hi all
hapy to be here and look forward to chatting
I bought a 3040 with a 6560 controller board very cheap. It had controller board issues and kept blowing fuses on the PSU when it was connected. When i first plugged in with no external gear connected (steppers, spindle) there was a small plume of smoke from around the x-axis 6560 and it instantly blew a fuse.
i woudl love to buy a gecko540 for it but that would take the fun out of buying it so cheap - so....can anyone recommend a reasonably priced reliable non step missing 6560 based controller??? Smiley surely there is a reliable one?
i cam across this article on how to fix these boards in terms of missing steps etc. cool fix well done. I see there are a few of these mods on here.

Fixing a Chinese Made CNC Stepper Motor Driver Board (TB6560 chips) | Home, DIY & Stuff

i have attached a photo of the board. maybe i could replace the chip but the fault might be elsewhere. there is some discolouration around some legs in the middle of the chip.
For the money maybe the better option is a new board.
Open to any advice?
Surely there is a cheapish board that is reliable without mods?? or am i dreaming
cheers all thanks scott