naPS wrote:Is there an easy way to change out the stepper drivers? Blowing these things up is a fairly common occurrence for folks new to CNC.
Yes -
Though it will take slightly more manual dexterity and care than with boards that use modules to begin with;
its a 2 step process :
1- isolate the dead chip by carefully cutting the tracks going to it with an exacto knife - you'll probably need a magnifying glass , or a 10x microscope is even better- and a steady hand
2- install the headers in the holes (solder) for the module footprint on either side of the driver IC in question - and plug in the module as customary.
On the other hand, it should be a lot less commonplace to accidentally blow up an IC on my board without gross negligence.
From what i've read one of the most common ways to destroy the pluggable modules is plugging them in backwards or not correctly aligned on the right pins ;
- with on-board drivers, such mishandling issues are thus avoided.
- I use the most recent driver IC's with built-in overload protection.
- the motor voltage bus is protected from over-voltage and reverse polarity - and fused
- much improved thermal design vs what you can provide with modules means overheating should never happen.
- using the DAC option vs potentiometer and avoiding shorting jumpers nearby (using remote dip switches )
also means now there's no reason to go poking around there with a screwdriver while the thing is powered, which is another great way to blow up your board.