HobbyCNC Pro 4 Axis - Build & Review

[datacop]

PRE-SALES SUPPORT
I had a question about the 4 axis kit, in regards to what was not included that I would have to purchase from another vendor. Dave was easily e-mailed from his site and was prompt in his response. Much kudo's there.

PURCHASE EXPERIENCE
Dave uses paypal for his merchant account and billing fulfillment. Since I've used paypal in the past, all my information was already established and the process of handing over a rather sizable chunk of change was somewhat painless.

I purchased the kit on 7/8/2010, the kit was shipped on 7/9/2010 and was waiting on my doorstep on 7/12/2010. The package was shipped via USPS flat rate box. All in all, yet another quality and excellent experience in dealing with HobbyCNC.

PACKAGING
Dave obviously has some experience with shipping these kits out. The box was well packed and each component set individually wrapped and protected. The only thing that would have made the packing better would have been if it was double boxed. However, due to the nature of how Dave packaged the box, that would have most likely been over kill.

[datacop]

DOCUMENTATION
The parts manifest for each of the components in the 4 axis kit was clear and concise. Having some electronics background I found it easy to follow and match up parts. The only thing that would have enhanced the parts manifest would have been the inclusion of a pictorial diagram of the individual parts.

The build instructions were VERY clear and to the point. I was able to follow the instructions from 1 to the end, in a logical and methodical manor.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
I'm VERY pleased with my purchase of my HobbyCNC Pro 4 axis kit. I would highly recommend this kit to anyone and would in fact purchase again.

Having said that, this is *NOT* a beginners kit. If you've never had experience with electronic components, circuit board soldering or working with component level items... diving head first into this kit can be a very daunting experience. It would be quite easy to let out the magic smoke from one or more of the components and you'd be left with a rather nice, albeit expensive paper weight. I'm not trying to discourage.. building this kit is well worth the effort... but I would recommend that you get a practice "fun" kit from radio shack or scientific america to learn on (besides, who wouldn't want a six legged robot that bounces off walls?).

The board Dave includes in his kit is one of the best laid out and screened boards I've seen in a *LONG* time. The quality of the board is second to none in my opinion. The instructions for building the board up follow the common vertical build procedure.. ie, shallow components first to tallest components last.

TOOLS USED

• 35 watt soldering pencile
• 80/20 rosen core solder
• End snips
• 1x2 scrap wood (to help balance and prop the board)

The total build time for me to go from blank board to the 5volt test (before the driver chips were installed) was 97 minutes. Your mileage may vary of course, but this wasn't my first rodeo, so don't use that time as a guide.

The 5 volt test went off without a hitch. I used my motorcycle's battery tender to power the board for the test. Presto neato, 5.05 volts on the pad.

38 minutes later, I had all of the driver chips installed on the board and tipped back a cold one for having the board done (sans heat sink for now)

[datacop]

With the board built and vref set per the instructions, I turned my attention to the case.

I purchased the recommended case and transformer listed on the HobbyCNC site for this kit, so I was able to make use of the templates provided in the documentation.

I'm trying to make this look as good as possible, so I'm taking my time with this portion of the build. All drilling was done with use of my drill press, and the large hole for the fan was cut with my scroll saw.

The only discrepancy that I've found so far has been with the front panel template. The power switch calls for a 23/32" hole, but I found my 11/16" bit made a perfect hole for the switch.

[diyengineer]

I bought it and it worked like a charm. It was also very well documented. Assembly was a breeze. The Yahoo group HELPS A LOT if you get stuck. Perfect low cost powerful package for smaller size steppers (300oz or smaller).

I only owned it for a month until i sold it to buy larger individual drivers for servos.

I would do it all over again though

[datacop]

So, final assembly is done.. I've wired up the motors to the driver and built up a PC loaded with Mach 3 to connect to the HobbyCNC kit.

For some reason, I'm not getting any movement on the "X" axis. The other three axis are working fine. I'll figure out how to post a video of the kit's first movement

[datacop]

Here's the link to the youtube video:

YouTube- 100 0109

[diyengineer]

YouTube- 4 Axis CNC mill stepper test using Mach 3
There is a link to my first movement when i had it. I also had shutter on one of my axis's. Went back and re-flowed all of my solders (3rd time was the charm) and it went away for good.