Stepper controller questions

[petec]

I'm glad I found this site...lots of info and a few names I recognize from RC Groups.

Anyway.....getting started on a CNC router project and need to find a schematic for a controller for X Y and Z. There's a lot of info here and out on the web, but I figure it's better to ask the people who are building their machines instead of the people selling the parts.

So, what is available in a build it yourself half step controller?

[arvidb]

The controller for most DIY CNC machines is a software program (EMC, Mach2 etc) running on a standard PC, putting out step/direction signals on the parallell port.

I think what you want is a stepper motor driver?

Arvid

[petec]

That would be correct. I fund some that are kits and some that are prebuilt that will plug into the USB or parallel ports, but I want to build one rather than buy one.

I don't have the equipment to troubleshoot or repair surface mount electronics, so if I build one I remove that minor hurdle. Not to mention the deep satisfaction I get from building things.

[mvaughn]

When I started out, I too wanted to build everything myself. Mostly because I'm cheap, but also because I wanted to say I made it all.

I looked and looked for schematics and plans that were simple enough for my limited electronics knowledge. I found tons of schematics but hardly any explanation... at least for my experience level.

I ended up buying a schematic that was relatively simple to build. I just finished it, and it seems to work rather well for my 100 oz steppers.

Here is the link to the plans:
http://www.buildyouridea.com/hardwar...er/4_axis.html

Check out his whole site... there is lots of good info there.
http://www.buildyouridea.com

[petec]

My motors are bipolar so the ARCSIN kit looks like the ticket when it comes on the market......That definitely will give me time to get the mechanicals worked out.

Thanks for the URL

[mvaughn]

As a side note: Dave Kush, the man behind buildyouridea.com is very responsive to email. He's always answered my questions very promptly.

[slp_prlzys]

I found this while I'm searching for a DIY step driver
Step Driver. I think you'll find it interesting that it's support microstepping. I'm just not sure why the designer's I/O library is needed.

I myself would be building this UCN5804B

Mhel

[apollo]

petec,

I have built two bipolar stepper drivers. One uses the LMD18245 from National, and the other used a A3977 from Allegro. Both can perform microstepping.

My current implementation is here http://cnczone.com/forums/showthread...threadid=3926, if you have questions about anything, let me know.

[apollo]

Oh, I forgot, I also used the A3955, it was for my last mill lego cnc mill

[sixpence]

I bought the book by Geoff Williams. Hobby cnc. Mostly for the stepper driver section. The instructions seem to be very clear with comprehensive parts lists. I find this very helpful with my also very limited knowledge.

[petec]

Thanks for the info thus far guys...it' will be put to use very soon.

One nice thing about being a pack rat.....I have quite a few things I will need already. I dug out a section of mil-spec copper-clad I had left over so I'll be etching boards soon.

Went to Home Depot and picked up some MDF and 1/4-20 all thread.....my wife just shakes her head when I start projects like this, but then loves it when she can reap the benefits of the finished projects.