USB Controller/Driver for NEMA17

[sharonpl]

Hi all,
I am new to the CNC world,
I am thinking about building small CNC that will help me build additional parts for a better CNC and parts for 3D printer.

I was wondering if you could share recommendations for USB Controller/Driver for 3/4 NEMA17 stepper motors.
Thank you for your help.

[effimos]

i have this set and it works fine: http://www.benl.ebay.be/itm/18084063...84.m1423.l2649
it's 1 controller with 3 seperate motor driverd and the cheapest price/quality i was able to get.

you can also go for the Probotix controllers: Stepper Motor Drivers
it's a bit the same.. (also in price i think) they also sell a controller with 3 seperate drivers.

i have also hear alot of good about the Gecko G540 but i find it a bit to expensive, it's just what your budget alows G540 4-Axis Motor Control

[sharonpl]

Thank you very much! your post is very helpful!
I will consider the first link - looks promising!

Do you know what CNC software can work with it?

Thank you!

[doorknob]

You asked for a USB driver/controller, however the recommended ones appear to require a parallel printer port rather than a USB port.

[effimos]

You asked for a USB driver/controller, however the recommended ones appear to require a parallel printer port rather than a USB port.

that's because a parallel port is still more stable than a usb one.
therefore most controllers are still made with parallel ports and not usb.
and it's cheaper still...

[effimos]

Thank you very much! your post is very helpful!
I will consider the first link - looks promising!

Do you know what CNC software can work with it?

Thank you!

i use adobe illustrator for making the drawing itself for 2D cutting, export to .dxf and use CamBam (CamBam CNC Software) for converting the .DXF file to G-code. Cambam is verry easy to use if you follow the tutorials on their site: CamBam CNC Software - Video Tutorials

also the firt set is sold with "Mach3" as cnc controller. here you import the g-code file made with Cambam and Mach 3 will read this and drive the motors of your cnc.
good luck with everything!

[KOC62]

effimos,

This site does not condone piracy "cracked" software. Please refrain from giving such advise.

[sharonpl]

You asked for a USB driver/controller, however the recommended ones appear to require a parallel printer port rather than a USB port.

that's because a parallel port is still more stable than a usb one.
therefore most controllers are still made with parallel ports and not usb.
and it's cheaper still...

Thanks (for both of you)
doorknob - any good USB port controller?
effimos has a point - from Google search i did most controller still running on parallel port.
The problem is that new computers (like my computer) don't have parallel port...

[doorknob]

I have no direct experience with any of these:

smooth stepper

planet CNC

smoothie project (open source/diy)

[effimos]

effimos has a point - from Google search i did most controller still running on parallel port.
The problem is that new computers (like my computer) don't have parallel port...

my computer also didn't have one but i bought one on ebay to add to your mother board. something like this:

[sharonpl]

my computer also didn't have one but i bought one on ebay to add to your mother board. something like this:

Thank you!