HobbyCNC EZ Driver Board Packages REVIEWS PLEASE!!!

[stabbs]

sorry if this has been asked before- i got through 37 pages of threads before I posted this.

I am looking at this package for several reasons:
The cost is so low- 4 axis board with 4 motors for $300 shipped
It looks complete and fairly easy to setup (I guess I would just need a power supply?)

Can people with first hand experience please give me some reviews on this package?

Does it perform well?
Is it accurate?
Is it fast?

Any advice / info is hugely appreciated.

[Guldberg]

Only tried the pro board. Worked great. You need a power supply and a soldering iron, its quite easy to solder though:-)

[Jay C]

I too have the Pro board. $300 is a good price for motors included. The main issue for me and why I went to Geckos was the chopper noise. I run my router in an enclosure in my house and the pops and squeals got to me. The 251's were on intro price that I couldn't pass up too so it was all a mater of timing. I still have the Pro for when I re-assemble my X2 out in the garage. A lot of bang for the buck. The EZ is the same as pro, just doesn't drop the current when not being driven. If this is your first one, then EZ is a good choice. I burned up my first HobbyCNC driver (not sure how ... but it was easier to just buy a new kit).

It performed fine, the X2 was sloppy
It is as accurate at the steps/direction pulses fed to it .. .again, the accuracy is determined by the machine than the motors. I ran mine at 1/4th stepping since I had ball screws.
Speed is more dependent on your PC, mechanics, material, end mill than the driver.

FWIW,
Jay

[CousinVinny]

I just ordered the 3-axis kit (305 in steppers)from Dave today and will post updates here as I progress with my router. Let us know what you go with. -Vinny

[pjpj410]

I bought one of the 3 axis kits and couldnt get the board to work right plus one of the fan blades flew off the fan the first time i powered it up.unless you are good at soldering i would find something else that is already soldered together and guaranteed to work.the only support offered was a yahoo group which didnt help me any.

[stabbs]

I think I may go with the 3 axis package- maybe the EZ setup. Its my first DIY cnc, and while I would like to go with the Gecko drive, money is definitely a factor right now. I guess it can always be upgraded down the road.

Gonna start a build thread with pics real soon.

[Jay C]

Originally Posted by stabbs I think I may go with the 3 axis package- maybe the EZ setup. Its my first DIY cnc, and while I would like to go with the Gecko drive, money is definitely a factor right now. I guess it can always be upgraded down the road. Gonna start a build thread with pics real soon.

The driver works great, you will not be disappointed. Make sure that you connect your motors to the outputs in such a way that you can never accidentally pull them out under power ... this will kill the driver post haste. I use serial DB9 connectors with torx head screws to hold them in. That way, they only get removed when I really need to I got the screws from old PCs I dismantle for hardware parts like wire, magnets, diodes.

Jay

[stabbs]

just trying to figure out a power supply to go with this setup and I have some real nublish questions:

Can I run the electronics off of a standard 100v house current, or do I need a 220v line?

Would I be able to find the 24vac 10A transformer at radio shack? Is that transformer similar to the ones supplied with home electronics, like printers, etc?

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jay C]

Originally Posted by stabbs just trying to figure out a power supply to go with this setup and I have some real nublish questions: Can I run the electronics off of a standard 100v house current, or do I need a 220v line?

Since you are in the US, use 110VAC

Would I be able to find the 24vac 10A transformer at radio shack? Is that transformer similar to the ones supplied with home electronics, like printers, etc?

No. I bought my transformer from here. You will also need a bridge rectifier, and large capacitor (or several smaller ones to equal the same number of farads). Alternatively, a switching P/S might be easier to use.

Here is how my linear P/S turned out. Also, here is my old thread about capacitors.

Jay

[stabbs]

Thanks Jay for those links. Is there anywhere I can get a complete parts list to assemble completely assemble this board & motor connections; like wiring, connectors, capacitors, power supply, etc?

[HobbyCNC]

Originally Posted by stabbs Thanks Jay for those links. Is there anywhere I can get a complete parts list to assemble completely assemble this board & motor connections; like wiring, connectors, capacitors, power supply, etc?

Just get the "package" as mentioned above. All included except the transformer and case. Links on our product page