Allegro 3977 (update?)

Back in December we had a talk about the new Allegro 3977 on the
list. Has anyone made any progress with this chip?

I have some samples, an unproven PCB layout and an idea of how to
reflow solder it.

If there is significant interest, it might be worth moving forward
with this project.

This driver would have output similar to Dan's and other L298 based
products. The advantage is 1/8 microstepping capability.

Assuming my design works, I'd probably make commercial quality bare
boards available slightly above cost + shipping. But most people
don't work with SMT on a hobby level :( A$$embled units would
probably not be worth it as it would require farming out, unless I'm
really lucky with the soldering process.

If you're wondering how I'm planning to solder it:

http://www.users.qwest.net/~kmaxon/page/side/art7_137.htm

Kenneth also has a home CNC milling machine and is working on a
scratchbuilt one as well as an injection molder... His site is worth
a look.

- Tom Scarince

(there goes what little credibility I might have had at one point)