Controller kits

[sYmbot2]

Can anyone recommend a cnc controller kit for a newbie to build. I read about two kits on the marketv sold by called Linistepper and HobbyCNC. I would also consider buying a used board. Advise please
sYmbot2

[James Newton]

I vote Linistepper! ;o)

Of course, I would, because I sell the kits... So I'm disqualified from voting, but I will say that anyone who is going to place a vote should first ask you what size and type of motors you are planning to use, or at least what sort of machine you are going to drive. Without knowing the rating and type of motor, or the torque required to turn the lead screws on your machine, we can't make a good recommendation on the driver.

In general the Linistepper will give you the best performance with high inductance (regular motors, not the ultra high speed units), medium small (around 1.5 amps per phase, less than 35 volts), unipolar motors. You can find those on the cheap in surplus, industrial liquidation stores, or in old printers or copiers. In that range, we ARE the best value. Period.

For larger motors, or super high speed, high amperage: For bipolar motors, I personally would purchase a geko G251 / 540, but if I couldn't afford the extra $$$ or for unipolar I would look at pminmo.com's open source drivers (although he still hasn't added a link to the open source linistepper ( )

I would avoid chopper drivers if at all possible, because they make you deal with all the quirky resonance issues and lost steps at certain speeds, etc...

Other people will have other biases and opinions. Listen to the people who have a machine up and running, producing useful work.

[RobD]

HobbyCNC is strictly bipolar steppers. I built the kit (4 axis with current reducion after ten seconds. $99.00).

I'm a pro and building the kit was not a problem for me but I see a lot of people blowing them up from the threads. Some of the pads are tight to solder and if you're not a verry good solderer then I'd stay away from it. There is not schimatic suppled nor is one available and i don't like this either. The final board worked well with my Sherline 2000 and Sherline's steppers but they are easy to drive and the chip in the HobbyCNC is a good one from Allegro.

Rob