Need Controller Advise

[SteveS]

I have a commercially sold Debece built router table DTR 200S that is giving me fits. I want to change the controller.

Current stepper motors are all Nanaotec, but different at each location.
All are 3.0 a.
Y is ST5818M3008-A at 2.1 v
X is ST5818L3008-A at 3.1 v
Z is ST4018M1206-A at 3.7 V

Software that I have is Mach II, BobCAD/CAM version20 and Rasterfratz. I want to buy VCarve Wizard.

Computer is running Windows XP home edition.

Machine has limit switches for all axis at zero.

Travel is 23” in X, 15” in Y and 3” in Z.

I would like to change the controller only at this time. Which controllers would support the motors, limit switches and software?

Also, what are thoughts on those motors? Are they directly replaceable with another kind? If replaced, would the original controller recommendation still hold?

I have not had this machine running enough to evaluate the full performance. Will be using it to create wood and plastic crafts and not precision metal tooling. Would prefer cutting speed over another decimal place of precision.

Steve.
Detroit Suburb

[ger21]

It depends a little on your budget. Also, how many wires do the motors have?

For best performance, you'd want to go with Gecko drives.

To connect the limit switches, you'll need a breakout board. PMDX makes a nice one that the Gecko's mount right onto.
http://www.pmdx.com/PMDX-131/index.html

You can also get one from www.campbelldesigns.com, or www.cnc4pc.com

[ger21]

What Detroit suburb, btw? I'm in Shelby Township.

[SteveS]

Gerry,

There are six (6) wires coming out of the motors.

Budget is an annoyance, but not being able to use the machine is a bigger one. Also, want to do it once and use the machine for a while.

BTW - I am in Trenton, Downriver

[SteveS]

I looked at a couple of the sites mentioned. My novice impression was that the controller connected on one side to the stepper motors and the other side connected to the computer parralel port. The term breakout box seems to come up. Is there a place on the website for terms and examples?

[HobbyCNC]

Originally Posted by SteveS Gerry, There are six (6) wires coming out of the motors. Budget is an annoyance, but not being able to use the machine is a bigger one. Also, want to do it once and use the machine for a while. BTW - I am in Trenton, Downriver

How about HobbyCNC?
www.hobbycnc.com

Dave Rigotti

[SteveS]

Dave,

What is meant by "Kits requires PCB soldering skills?"

Have you built one?

Steve

[ger21]

A lot of the more inexpensive drives usually are multiple axis, and have limit and home switch connections on the board as well, and plug directly into the parallel port. Most higher end drives, like Geckos, have terminals to connect the step and direction pins. A breakout board plugs into the parallel port, and has terminals for the step and direction outputs for the drives, as well as limit and home switch terminals, and sometimes relays. Some are also opto isolated to protect your computer from damage.

On a small machine like that, the HobbyCNC drives may work for you. For about $80, it might be worth a try. You have to solder th board together yourself, it comes as a kit.

[phantomcow2]

Its safe to say Dave has built a Hobby CNC driver board. He owns the business.
By "require PCB soldering skills", that means that when you get the board it is not assembled. You get it in individual pieces, the pieces that when properly soldered make a functioning board. DOnt be dumb like me and try to solder it if you have little experience, find a friend or somebody who is experienced in electronics to help you! Dave might be able to for an extra fee. Still the price is tough to beat
But it sounds like the board would drive the motors fine.