Stepper controller choice

[Dave Vigness]

So, I'm thinking of changing my Z drive from a 110V motor and push buttons over to a stepper system. I see two main variations of controllers. DM542 and DM556. The 556 seems to just be a little heavier unit. I have some 3A stepper motors, so either should be okay as far as i can tell... Right?

[Tim Mellor]

Stepper choice depends on the ratio/speed you want out of it and then that choice determines the drive. So you can always gear down if the load is to high this will also help keep the bed in place with less load on the motor when holding position.

As to 'drives' not all are made equal so I paid a premium and went with a more 'known' supplier for my upcoming build https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000785 ... 4c4daMOp49 Some of the various options out there are a bit of a gamble to save a few $ IMO but they are a bargain if they work.

Somewhere near the bottom of the barrel pricing but Caveat Emptor https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3281583 ... 3c7151KcHL

[Dave Vigness]

I have a number of NEMA23 3A steppers from other equipment, I was looking at the driver boards.

At 3A, I should be able to use either the 542 or the 556. From what I could tell from the specs, the 556 is a little 'heavier duty' unit capable of a little more amperage and voltage. Other than the higher power capability I did not see any difference between them. I was asking if there are any 'unadvertised' differences that could make a difference.

[Tim Mellor]

My point was more look at the source so you stand a better chance of getting what you expect. Without buying a variety and doing a proper look and number crunch you need to rely on a level of trust with the supplier that what you order and is specified is what you are going to get.

Clearly the original 542 and 556 have been cloned by multiple parties (just look at some of the pictures for a start) so the numbers are a guess at best with the clones against the original. Rebadged by many and more than likely stripped of 'unneeded components' This stripping and shaving of components is commonplace and includes parring back on heatsinks for example which leads to heat issues. I have an high degree of skepticism with Chinese sourced Electronics as component cloning of expensive Western parts is very common and a lot under perform. The Driver IC's would be the logical thing to clone in this case as they will likely be the most expensive IC in the build.

That is not to say 'all' Chinese sourced items are an issue the Ruida for example is what can be done right, everything under the covers looks good on the 6445 I opened up recently but then it is a several hundred $ item not a $20 driver.

However with 3A steppers the 4'ish Amps of the 542 would be fine and provide a reasonable level of head room so 'in theory' the driver IC's will be cruising even at 3A that is if what is under the bonnet is what is claimed or even if it is a little shakey.

[Dave Vigness]

I have 542's in my China Red, and I have hooked a couple of my 3A motors to them for testing. But that is a long cry from consistent use. That being said, I'm only looking at converting the Z drive, so it wouldn't be like replacing my X motor and going hot and heavy on a jumbo engraving project.

I'd have to go dig the specs back out, but memory says the 542 tops out a little over 4A, and the 556 around 7A. My 3A motors would be at the upper end of the 542 but not pushing it vs. the middle of the 556 power range. What had me a bit concerned was in doing some Amazon searches, the 556, be it a 'heavier' unit, was less expensive than the 542 and it's clones. I wanted to make sure it was a volume pricing thing, and not a quality thing. I haven't seen any really negative things on either of them, and for larger machines they would probably require the 556 so I'm leaning toward a volume price thing at this point. I would definitely stay with Leadshine as it's the only name brand I know in those devices and one Cloudray sells. If someone can give me another good name brand I will add it to me list of reliable manufacturers.

I hate to say it, but I've experienced this with my truck. It was significantly cheaper for me to jump up one tire size, than to purchase the 'correct' replacements for the factory tires.