LDO Nitehawk-36 Toolhead Board

Its real value goes beyond simply consolidating interfaces - it transforms what is typically a messy, error-prone wiring process into a clean, well-organized system. On the toolhead side, you only need to connect 24V power and a USB connection to your Klipper host. The onboard accelerometer enables Input Shaping, while the secondary USB port allows you to connect additional devices such as a nozzle camera or eddy current probe.

Key Highlights

• Cleaner Wiring: eliminates complex breakout harnessing for a neater, more intuitive installation.
• Easier Setup: Uses a USB-based Klipper connection, avoiding the extra hardware or software setup commonly required by CAN toolboards.
• More Flexible Expansion: onboard secondary USB support allows accessories like a nozzle camera or an eddy current probe.
• Faster Tuning: Integrated ADXL345 accelerometer makes Input Shaping quick and straightforward to implement.
• Better Monitoring: The hotend fan header supports tachometer feedback for easier fan monitoring and protection.

Compatible with a wide range of toolhead setups

Compatibility with the Nitehawk-36 depends mainly on your toolhead design, extruder choice, and mounting solution. The following setups have been officially tested and validated:

the Universal Mount (for rear-mounted 36 mm pancake motors)

• Orbiter 2
• Xol + O2
• Galileo Standalone / WWG2
• StealthChanger PCB36
• LGX Lite / LGX Lite V2
• Mini StealthBurner (Voron 0)
• Sherpa Micro
• Jabberwocky
• Anthead

Supported interfaces include:

• Extruder motor
• Filament runout sensor (switch-type only)
• Probe (configurable for 5V or 24V)
• X endstop (switch-type only)
• Part cooling fan (configurable for 5V or 24V)
• Hotend fan (configurable for 5V or 24V)
• Neopixel
• Heater cartridge
• Thermistor
• Secondary USB expansion port

Simple to install, easy to maintain

The Nitehawk system consists of three main parts: the toolboard, the USB umbilical cable, and the USB adapter. During installation, the USB adapter combines 24V power from the PSU with USB data from your Klipper host, such as a Raspberry Pi, and delivers both to the toolboard via the umbilical cable.  The Nitehawk 36 comes preloaded with Katapult and Klipper, so in most cases you only need to complete the wiring and follow the standard setup steps.

Useful resources:

LDO Docs

GitHub

Continuously refined—built not just to work, but to last

In January 2025, LDO released the Nitehawk-36 Rev. C update. This revision focused on improving connection stability over earlier versions and introduced several practical enhancements, including:

• A revised board layout
• Easier access to the RESET and BOOT buttons
• A right-angle stepper connector
• Improved USB port placement
• · An optional always-on 24V fan header
• · Better thermal management
• · An updated USB adapter circuit

LDO later followed up with Rev. C+, which adds mounting ears for a more secure and stable installation.

 FAQ

Q: How is Nitehawk 36 different from common CAN-based toolboards?

A: It uses a USB-based Klipper connection. Compared with CAN solutions, the setup path is more straightforward — no extra hardware or software configuration is required.

Q: Can I connect additional USB devices?

A: Yes. The Nitehawk 36 includes a secondary USB port , allowing you to connect accessories such as a nozzle camera or an eddy current probe.

Q: What connectors and interfaces does it support?

A: It supports a wide range of standard toolhead connections, including a pluggable motor connector, filament runout sensor, probe, X endstop, part cooling fan, hotend fan, Neopixel, heater, and thermistor.

Q: Can I connect both a filament sensor and an endstop directly?

A: Yes, but please note that both the filament runout sensor and X endstop are designed for switch‑type sensors only.

Q: Can it be used inside a heated enclosure?

A: Official testing shows it can operate in enclosure temperatures up to 65°C. Actual operating temperature will depend on factors such as motor current, heater power, chamber airflow, and active cooling.

Q: Why should I pay attention to cooling?

A: Because the board temperature is affected by stepper current, heater output, and enclosure conditions. If you plan to run higher currents, additional cooling may be necessary.