SainSmart 1 Axis CNC Servo Stepper Motor Motion Programmable Controller

We've used these ST-PMC1 1-axis controls on a few custom automation projects. They are a great value for what they are- a simple, programmable single axis controller that may stand alone or be a sub-component of another control. They are not a proper multi-axis cnc control that can read standard g-code. Instead these are good to use in cases where a simple automation project is to be controlled. We've added a few pictures of our projects to this review. One shows a control for a 2-axis Tsudakoma trunion rotary table. Here the controllers were connected together so each axis could coordinate its movement. The other example is a control for an automated saw. In this case a single ST-PMC1 control allows the operator to select how far they want to cut using the "A" input function, and then make safe, repeatable cuts to an exact length.The users manual is well-organized but the translation is terrible! The programming examples in the book and parameter and program function charts are helpful and a good reference, but understanding the control and how to connect it was initially difficult due the confusing Chinese-to-English translation.We will be purchasing more of these from Amazon Prime to use on future SB Precision LLC projects!

To my surprise, it works. The English manual included is challenging to understand due to the translation. Several example programs helped a lot. After a few hours, I was able to wire the circuits and program controls for a stepper motor's speed, direction, and distance, time delay outputs to control solenoids, and inputs from switches. I have no idea how durable this unit is but for now, it is delivering simple automation with no problems.

This controller is a great way to operate my Stepper motor for my application. Since I am not needing to operate more than one motor, and not a more elaborate multi-axis system, it only requires an external power supply, and a Stepper motor driver module to make it a stand alone system. The ST-PMC1 powers the motor driver unit from the COM connection on the unit, and has input control from external sources like On/Off switches, Limit switches, and can control external sources from the unit such as coolant for a cutting unit if used, or other equipment pertaining to your application if needed. It will be a good unit to be used in many ways, and if you need help in operations or tech support, they are very helpful to get you going. I am happy to have this source of help behind me since I am new to this technology.

This took a while to figure out how to use. The instructions are horrible. They are written in Chinenglish.I don't recommended this for a laymen who is just trying to drive a stepper motor within a few mins of taking this out of the box.Also, I took the buzzer out. That thing was annoying.In the end. If you have some time to figure this unit out(plan on taking that time) it will perform okay. It doesn't like to go too slow. The pulses get segmented and are not smooth. If you need to drive a motor really slow and smooth then plan on a gear reduction to speed up the pulse train and stepper. That should make steps less noticeable with this unit. Digital drivers also help!Overall, if you need a cheap controller then this will work. It can be programmed to run a routine and accepts reference inputs and limits. This unit isn't bad. I just wish there were better in this price range.Honestly, one could probably devise an arduino mega based version of this running off of a single axis with grbl with an interface and it would be better and cost about the same.

I use this controller to provide reciprocal motion to drive a dispenser to coat a moving web. I am able to seamlessly change the stroke in 1/4" + or - increments while remaining in the run mode. I also use this controller to index a web and use the outputs and delay function to control the web processing. I wish it were possible to have a PC interface to save the programs as some of my programs use most of the available memory. I would like to see more inputs and outputs and more memory. All in all, I am very pleased. I would highly recommend this controller.