inch hex key and the four (4) existing socket head cap screws to secure the modified
Carbide Motion board to the enclosure.
4. Use a 4mm hex key and two (2) M6x12mm button head cap screws to attach the enclosure to the
Y1-rail with the USB and power ports at the BACK and the 6-pin BitRunner connector at the FRONT.
5. Reconnect the three (3) homing/proximity switch cables and four (4) stepper motor extension cables.
6. Install the new enclosure cover included in the BitRunner kit and secure with existing hardware.
7. Reconnect the power and USB cables at the rear of the Carbide Motion board.
Figure 5
WARNING: The new 6-pin BitRunner connector protrudes from the front of the Carbide Motion board
enclosure. When installing the new cover, place it carefully over the BitRunner connector first, then bring it
down over the USB and power ports. If you should ever need to remove the cover, pry it open from the
USB/power end first, then open like a book to avoid damaging the Bitrunner connector.

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Connect the Communications Cable
Routing the Communications Cable
The communications cable has a MALE and a FEMALE connector. The male end of the cable connects to the
BitRunner (on the Y2-rail) and the female end connects into the Carbide Motion board (on the Y1-rail). The
cable can be routed across the machine one of two ways:
•Directly under the machine.
•Through the gap between the MDF baseplate
and the front OR rear endplate.
Connect the Male End to the BitRunner
The MALE end of the communications cable connects to
the front of the BitRunner on the Y2-rail. It has a plastic
latch on one side to secure it in place. Each of the six
prongs of the connector are molded to fit into the
BitRunner in only ONE WAY.
1. Plug the male end of the cable into the BitRunner
with the plastic latch facing OUT (AWAY from the
Y2-rail). See Figure 6. Make sure the plug is fully
seated. You will hear the latch click into place.
Connect the Female End to the Carbide Motion Board
The FEMALE end of the communications cable connects
to the Carbide Motion board on the Y1-rail. There is a
small triangular-shaped peg on one side, towards the
end of the connector, which you can feel with your
fingers. Like the male end, this connector is molded to fit
into the Carbide Motion Board in only ONE WAY.
1. Plug the female end of the cable into the
BitRunner connector protruding from the
Carbide Motion board, with the small triangular
peg facing OUT (AWAY from the Y1-Rail). See
Figure 7. Press in and down to get the plug to
seat fully.
Figure 6
Figure 7
WARNING: Use CAUTION when plugging in the communications cable. The connectors are polarized and MUST be
inserted properly. Failure to do so, will ruin both the Carbide Motion board and the BitRunner.
NOTE: Avoid kinking the cable and ensure it will not
be snagged or pinched by any moving parts. Bundle
any excess cable and secure with a cable tie.

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Connect to the Router and Power
1. Plug the spindle/router power cord into the BitRunner.
2. Plug the BitRunner power cord into a wall outlet.
Upgrade Carbide Motion (If Necessary)
If your kit contains a new Carbide Motion board, you need at least Carbide Motion 4. Check for the build
number in the bottom-left corner of Carbide Motion—build numbers higher than 400 do not need to be
upgraded. If you have an older version of Carbide Motion, to upgrade your software, download the updated
version from: carbide3d.com/carbidemotion/download and install it to your computer.
How to Use the BitRunner
Power Switch Options
The BitRunner power switch has three (3) positions
(see Figure 8):
1. Left (Forward): Auto On/Off, the LED is green
or red. The G-code (or absence thereof)
determines when BitRunner cuts or supplies
power to the router. If there is no G-code/.nc
file being executed in Carbide Motion, then no
power is supplied to the router. When G-code
is being executed in Carbide Motion, the
commands will determine if power is on or off.
a. An M3 S command of 1000 or greater
(1000 is the RPM) automatically turns
the router on. M3 S2800 is an example M3 S command. Alternately, you might see commands
written like this: M3S2800.
b. An M5 command turns the router off.
c. An M6 command indicates a tool change.
2. Middle: Always Off, the LED is red. Power is cut to the router.
3. Right (Rear): Always On, the LED is green. Power is supplied to the router.
Figure 8
NOTE: If you experience any problems with your BitRunner, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Just send an
email to us at: [e-mail] and we’ll get you taken care of ASAP.

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Install an End Mill
1. Slide the BitRunner power switch to the OFF position (middle).
2. Flip the power switch on the router to the OFF position.
3. Install the end mill.
Run the G-code
1. Slide the BitRunner’s power switch to the Auto position (left/forward).
2. Flip the power switch on the router to the ON position.
3. Load the G-code (.nc file) in Carbide Motion. The G-code instructs BitRunner to automatically supply
power to the spindle when appropriate. The G-code also triggers alert boxes to open in Carbide
Motion which provide you with information about changes you need to make to the router RPM and
end mills.
Perform Tool Changes
1. When the G-code reaches a tool-change command, M6, Carbide Motion will pause the job, cut
power to the router, and alert you that it’s time to change the tool.
2. For safety, flip the power switch on the router to the OFF position and slide the power switch on the
BitRunner to the OFF position.
3. Change the end mill.
4. Flip the power switch on the router to the ON position and slide the BitRunner’s power switch to the
Auto position.
5. In Carbide Motion, click the Resume button to resume cutting. Carbide Motion will continue cutting
until it’s time to perform another tool change, load the next G-code file, or until the project is done.
NOTE: If you're using Carbide Create to design your project, all of the G-code commands for tool change and
spindle control are baked in; so, there’s no need to change anything.
WARNING: For safety, it is best practice when installing or changing out an end mill, to completely power OFF
the BitRunner and the router, via their respective power switches.