Greetings Wise CNC Gurus, I have been building a CNC machine off and on for a few years now. I have dusted it off and am back to finishing the build. I originally got a planet-cnc usb controller that worked fine to make the motors spin on my bench. but it is no longer supported. I would like to get a board that is compatible with the openbuilds software but i am not ready to get the blackbox controller. I would like to get my feet wet with my MDF cut with a Jigsaw build before moving up to the big leagues. What stepper motor controller would you suggest. I would like to have a USB connected board. Thanks in advance and I look forward to sharing my build once it is making sawdust.
If you already have a set of drivers you can make do with an Arduino to control them. If you don't already have a decent set of drivers you might as well spring for a BlackBox as the total of the Arduino plus a decent set of drivers is pretty far into the price of just getting a BlackBox which is far more bulletproof and user friendly.
Thanks for the idea Rick. The drivers I have are CW230s. The Arduino is interesting but I don't have much experience with them other than playing with LEDs. Will the board below work with the openbuilds control software? https://www.amazon.com/DEVMO-Interf...&sprefix=usb+stepper+controller,aps,47&sr=8-3
Wrong type of board. You need a $175 software package to run it. Dig around the forum a little you'll find plenty of examples of how to use the Arduino. And BTW, if you do go Arduino buy a genuine Arduino. The clones can have issues with throughput.
I agree with Rick, if you already have those drivers get an Arduino Uno and flash GRBL on to it, or Estlcam and learn to wire it up, getting a wire shield for the Uno makes it easier (basically adds screw terminals to the uno). Cheers Gary
You can buy a screw shield that plugs into your arduino which makes hooking everything up much easier. Then, follow one these diagrams (C-Beam cnc ) and set your grbl $4 setting accordingly. It worked for me on my 1st build. Screw Shield Example.
Thanks everyone, for the advice. I will give Arduino a try. I know I can pick that up at my local Microcenter.
