Gecko's vs. all-in-one controller

[dowling177]

I am looking into buying some steppers and controlling it with this controller (http://www.eftechusa.com/products.htm) the first controller on the page (Product ID: CDM-4X2-124 TurboStep Stepper Motor Driver 12V, 10MHz Speed).

What is the advantage of using gecko's vs using this board which seems to do everything that i want?

[sendkeys]

looks like they aren't microstepping boards. it will not be a smooth,you have to use resistors and will be slower. But if this is for a hobby machine im sure it will work

[ger21]

Go with one of these - http://www.hobbycnc.com/driverboards/4aupc/4aupc.htm
A lot better performance, microstepping, and a lot cheaper. You just don't get the 2 relays.

[johnt]

I'm trying to sort through all this ...
With the boards from Hobbycnc, do I still need drivers..(geckos) or does the hobbycnc board take the place of the geckos? what about power supply?
Is anyone using hobbycnc boards for plasma?
John

[ger21]

The HobbyCNC board is the drivers, only it has either 3 or 4 axis, vs 1 for each Gecko. You'll still need a power supply.

[johnt]

Thank you Gerry for your reply.
I see on the Hobbycnc website that I still need to buy a transformer and case. Does that take care of the power supply? And if so are there sufficient instructions to help me wire it all together?
The prices seem very reasonable as long as there are no hidden extras I will need to buy.
Thanks, John

[CNCadmin]

Originally Posted by johnt Thank you Gerry for your reply. I see on the Hobbycnc website that I still need to buy a transformer and case. Does that take care of the power supply? And if so are there sufficient instructions to help me wire it all together? The prices seem very reasonable as long as there are no hidden extras I will need to buy. Thanks, John

Yes the instructions are very complete, as I'm doing a review for their boards now.