New closed-loop stepper controller available

[Jeff]

After a very long delay, I have finally done a pilot run of my PS3 closed-loop stepper controller boards.  This is essentially the same controller as found on the Lobo milling machine controller board, but with a higher current driver (2A v. 800ma), and thus suitable NEMA 17 or medium sized NEMA 23 motors.  They will work with Step & Direction inputs (like a conventional stepper driver) or can be operated from a serial port.    In fact, they can actually be used with the PSCNC controller program for the Lobo mill.  With closed-loop control, your motors run faster, smoother, quieter, cooler, and best of all, without losing steps.  Also (as you know), if operated over a serial port, you can monitor your motor position when the driver is turned off for a DRO capability.

The controller board includes an aluminum enclosure, and you supply your own dual-shaft stepper and AMT103 encoder (available from Digikey).  There is a data sheet at: lobocnc.com/ps3.pdf .

I've got 20+ of these that I'm selling at my cost of $40 ea. plus about $3 shipping.  If you are interested in getting one (please look over the data sheet first), just send me e-mail and I'll send you payment info.

-Jeff

  

[Ted Markson]

The best thing about this is the form factor.  A friend and I spent a night at novalabs brainstorming on exactly this product.  

Jeff, this is brilliant. I've already forwarded it to the CNC communities I subscribe to. 

I would suggest you build a machine with some of the motors. Maybe something non-conventional that would be quicker than building a full CNC machine. Or hell, build up a Lobocnc with these and show how easy the wiring could be. 

Demonstrating them will sell them very quickly!  Keep us updated, this is a big deal for the CNC community. Especially if you can keep each one below $80ish, 

Ted

[Nicholas Andreae]

I may be interested in getting these. Through contacts, I acquired this for free http://probotix.com/FireBall_X90_desktop_cnc_router/

The reviews are bad, and I know why, but free. Free is good. Free also costs money to get it to work.

It comes with standard stepper motor controller boards that can produce up to 3 amps

http://probotix.com/stepper_motor_drivers/ProboStep/

The motors do not have encoders on them, but they are hefty and have dual shafts. No encoder.

http://probotix.com/index.php?view=product&path=14&product_id=51

Things are at the moment running off of an Arduino Uno running GRBL, but there is an issue. The Z motor is missing steps occasionally, so everything goes to trash.

Which is why I was back at this Google Group.

I was wondering if anyone else had made the S3x3 Motor Controller Board for external motor controllers? I know I need to install encoders, and I am looking into that. My other option would be to remake my own version of the S3x3, which is okay. I will admit, now that I have one CNC mill with PSCNC, I want all the CNC mills to run it.

In terms of CNC machines, my makerspace has one non-operational and dead in the water Shapeoko , one uncontrollable Fireball 90x, a working 40W laser running EMC2, six 3D printers running Marlin, and my (two) Lobo Mills. My goal is to get the Shapeoko and Fireball 90x running PSCNC.

[Jeff]

You actually can run the S3x3 controller board with an external controller (like an Arduino running GRBL) - the S3x3 board has a header connector on it where you can feed it Step & Direction signals for each axis.  You just need to set up the PIC-SERVO S3 chips for stand-alone Step & Direction operation.

However, if you are starting from scratch, you'd be much better off using the new PS3 controller boards.  They can also be used either with the PSCNC control program or with Step & Direction signals coming from another controller like an Arduino, but they have a higher current driver than the S3x3 drivers, and because they mount right on the back of the motor, your wiring is greatly simplified.  They should work well for both the Shapeoko and Fireball 90x

[Ti Voi]

are you have sale PS3 chip

b.r

[Jeff]

Yes, I am selling the PS3 chips separately.  Send me e-mail if you are interested in getting some.

[xxdzn...@gmail.com]

Hey Jeff,

So these are plug and play with the mill? I stumbled upon your post about these on a form for 3d printers, from the sound of these the minor upgrade could be a big improvement over time.

[Jeff]

The PS3 boards aren't quite plug & play with the Lobo mill because the standard S3x3 controller board that comes with the mill has a USB to RS485 converter on board.  You'd need to add your own USB converter (something like 768-1042-ND from Digikey).  For the Lobo mill, there's no real need for bigger motors, so the standards S3x3 baord is a lot easier to use.  If you were building something with larger NEMA 17's or NEMA 23's, then the PS3 boards would be a good option.

[pae...@gmail.com]

Jeff, I know I'm late to the party but if you have any of these left/coming up I would love to purchase a few.

Thanks!

[hqkh...@gmail.com]

Hi,
I have checked the ps3.pdf file. i have some question about this product.
Now my cnc machine run by stepper system, M542 & stepper size 86 4A. so please tell me, your driver can using for my cnc M542 stepper driver or do you have other product for clear that subject.
Thanks

[Jeff]

The PS3 board is too small to handle your NEMA 34 size motors.  Instead, you might look into the Leadshine closed-loop stepper drivers.

[gpe...@gmail.com]

Do you still produce these? Im trying to build a closed loop system on an indexer tool for my shop. Ive already purchased some nema 23 motors 2.8a and a m542 driver plus arduino. Im a machinist but a rookie at electronics though.

[Jeff]

Unfortunately, there wasn't really too much interest in the PS3 board so I've shelved the project.