MKS versus MisfitTech

[Haroen Rahimbaks]

Hello,

I started testing and using Closed Loop steppers with the MKS NEMA17 and NEMA23 by surfing Aliexpress for my CNC, Lathe ELS and Pick&Place.
I didn't know about the origin Mechaduino ->  MisfitTech -> MKS.

The NEMA23 MKS-SERVO57A arrived damaged by posting in chinese thin plastic gray bags. I did get a new one as refund but would take 3 to 5 weeks to arrive.
I had to figure out what's wrong with it by surfing and analyzing the schematics, pcb and BOM.

Then I found MisfitTech and did the comparison and noticed that MisfitTech claims to be faster than the MKS but uses the same µP with other extension?
* ATSAMD21G18A-MF-ND IC MCU 32BIT 256KB FLASH 48QFN

* ATSAMD21G18A-AU   256K 32K  TQFP48

Not knowing why it's faster except by higher supply voltage I decided to make the NEMA17 Smart Stepper.
- This because shipping to Europe and custom costs can go up to €50 ($61).
* But most of all because of learning more by DIY and maybe helping with the design.

I checked the difference with the "OpenSource" 3.2A NEMA23 Smart Stepper but couldn't find anything (schematics, pcb and BOM) on it?!

Now to summarise after reading several posts here I think that:
* DIY now mine is almost finished, I would NOT recommend this anymore (for the only available NEMA17)!
*  NEMA23 Smart Stepper as compatition is NOT only with MKS but also with chinese hybrid servo motors for around €100 without the €50 custom costs.
These motors have much higher accelerations and speeds!
*  I've received my new MKS-SERVO57A where max RPM is very slow!  
* I will order the NOT "OpenSource" 3.2A NEMA23 Smart Stepper just for comparison and to review my findings.
* If it's realy faster then I want to advise it for my ELS project.