Cheap reliable boards in the UK?

Hello LinuxCNCers, firstly allow me to apologise for my ineptitude concerning CNC, I'm only beginning my journey with it.

I'm looking to buy a number of boards which I can use to control a variety of NC hardware, chief among which are stepper motors. Does anyone know of a particular make or UK-based retailer that provides boards that are low performance/cost but reliable? I have been looking around on ebay, but I confess, I don't know what parameters define a good, solid board.

Thanks in advance answerers!

Crikey, maybe I'll give up the reliability premium for now. To start with, I was thinking of something more along these:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-3-Axis-Stepper-Mo...&hash=item4162b628fc

lines. Would these even work?


Plus, what is a breakout board?

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-5-Axis-Breakout-i...&hash=item3cc1c1f510

I presume it doesn't drive stepper motors per se? If not, what other hardware might you need?

Thanks again John.

those are cheap and fail regular .. , you dont say what type of NC Hardware your looking to control .. give us some idea and we can advise
as John says cheap and reliable dont always go together .. however try'd and tested does not need to be over priced either , depending on the equipement and job in hand

Right, of course. Well, I'm looking to control a few stepper motors and some other NC hardware, such as valves and hopefully an NC air decompresser (if there even is such a thing). As I say, this is all rather new to me. Is there no one-stop-shop in the UK for automation and NC hardware?

Hi

The guy who runs Zapp Automation, used to work for and re-sells MotionControl drivers and steppers largely.
Both are based near me.
www.motioncontrolproducts.co.uk/index.php?cPath=22

MotionControl drivers seem to be re-badged Leadshine units. I have several of them.

He also resells a breakout board from DiyCNC, at over double the price that Roy from DiyCNC charges for them.

This is a Leadshine 'type' driver, not recommending this seller, just first I came to.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-Stepper-Motor-Dri...&hash=item3a69ac3409

Shop around and consider buying direct from Hong Kong. I bought 3 x 8.2A units for less than £100 with only a 2 week wait. (was a few years ago but still cheaper method now)
These are just jumper, fit and forget units

I would not buy any open board units like the ones you highlighted. They use a low amperage capable chip and tend to be poorly heat sunk so are of limited practical application.

DiyCNC is at www.diycnc.co.uk
The simple BoB with charge pump is at www.diycnc.co.uk/html/pcpps.htm l £17.50 delivered
I have bought lots of stuff from him before and can recommend his BoBs and Spindle Boards.

For drivers, stick to the Leadshine type.

regards

i'd back ArcEye's comments also , i have used many leadshine drivers and used zapp for many of my retrofit and manufacturing needs , iv'e not had a bad one at all over the years .
another supplier you can add is www.arceurotrade.co.uk