[lucas]

OH! But that is not a chinese design/built board discussed, but Luc's work, with much better components.

I may get this one too.

Think you made the wrong decision by buying the chinese, they do have inferior components as you said: the electrolytic capacitors will heat up and die soon, open sided connectors, etc..
I think there's something wrong with the motor supply configuration: the diode will prevent the motor back EMF to be dumped in the power supply.
Then there's the undocumented switch, I have a gutt feeling that it might be important by looking at the photo's.
Just a guess but if in the wrong position: Magic smoke.

[BronzeAgeMan]

Your misunderstanding I think. I and SteveWill are favoring the Massmind one:
6064: 4AMP Stepper Motor Driver Kit. massmind

I haven't gotten an order together yet but I'm agreeing with you, though Tinky seems happy with whatever he's got.

Think you made the wrong decision by buying the chinese,....

[lucas]

Your misunderstanding I think. I and SteveWill are favoring the Massmind one:
6064: 4AMP Stepper Motor Driver Kit. massmind

Agree, I misunderstood because you replied this:

Thanks! Let us know. I'm ordering 3 myself.

to tinky1233 (I'm probably not the only one who did).

I have zero problems so far, everything is running smooth, all components are cool, so no need for fan, to my surprise even motors are not getting hot, and they hold more than 6560 at full power (which made motors very noisy and hot). I haven't touched the mistery switch yet, I'm afraid

You are using the drive at 24V and 2.5A if I read correct?
This is only 1/3th of the chip's capabilities and heat decrease lifetime exponentially , wonder what would happen at 100%.
Electrolytic capacitors are an example of this, they heat up internally and their lifetime is reduced by half for each 10°C temperature increase, yep 50% reduction.
Cooling might help a little but using the correct type is much better, quality low-esr capacitors are expensive.

Quote from:
Electrolytic Capacitor Lifetime Estimation | PowerGuru - Power Electronics Information Portal

Summary
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors often determine the lifetime of electronic devices. A thorough knowledge of some of the key parameters and aging concepts of these components are necessary to ensure the reliable design of electronic devices with a predictable lifetime.

There are several options for this:
1 use the cheapest one and don't bother about lifetime.
2 calculate and choose a type that will last just long enough to cover the warranty period.
3 go for quality and use one of the best available.

1 is probably what you have, 2 is what commercial companies do (sounds familiar, doesn't it) and 3 is what hobbiests do to avoid problems and hassle.


Did you ask the supplier about the mistery switch? Any reply?

[BronzeAgeMan]

Agree, I misunderstood because you replied this:

to tinky1233 (I'm probably not the only one who did).

Apologises, I got confused thinking SteveWill bought the Chinese creation,then not...

Quote from:
Electrolytic Capacitor Lifetime Estimation | PowerGuru - Power Electronics Information Portal

That article was really informative, especially the Lifetime Model and calculations. Thanks.