$29.95 Stepper controller

[widgitmaster]

Has anyone used these drivers?


http://www.alltronics.com/stepper_motors.htm

Spec Sheet:
http://www.alltronics.com/download/20Z028.pdf

[H500]

They don't do microstepping.

[widgitmaster]

Because I'm still new at this, could someone explain the advantages and disadvantages of micro-stepping?
If these controllers dont do micro-stepping, what do they do, large jumps from point to pont?

Just curious!
Eric

[tauscnc]

They seem pretty good especially for the price. I have the Camtronics board and that is what I have/had used for years before buying the Geckodrives.

Those drivers do half steps like my camtronics. Basically from what I can tell, your motors are more silky with the microstepping. You will get more resonance (sp??) with the half step (motors will be louder at certain frequencys/speeds). Otjher then that you should be fine. I don't think microstepping really gives you better resolution.

Side by side the Gecko driven (microstepping) motor sounds silky and the half step motor is just a bit louder. Now I don't mean very loud like your spindle or even cutting. Just a bit louder. Finsh quality on parts....I don't notice a difference between my Sherline and the K2 with the Geckos.

I say get them especially for that price.
taus

[philba]

Originally Posted by widgitmaster Has anyone used these drivers? http://www.alltronics.com/stepper_motors.htm Spec Sheet: http://www.alltronics.com/download/20Z028.pdf

its not a chopping driver so you'll need power resistors to limit the current. The resistors need to be matched to the motor's current if you are driving at a higher voltage and can be fairly expensive for higher wattages (you'll need 2 per motor - Rs on the document). Unipolar only (won't drive 4 lead motors). Also, the spec sheet doesn't say what current it can handle - my experience with alltronics is that they tend to obscure unfavorable information so I would guess it's not very high. I'm always leery of datasheets that appear to be rewritten or otherwise modified by the vender.

[tauscnc]

Ahhhhh,, see I learn something new each day!

thanks philba

taus

[widgitmaster]

Glad I'm still teachable too!
This "CNCZone" is the best!

Wish I had found it prior to buying all the stuff for my first CNC router table, my gray hairs woud be a little bit darker, and my budget a bit bigger!
Eric

[philba]

but then, you actually have a machine. I may get a better deal by hanging out here and snagging good deals when they come by but I don't have a finished machine, yet. lol It's always a trade off between better and good enough.

[H500]

Microstepping is needed for a lot more than just noise. If your machine happens to resonate, you will actually lose steps.