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Higher Current Drivers (>3A)

Discussion in 'Controller Boards' started by Steve B, Jan 23, 2015.

  1. Steve B

    Steve B Well-Known
    Builder

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    Any recommendations for higher current drivers? The Poloku drivers can't handle the NEMA 23 motors according to their specs, they have a max of 2.2A, and the motors I got (as well as the parts store here) are 2.8A. For my PPR project, I am using the Planet CNC MK3/4, and bought a 4-axis TB6560 to interface it with. However, that board had a bad reputation for skipping steps. So, I may return it.

    I am considering TB6600 drivers, the 4-axis TB6600 board seems beefier, but there is less info out there on how well it performs. I have seen good and bad reviews on the HY drivers.

    Anyone driving those 2.8A motors with Pololu drivers? I am worried I won't get the speed I need if I did that, for the plasma. On the other hand, when running as a plasma CNC, I will have no force acting against the gantry.

    - Steve
     
  2. Mark Carew

    Mark Carew OpenBuilds Team
    Staff Member Moderator Builder Resident Builder

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    Hi Steve,
    I am still using the grblshield on my OX build but I have been using the xPRO board on my newer builds
    http://openbuildspartstore.com/cnc-xpro-controller-stepper-driver/
    More info on the xPRO here: http://www.spark-concepts.com/
    Should be back in stock soon.

    We also like to use the USB CNC controller/ driver
    CNC USB controller Mk3/4 (4 axis) and the MotorDriver 2.5A
    You can see them here: http://www.planet-cnc.com/index.php?page=shop
    You can download the software to try out here: http://www.planet-cnc.com/index.php?page=download

    These Geckos are high end nice ones as well
    http://www.geckodrive.com/geckodrive-step-motor-drives/g540.html

    I have a few of the China 'blue boards' TB6600s and I have not had any luck with them. They gave me problems from the start so I no longer use them.

    Hope this helps
    Mark
     
  3. Steve B

    Steve B Well-Known
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    Mark, are the NEMA 23's on your OX 2.8A/Coil? Your not having problems with the DRV8825's over heating? They are certainly an economical option and I can make a nice interface board for the MK3/4.
     
  4. Robert Hummel

    Robert Hummel Custom Builder
    Moderator

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    If you go with the TB6600 then go for the single axis drivers.
    The all in one boards are very poor designed and tend to fail more so then the single axis and I believe it is due to how they power the boards that cause the issues.
    Keep in mind also the higher the voltage the more hiss or wine you will notice from the motors.
    I find 24vdc to work best and have yet to burn one using that voltage.
    Always power off the system when making changes to the boards like dip switch settings or wiring the motors, leaving them powered up will burn it up fast and I have had one chip shatter.
    The wire connectors on the single axis china boards are also a pain, but do the job and for a $20 driver I'm more then pleased with their performance

    image.jpg
    Controlled with a BOB "break out board" and Mach3

    Controlled by an Arduino nano GRBL
     
    #4 Robert Hummel, Jan 23, 2015
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2015
    Krishnakumar likes this.
  5. Gabriel Faber

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    I have the 'skynet' drivers. No problems (so far)
     
  6. Steve B

    Steve B Well-Known
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    Robert - I found the same 6600's you show there. I am leaning this direction. Do you have experience with one form of 6600 board over another. If the one you show works for you, that works for me. I do like how they'd get mounted.
     
  7. Dave Lowry

    Builder

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    I just checked the sparks concepts page. It has been down for a day now. Emails are bouncing as well. I wonder what is going on. I was just considering sending them some money for their Zeus kit.
     
  8. Alan Estes

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    So will any BOB work?
    What is the one you are using?

    Thanx, Alan
     

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