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PiBot vs xPro Boards

Discussion in 'Controller Boards' started by Adam Eldeen, Aug 18, 2015.

  1. Adam Eldeen

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    Does anyone have any direct experience with these boards. I am trying to decide between PiBot and xpro. I have heard a few good things about both. Please let me know advantages and disadvantages of both.

    What I've heard and ASSume...

    1. PiBot is a bunch of little boards linked together and xpro is all in one. Would be nice to have it all in one but, it would also be nice to replace each component individually if just one part went bad.

    2. Mark Carew recommends the xpro and I've only heard of the PiBot though it was mostly excellent reviews about it.

    3. PiBot is in Stock right now and the xpro is not. I'm not in a hurry but do want to get it ordered so I can feel it and see it.

    I'm happy with the $130-160 but would be willing to go more if it the right answer.

    THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOU GREAT INPUT!!!
     
  2. Steven Bloom

    Steven Bloom Journeyman
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    I actually love (now that I understand how to use) the SainSmart Blue Breakout board.

    http://www.sainsmart.com/sainsmart-5-axis-breakout-board-for-stepper-motor-driver-cnc-mill-blue.html

    I used 4 of these drivers boards with it.

    http://www.sainsmart.com/cnc-router...3-5a-stepper-stepping-motor-driver-board.html

    All together it is like an $84 investment. It works with Mach3 and is very easy to use. I know have all of the wires figured out so that anyone else could figure it out easily.

    Thanks Steven
     
  3. Adam Eldeen

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    Thanks for the post Steven, I have two questions.

    1. Does this configuration require Mach 3 or can other software be used?

    2. Can we get a pic of your boards set up and a little story of what happened with the wiring that made it hard and easy?

    I am a total newbie and really want to do my homework.

    THANKS
     
  4. Steven Bloom

    Steven Bloom Journeyman
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    I will make a video tonight showing the set up and the configuration and post it

    Yes, you need Mach3, but even with that is only a $234 investment. And Mach3 is really easy to use.

    The biggest problem with the board is that the instruction that come are mostly in Chinese (which I of course don't understand).

    But with a little hard work its all mapped out
     
  5. Brian Polin

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    Adam, I would like to know which control you settled on. I have the same question of which control to go with for a build. I am thinking of using LinuxCNC based computer!
     

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