L297-8 PCB - who is interested / anyone sells them?

[RomanG]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and I'm considering to build CNC router.
I already have one CNC machine under my belt, CNC foam cutter, that works quite well.
Over the weekend I built (on the proto-board) L297-L298 chopper stepper driver and I like how it works. I started looking for available kits, as I would like to build simple 3-axis machine. I came across open source board L297-8 designed by pminmo.
My question is, does anybody sells PCBs for this design?
If not, then my next question is if there would be interest for such boards if I get them made by PCB shop.
I don’t want to make money on this (since I’m not an author of the board), I will post quotations from the manufacturer so everybody can see what the price will be. My intention is to make PCB cheap (no solder mask, maybe even without silkscreen since it is very simple board) and the only way to do it is to make it in reasonable quantity so that setup cost can be spread over number of boards.

So whoever is interested, please let me know.

All the best!

Roman
Orleans, Ontario
Canada

[pminmo]

Roman,
I don't, and I don't reccall anyone here making an offer on the L297 board. To be perfectally honest, that design just evolved. I know of others that have asked troubleshooting questions, but I can't commit that the design on that particular pcb has really been thoroughly tested.

Phil

[RomanG]

Phil,

Thanks a lot for shedding some light on this board.
I don't think there is a point to get it made by PCB house if it wasn't tested.
I did some more lurking here at this forum and found your “little 3977” design.
How far along are you with that one? Are you planning on selling kits (or at least PCBs)?

You are doing great work for CNC community.

All the best

Roman

[RomanG]

Actually what I meant to ask about was the 3-axis board based on your “little 3977”

Roman

[edbo68]

RomanG,

You can get a Kit of a L297/298 board at www.stepperstuff.com
The Kit is mostly a referance design from the L297 app sheet.
This board is a companion kit for the book "Easy Step'n"
This book is great tutorial on Steppers. But if you want to follow the experiments you will have to be familiar with Pic Micro's and with PIC assembly Language.

If you want to get started in Pic Micros I would start off with the Book "Easy Microcontrol'n". You will find a link for this book on the stepperstuff.com site or at www.sq-1.com.

Good Luck

Ed

[pminmo]

The 1st three axis board is about 50% assembled. See attached picture. I'm having a hard time finding time and energy in parallel.

As far as offering boards for sale, I would like to be a help to the hobbiest community. I have a single axis 3977SED design that is the 4th generation of my original, that I believe I could fit the bill. I also have a slimmed down basic 4 axis interface that might also. I work full time, and don't really want to get into a business enterprise, this is my hobby. But I would like to help those DIY'ers here that are interested. Like I said, time and energy at the same time is an issue.

I need to get taxes done, finish the 3 axis 3397 tssop board and get it working. Cash flow is taking a hit because of taxes. And I just don't want to fool with etching. The 3977 boards are to much for the DIY'er anyway. I had placed a question on this post:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...96&postcount=1 if interested.

One point I believe I am at, I serious doubt if the 3977tssop package will really be viable for the diy'er. Jury is still out, but.............

Phil

[RomanG]

Ed,

thanks for the tips on the Kit of a L297/298 board and also the "Easy Step'n" book. I'm a bit familiar with Microchip's PICs as we use them at work (but I'm mechanical engineer just lurking in electronics )

As far as the L297/298 kit, that's a bit pricey for me as I have most of the components and looking just for the board. I would have to buy three kits, which will cost me over $90.00. For that money I can almost buy assembled 3-axis controller (I said almost).

All the best!

Roman

[RomanG]

Originally Posted by pminmo The 1st three axis board is about 50% assembled. See attached picture. I'm having a hard time finding time and energy in parallel.

I fully understand. Your motto completely fits my bill too. Too many projects and too little time.
For me it is too just a hobby. And I, same as you, have full time job, family and on the top of it another hobby – RC electric planes.

I like your new 3-axis board and I think that tssop package is manageable for most of the DIYs. As far as optocouplers, why not to make board sort of universal. Make provision for optocouplers, and who wants optocouplers will populate them and who wants it simple will just jumper them. It may increase complexity (and therefore the price) of the board, but I myself would be willing to pay $15 instead of $7 for such board.

Good luck and please, please keep it going

Roman

[masaV]

if any interest my 3axic board these is link my site pics(sorry all language is finnish) but
here you find board scanned pics and my project pics.
and now guest, first board max current have 2amp/phase and i use 24V 10A transform +10000uf/100V condensator=33V max), what step motor have better thats board ? 2A 5-24V or up to 2A (i have some vextra 4A/phase motor too)
what motor are better torgue 2A or 3A or 4A motor thats board(max2A)
oh link too--> http://spaces.msn.com/members/masaV/PersonalSpace.aspx
here is some pics to my friends project what i make him, itis a 3meter x 1,5meter cnc.more pics goming soon

[RomanG]

masaV,

that's one nicely looking board and machine too!
Is it your own design?
Did you run it yet?
Can you post some more details please?
I would be inetersted in buying one (board) if it is available.

All the best!

Roman

[masaV]

thats board NOT my own design,I buy thats to internet in germany.
site url is 3d-step.de google find thats
only board cost 20€(euro)cheap. max current 2A build L298+297 chips.
but if you and some can make pcb that is scanned picture,not big work make itself own board dont tel salesmen that url
3d-step sites is in part and schematic dokument all is pdf files.power and optoboard too here.
I can want help all same(cnc) hobby people if I can
board work wery good.

[RomanG]

i have tried 3d-step.de, www.3d-step.de, tried google but no success
?

Roman