Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: USB controls 4 steppers

dandumit wrote:

> Mike,
>
> Thanks for answer.
> Somehow I'm lucky because I have an Mach3 license ...

Many people are very happy with Mach3! It certainly does a lot. I like
to experiment with different interfaces, especially 3D interfaces, so I
will probably write my own PC-MAC-LINUX side client program, too.

> I must recommend to you bipolar driver because you can squeeze more
> power and especially speed from same motors. If you don't need a high
> current A3977 is a good and cheap choice and it has integrated
> microstepping.

I have the HobbyCNC board, which has microstepping (but is unipolar
only). Microstepping is great for smoothing things out at low speeds,
but at high speeds IMHO it just slows things down (the Gecko, for
example, is smarter, and it turns microstepping off at higher speeds).

At low speeds, I think I'll be OK without it, because I can get full
motor torque (two windings on at a time, at full rated current), and the
resolution is still good enough.

I also very much dislike the squealing noise
that chopped steppers make. :-)

FYI,
Mike