Hey Just asking. My new Cnc has a Arduino CNC shield and its a little buggy. Shopping for a better controller. Friend had mention openBuilds Black Box. Question: Both are Atmeg 328 based and both are Grbl. Can I expect much better results from the Black Box? Appreciate any input. Thanks
It's not the processor that's important here, the difference in the drivers is what matters. The drop in drivers in the typical CNC shield provide considerably less power power to the steppers than the drivers in the BlackBox. The BlackBox drivers also provide smoother power than the DRV8825 drivers commonly used with the shields.
Other than the limit switches, which as an electrician, I never liked Normally open circuits, the router just stops mid program. Not always in the same place but arbitrary. Almost as though is it overwhelmed, not enough memory. I thought it might be the usb cable in proximity to the steppers. I have tried replacing the USB with a better quality cable that has ferites on both ends. However, not being as patient as I used to be, I just want to start cutting. So i'm looking for the most reliable controller.
Rick, I hadn't consider the drivers. What drivers do the black Box unit come with? I see from the header that you are part of the OpenBuilds Team. That is very encouraging to know your guys are present.
The BlackBox uses the S109AFNG drivers which reliably provide 3A power to the steppers (can actually go to 4A with proper cooling but the steppers the BlackBox is designed for max at 3A). The BlackBox is also built far more robust that typical CNC shields. For a better idea of what the BlackBox is good to visit OpenBuilds BlackBox 4X Documentation Yeah, but I'm not the expert on the subject. That would be Peter. I'm more into the physical build than the electronics.
The weak underpowered drivers most CNC shields use are susceptible to overheating which can cause them to randomly shut down. When I first built mine, I used a CNC shield and had all kinds of problems with heat. Even with a house fan blowing on them. I switched to proper CNC mill drivers with a much higher amperage rating and have never had a problem since.
At the time, the black box didn't exist. I used the arduino with some good DQ542 MA drivers. Then I had to figure out all the wiring. 4 DQ542MA drivers plus an arduino cost as much as the black box so when I built my lathe I went with the black box. What a simple joy that was hooking everything up. I love it.
I had the same issues. Spent a month troubleshooting and replacing parts before buying the Black Box. Problems fixed in 20 minutes once it arrived.
Black Box is great...but there is only one issue...drivers aren't replaceable...so if any driver die, you need to replace whole box.
Except a) it gets replaced under warranty if it does and b) we have seen very very little driver issues in the sense of them dying. We designed them to be incredibly bulletproof
