Newbie- Chinese import vs Hobbycnc kit

[alex781]

Since buying my HobbyCNC driver kit two years ago, I have noticed eBay is awash with chinese bipolar driver boards for the same price (or cheaper), fully assembled with optical isolation and other features lacking in the HobbyCNC kit. Am I correct in assuming that HobbyCNC filled a niche in the market before mass production came along and now kit building is so yesteryear?

Having said that, I built the HobbyCNC EZ driver board and successfully controlled steppers with it, and I am not sure where to compare reviews with the imported boards.

[ger21]

From what I've read about the Chinese boards, I think the HobbyCNC may still hold a performance edge over them. Most seem to be falsely overrated, and are only good to 24V, which gives the HobbyCNC an advantage.

[WayneHill]

Alex781,

I have built a few HobbyCNC boards. It is a good feeling to know that if I have trouble with the board, Dave will help resolve the problem.

Do the chinese boards offer service after the sale?

Wayne

[alex781]

No doubt there are some dud boards on ebay and good feedback doesn't always tell the full story but it would be nice to get a list of the gems.

[1000IPM]

I just got one off of ebay - took about 20 minutes to blow up a channel. I have been running a hobby cnc chopper for 4 years. I will take the time to put another one together from the hobby cnc kit.

[Jason Marsha]

Been running my Hobbycnc for 5+ years and I have really pushed it with some jobs sometimes running the whole day and its still here.

Jason