if look for a3977 ic you will find lots of info at this web site and also at pminmo.com
look for open source projects.
if you look for something easy to solder, TA8435 from Toshiba it's an alternative.
can find a small board design at
http://www.ottop.republika.pl/sterownik8435.shtml
it's the same ic used by Nanotec-(IMT901)
all drives need power supply, and mainly STEP and DIR info.
it all depends on how easy to find components at your place.