Upgrade? Chinese CNC Machine

**Jonathan** · 04-04-2013

Originally Posted by Ricardoco

its very odd because the measurements indicate that you have 4mm pitch screws.

The eBay listing indicates he has 4mm pitch screws and 20 turns moved it 80mm, which also indicates 4mm pitch screws as 80/20=4mm. So nothing to worry about.

The voltage readings are strange - should have got 5V or 0V, but nevermind as we now know they're set to 1/4 microstepping.

**Carlb1058** · 04-04-2013

Originally Posted by Jonathan

(bit snipped for space)
The voltage readings are strange - should have got 5V or 0V, but nevermind as we now know they're set to 1/4 microstepping.

I didn't get anywhere near 5v, the readings I got were after atleast a dozen tests the first few were around the 2.7 - 3.2 range and they slowly dropped until they stayed pretty static at 2.2 - all three chips did exactly the same thing.

I wonder if it's worth just throwing an extra 90 bux at it for a board with dip switches etc?

**John S** · 04-04-2013

NO.

If you are going to throw money at it get the separate drives.

More reliable and if one goes down you can replace it, if one of those Toshiba boards goes down the whole lot is toast.

**Ricardoco** · 04-04-2013

Hey John I agree those boards are rubbish, what would you suggest he gets remembering his budget?

Rick

**Carlb1058** · 05-04-2013

Originally Posted by John S

NO.

If you are going to throw money at it get the separate drives.

More reliable and if one goes down you can replace it, if one of those Toshiba boards goes down the whole lot is toast.

Like this? 3x M542 CNC Stepper Driver For Nema17 Nema23 Nema34 Motor +5 Axis Breakout Board | eBay if so that'll be a doddle, her who must be obeyed should only hit me two or three times at that money

plus that means more money for longer screws etc as I want to build a bigger one now!!

**Swarfing** · 05-04-2013

That would certainly do the job and you can also run the steppers at a higher voltage (50v) with those.

**GEOFFREY** · 05-04-2013

Well done, I knew you would get there - with a little help from your friends! G

**martin54** · 05-04-2013

If your thinking about building a bigger machine then make sure anything you buy to get this one running can be used again with the new machine, will help keep the cost down plus collect parts for the new one quicker.