no-name 3-Axis Stepper Driver, 60V/5.0A - $147

[johnnyzigzag]

Just joined, and am getting into this hobby.
Needless to say, this is my first post (yeah!!!)

I found this driver on ebay, and would like some feedback from you all:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Seems low priced...albeit a no-name...

[jschmitt]

Look at where it ships from! Tech support is lousey or doesnot exist. Directions are in translated english. Not a board for a first timer. For $20 more you can buy a gecko 203 which is protected against miswiring. Do you have your steppers already?

You might consider this if you are looking not to spend alot of money
http://www.mpja.com/Category/Motors/...0_17452_MS.asp

[johnnyzigzag]

For $20 more you can buy a gecko 203 which is protected against miswiring. Do you have your steppers already?

You might consider this if you are looking not to spend alot of money
http://www.mpja.com/Category/Motors/...0_17452_MS.asp

Thanks for the reply.
No, I don't have my motors alreay, but will be buying something in the 300 oz-in range.

I'm confused about your statement on the Gecko 203 units. They are $147 per axis, and would then require a break-out board... which would amount to over $500... correct? Or am I missing something??

I agree that the unit on Ebay may have questionable support, and a manual that is not the best, but hey for $147 for a 3-axis system complete with breakout board... and its rated for 5.0 amps...

[Kelinginc]

Thanks for the reply.
No, I don't have my motors alreay, but will be buying something in the 300 oz-in range.

I'm confused about your statement on the Gecko 203 units. They are $147 per axis, and would then require a break-out board... which would amount to over $500... correct? Or am I missing something??

I agree that the unit on Ebay may have questionable support, and a manual that is not the best, but hey for $147 for a 3-axis system complete with breakout board... and its rated for 5.0 amps...

Hi Sir

if you will have a 300 oz-in motor, I would suggest you to buy a 4 axis G540 driver with good support,good document and warrenty. If you buy from them you have no warrenty. Let say if you need to return one of the driver, it cost you $30 at least

[jschmitt]

I'm confused about your statement on the Gecko 203 units. They are $147 per axis, and would then require a break-out board... which would amount to over $500... correct? Or am I missing something??

I Thought the ad was for one axis not three.

[johnnyzigzag]

Hi Sir

If you buy from them you have no warrenty. Let say if you need to return one of the driver, it cost you $30 at least

Yes, but I'd still be ahead in the long run.

I guess what I'm looking for is feedback on the unit's features, and to hear back from someone that actually has experience on this drive.

[jeroenvw]

I think for that kind of money, you can't go wrong.
3 drivers 60v 5A plus a breakout board for $150 really is a bargain imho.
If I was looking for drivers I would deffinately have given it a try

[johnnyzigzag]

I think for that kind of money, you can't go wrong.
3 drivers 60v 5A plus a breakout board for $150 really is a bargain imho.
If I was looking for drivers I would deffinately have given it a try

I agree, so I placed an order. However, I did go with the more expensive breakout board with output relays and spindle speed control.

From a feature standpoint, it "seems" to be just as good as anything else out there. But I won't really know unless I am able to play with it and other units for comparison. (not likely to happen since I'm not in the business of buying different models for the sake of comparing)

From a cost standpoint, even if one driver fails and I have to replace it, I'm still no where near I would be had I gone with the more conventional solutions. (heck, I can replace the whole kit three times over before I start loosing out)

If I'm wrong in my analysis, I would appreciate feedback. (which is why I started this thread in the first place)

[paul3112]

This is one of those things in life that you have to learn first hand.

I also would have pointed you to the 540's. Mid band control, current control, great support.
I have also used the "ebay-imports". The decision for me is now a no brainer. GECKO is the way to go for your first stepper machine. Its way simple to setup and use. Has some motor size limitations, but is plug and play (almost)

So it comes down to how much time is wasted on getting things working and waiting for support (that you can understand)

Good luck and keep us posted on you progress

Paul

[johnnyzigzag]

Hi Guys,

Just thought I'd let you know that my machine is up and running with the kit I ordered from Ebay. So I thought I'd provide some feedback.

Again, being a newbie, I don't have much to compare this kit to. However, it was simple to get going. There was a motor wiring mistake on the drawings that prevented them from running. I managed to troubleshoot it and reverse the leads and get it going.

Also, had some trouble in determining the steps per setting for Mach3. I used the correct formula (tpi, microstepping setting, steps per rev, blah blah blah) but it still wasn't calibrated correctly. I ended up using the auto calibration feature in Mach to get it right. So I suspect the microstepping settings on the drivers aren't what they are supposed to be, or my motors aren't 200 steps per rev.

Regardless, I'm happy with the results so far.
In fact, I've got my eyes on a fourth driver for turning ...

[paul3112]

Woohoo we have a mover. Send some pics if time permits.

Paul

Hi Guys,

Just thought I'd let you know that my machine is up and running with the kit I ordered from Ebay. So I thought I'd provide some feedback.

Again, being a newbie, I don't have much to compare this kit to. However, it was simple to get going. There was a motor wiring mistake on the drawings that prevented them from running. I managed to troubleshoot it and reverse the leads and get it going.

Also, had some trouble in determining the steps per setting for Mach3. I used the correct formula (tpi, microstepping setting, steps per rev, blah blah blah) but it still wasn't calibrated correctly. I ended up using the auto calibration feature in Mach to get it right. So I suspect the microstepping settings on the drivers aren't what they are supposed to be, or my motors aren't 200 steps per rev.

Regardless, I'm happy with the results so far.
In fact, I've got my eyes on a fourth driver for turning ...

[James Newton]

Hey Johnny, congrats on the movement! That ebay listing is gone, but I was wondering if you have any way of finding that driver again. Was there a part number? mfgr name? anything? Do you have a record of the ebay seller ID?