I'm running a Stepmasternc system and have an NCstep.de system and a programmable driver from electrozoneuk and also have just purchased a 12nm 3 axis kit from Motion control products to replace the NCstep kit which is going to be moved onto a wood router.

Thoughts so far are that the Stepmaster is very easy to set up and figure out with clear concise instructions and simply works.

The NCstep system has given me some problems with the IC's letting out magic smoke and at £40 a time to replace all the parts (I have no way to test individual IC so just change them all) I had this system built into a computer case but with the regularity that it "lets go" I moved it out into it's original case as it's easier to swap the busted bits :( From asking a few questions here and there it seems that maybe if I use some thermal paste or pads it may cure this :shrug: I wouldn't use one of these kits again.

The electrozone driver is used to power a rotary camera mount and is able to be programmed to move any number of steps forward then back and accepts Lpt step/dir signals plus momentary switches but is unsuitable for CNC really as it has no holding torque.
I would recommend one of these for a cctv PTZ control as it's easy to hook up to a home made joystick and very smooth.

The MCP kit I have just started wiring/mounting and first impressions are "how to mount the BOB" it has no holes for mounting so I "binned" it :D and used a stepmaster one I had kicking around.It came setup for the motors which is one less thing to wonder about (always check though) Current adjustment is performed by altering switches which I find easier than measuring voltages on tiny hidden pads or pins on IC's, One thing that struck me is the size and weight of the motors :eek: they is big!! and I don't think I'll need to run a reduction with these puppies(they are replacing 1.8nm motors which wouldn't move the table when directly coupled and would stall at any decent feedrate in any metal). Drivers are fan cooled and are quite large compared to others although I haven't looked inside to see if there's a lot of airspace :) . No instructions are provided with the kit so it's online for manuals from MCP and Leadshine who make the unit's and so far they are very good as far as explaining the different modes of operation and how to wire it all.

I'll add my thoughts regarding this kit once it's up and running the mill.


So come on fess up what kit you're using to make things move.

That’s some serious power you have there:) ; hope you don’t get problems with rotor inertia. Btw what mill do you have? The bob board fixes via the two nuts either side of the cable plug to the side of your enclosure.

I also use drives from MCP ltd; namely 4 MSD556’s and 1 MSD980. Stepper motors also came from them. The MSD556’s have been running for very nearly two years now; one drive developed a fault but was quickly exchanged for a new one. I have been using them at very near their max rating and found no need for active cooling (a fan) as they run very cool. All in all I am very happy with the service offered, the quality of product and price so would recommend these drives to others.

John

That’s some serious power you have there:) ; hope you don’t get problems with rotor inertia. Btw what mill do you have? The bob board fixes via the two nuts either side of the cable plug to the side of your enclosure.

I also use drives from MCP ltd; namely 4 MSD556’s and 1 MSD980. Stepper motors also came from them. The MSD556’s have been running for very nearly two years now; one drive developed a fault but was quickly exchanged for a new one. I have been using them at very near their max rating and found no need for active cooling (a fan) as they run very cool. All in all I am very happy with the service offered, the quality of product and price so would recommend these drives to others.

John I have the "silly" round column Warco Major GH As for power the previous 1.8nm 4.2A motors and 4A drivers "Converting a large lathe or a bridgeport mill is not uncommon for these drivers" just couldn't cope :shrug: Today I had the time to finish wiring one of the bobs and had a little "play" with the motors....WOW these are powerful beasties 12nm :D :yay: I had to turn down the current from the "as delivered" settings (7.8A) to 4.26A and now they are cool to the touch. I'm a happy bunny :) Acceleration and deceleration is very smooth (thanks to Mach3) I don't think you can have too much power when machining metal and hopefully this new kit will get the job done. I like to keep things neat so bobs should be stackable :D I'm intending to use 2 Stepmasternc bobs to run the machine with a SSR for the flood and mist coolant. I had to desolder and reverse the screw connectors on the bobs to get what I was aiming for. Z is way up in the air so I haven't protected it from coolant ingress but the X and Y cables are in waterproof Steel/PVC flexible conduit. Piccy attached.

Hi Kipper

wooooooooooooo stepmasternc hardware is certianly a good product , from i have read from there web page.

cheers

If you want to run large 34 and 42 frame steppers the 2278 is the only way to go.
I have customers who who have replaced gecko's with these and say they get up top 40% better performance.
A bit of advise is to only run them at 110V; dont stick single phase into them, or your will pop them within a few months, and you will be able to use the motors to heat you house.
If you open them up you will see that the AC is smoothed and rectified and the driver is run at a very high DC voltage.
This is why you get very good performance from them, but at the same time, you will get higher than expected motor heat, but as long as you dont go over 110V AC you will be fine.

I have the "silly" round column Warco Major GH As for power the previous 1.8nm 4.2A motors and 4A drivers "Converting a large lathe or a bridgeport mill is not uncommon for these drivers" just couldn't cope :shrug: Today I had the time to finish wiring one of the bobs and had a little "play" with the motors....WOW these are powerful beasties 12nm :D :yay: I had to turn down the current from the "as delivered" settings (7.8A) to 4.26A and now they are cool to the touch. I'm a happy bunny :) Acceleration and deceleration is very smooth (thanks to Mach3) I don't think you can have too much power when machining metal and hopefully this new kit will get the job done. I like to keep things neat so bobs should be stackable :D I'm intending to use 2 Stepmasternc bobs to run the machine with a SSR for the flood and mist coolant. I had to desolder and reverse the screw connectors on the bobs to get what I was aiming for. Z is way up in the air so I haven't protected it from coolant ingress but the X and Y cables are in waterproof Steel/PVC flexible conduit. Piccy attached.

Hi Zappautomation


Just been on your website Zapp Automation Ltd
www.slidesandballscrews.com , what country are you in ?

Would you ship to Australia and what shipping company would you be using ?

cheers

We are in the UK.
We will ship to you, but shipping can be expensive for heavy items.
I think you are looking at about £25 for 2KG





Hi Zappautomation


Just been on your website Zapp Automation Ltd
www.slidesandballscrews.com , what country are you in ?

Would you ship to Australia and what shipping company would you be using ?

cheers

And we would use Royalmail International signed for and it is on about a 5 days shipping time.

http://sg.royalmail.com/portal/rm/PriceFinderResults?pageId=pc_sltc_rm_product&productCarrier=RM&catId=23500532&keyname=36&index=9
Hi Zappautomation


Just been on your website Zapp Automation Ltd
www.slidesandballscrews.com , what country are you in ?

Would you ship to Australia and what shipping company would you be using ?

cheers