EasyDraw EBB Control Board – Pen Plotter Controller

The EasyDraw EBB Control Board is a USB pen plotter controller based on the open-source EiBotBoard (EBB) design. It runs EBB firmware v3.0.3 and works with Inkscape and the AxiDraw extension, so you can plot drawings, handwriting and SVG artwork straight from your computer. No coding needed.

We designed it for our own EasyDraw V3 and V4 pen plotters, and it is a ready-made controller for DIY CoreXY and Cartesian (X/Y) plotter builds. Two removable driver sockets let you use A4988 drivers, or TMC2208 / TMC2209 for near-silent plotting.

Note: stepper drivers are not included.

Key features

• EiBotBoard (EBB) compatible, running EBB firmware v3.0.3
• Compatible with AxiDraw software: Inkscape 1.x + AxiDraw extension
• 2 removable StepStick driver sockets: A4988, TMC2208 or TMC2209
• Near-silent plotting with TMC2208 / TMC2209 drivers
• 12–24 V DC input
• 5 V servo output for pen lift
• Pause and reset buttons
• Firmware updates over USB, no programmer needed
• Compact 54 × 48 mm board

Specifications

Compatibility

• Software: Inkscape 1.x with the AxiDraw extension
• Computers: Windows 10 / 11 and macOS
• Machines: EasyDraw V4, EasyDraw V3, and DIY CoreXY or Cartesian pen plotters with 2 × NEMA 17 motors and a 5 V servo pen lift

Wiring

The product photos include wiring diagrams for EasyDraw V3 (12 V) and EasyDraw V4 (24 V). Connect the USB port to your computer, the power adapter to the barrel jack, the two stepper motors to the JST-XH ports, and the pen-lift servo to the 3-pin S / + / − header.

Stepper driver compatibility

This board has removable driver sockets (standard StepStick footprint), so you can choose the driver that suits you.

Supply voltage: 12 V – 24 V DC. All drivers below are rated for both voltages.

⚠️ TMC2208 / TMC2209 users: keep Resolution on High. On Low, drawings come out half size.

TMC2209 note: on some TMC2209 brands, the board puts the driver in the slightly louder spreadCycle mode. It still draws correctly.

Resolution setting

High is the default, so most users don't need to change anything. If the setting was changed earlier, set it back:

In Inkscape:

1. Go to Extensions → AxiDraw Control.
2. Open the Options tab.
3. Set Resolution to High.
4. Inkscape remembers the setting for future plots.

Command line / Python users: in axidraw_conf.py, set resolution = 1.

Setting the driver current (Vref)

Vref is a small voltage on the driver's potentiometer that sets how much current the motor gets.

✅ Use the same Vref at 12 V and 24 V.

Step 1: find your driver's formula. Check the tiny sense resistor printed near the driver chip.

Step 2: quick reference (Vref in volts)

Use your motor's rated current or a little less. Pen plotters need very little force, so 70–80% of the rated current is plenty and keeps the motors and drivers cooler.

Step 3: measure and adjust

1. Power the board at 12 V or 24 V.
2. Set your multimeter to DC volts. Put the black probe on GND and the red probe on the potentiometer's metal top.
3. Turn the potentiometer slowly with a plastic or ceramic screwdriver and re-measure until you reach the target value.

Safety tips

• ⚠️ Always switch off power before inserting or removing a driver.
• ⚠️ Never unplug a motor while powered. It can destroy the driver.
• Match the EN pin on the driver to the EN marking on the board. Some TMC modules face the opposite way from A4988 modules.
• Fit the heatsinks. Above about 1 A, add a small fan.
• If a motor runs backwards after switching drivers (the drawing comes out mirrored), reverse that motor's plug or swap the two wires of one coil.

What's in the box

• 1 × EasyDraw EBB Control Board

Stepper drivers, motors, servo, USB cable and power adapter are not included.

Warranty and shipping

• Warranty: 3 months, covering manufacturing defects only
• Shipping: ships from India, delivery in 15–25 days

FAQ

Is this an original EiBotBoard?
No. It is an EBB-compatible board designed and made by Maker Q, based on the open-source EiBotBoard design by Brian Schmalz. It runs the standard EBB firmware v3.0.3.

Does it work with AxiDraw software?
Yes. It works with Inkscape 1.x and the AxiDraw extension on Windows 10 / 11 and macOS.

Are stepper drivers included?
No. Fit two A4988, TMC2208 or TMC2209 drivers (StepStick type).

Which power supply do I need?
A 12 V 2 A or 24 V 3 A DC adapter with a 5.5 × 2.1 mm barrel plug.

Can I update the firmware?
Yes, over USB. No PICkit or other programmer is needed.

Will it work with my DIY plotter?
Yes, if your plotter is CoreXY or Cartesian (X/Y) and uses two NEMA 17 stepper motors and a 5 V servo for pen lift.

How can I make my plotter quieter?
Use TMC2208 or TMC2209 drivers and keep Resolution on High.

AxiDraw and Inkscape are trademarks of their respective owners. This board is EBB-compatible and is not made by or affiliated with them.