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This looks interesting... a linear stepper motor controller kit, open source, for CNC machines...
- Open Source! Circuit Diagram, PCB (Board) Layout, and PIC Software all available online. (Kit/PCB sales support PICList.com) Also: user code modifications.
- Standard step + direction inputs easy connection to a parallel port for up to 7 units.
- Use with standard CNC programs like TurboCNC or Mach 3.
- Uses standard Unipolar (5 to 8 wire) stepper motors. Not for Bipolar (4 wire).
- Complete tutorial and FAQ explains How the board works, how to assemble the kit and how to power it up! Runs from your regulated +5v supply.
Having built several of these, I can vouch for the quality of the boards, and flawless operation.
These would make an excellent project for the beginner kit maker to solder up as all parts are through-hole, and multiple parts types (resistors, diodes, capacitors, etc) are utilized. You are responsible for fabrication of your own heatsink/mount.
The 555 timer kit for testing your boards (with an attached stepper motor), would be suggested also, but at least on mine, there was a very small area of adjustment where waveforms were proper for controller operation. Having an oscilloscope to monitor the waveforms would be a help.
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One more quick note. The boards are designed rotary (unipolar only) motors, not linear as the title suggests.
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