Savebase Drivers From Ebay, StepConf Help Please

Hi guys. First post. I've been using LinuxCNC for almost 6 months and really loving it.

I bought an X-Carve back in January and decided to upgrade it in several ways. One upgrade was I decided not to go with the default arduino-based software. Instead I decided to build a PC for LinuxCNC and to use a BOB and drivers found on Ebay for cheap.

I bought from a China ebay'er called SAVEBASE. These appear to be the same as what I bought. I paid $112 for three drivers and a breakout board.

www.ebay.com/itm/3-Axis-DIY-CNC-Kit-For-...?hash=item5d5e74515b

I'm running NEMA 23 140oz-in stepper motors. I run 2 on the Y (5A) and one each on X and Z (3A). Motors show Steps/Rev as 200 and Current / Phase as 2.8A in the specs.

At first I had issues with these drivers, mostly that they ran pretty hot and would start to smell hot when I ran them. I've put computer fans on them and don't have this issue any longer.

Now my issue is that my X and Y motors are hot when in HOLD. During a complex job if I feel my Y they are cool to the touch. But X is pretty hot and Z is quite a bit hotter.

I assume my issue is that I've been guessing on the StepConf settings, just trying random stuff. But honestly, I'm not sure how to configure or calculate this. Here is what I am running now.

discuss-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/original...47697fc0b3c5edaf.jpg

Again, this allows me to cut, but can somebody please help me to understand the process for configuring these settings for real, based on, you know, science?

Thanks so much!
Dan

Stepconf only sets timing parameters, it really has nothing
to do with motor heating (and step motors normally do run hot)

Motor heating is mainly dependent on the motor current setting in your drives
(and what heatsinking the motor mounts provide)

Fancier step motor drives have a Idle current option which will reduce motor heating
when not moving