Best case/recommended electronics?

[lasershark1]

I've read over the wiki, and it seems theres a lot of options for the electronics. Is there a recommended/best case set? The Uno seems to be king - but I've seen a few shields, some motors, etc... am I pretty much ok going with anything listed here, or is there a particular setup that's easiest to work with and most robust?

[AtomSoft]

Im not sure if im being bias but i would go with my shield

http://atomsofttech.com/mainpress/?p=2212

Mainly because:

1) replaceable controllers - If you happen to burn one out.
2) small fan mount
3) Easy to connect/read silk screen. No manual needed for wiring

[lasershark1]

Well that link mostly looks like "hey look what I did" and not any ordering information, price, if I need to assemble it myself, etc...

[AtomSoft]

havent had much time to add it to the store. Also :

http://www.shapeoko.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=109

[lasershark1]

Oh I'm not complaining, just trying to find the easiest/best case option to get started with.

[edwardrford]

The two options that we generally point people to are:

1.) grblShield
2.) Buildlog stepper shield.

However, the stepper shield is sold out at the moment, so grblShield is your best bet if you're looking for a shield.

If you're going to run the Shapeoko from a full PC setup with parallel port (like you do your laser?). then you could always go with the 4 axis stepper controller from buildlog.net.

-Edward

[lasershark1]

Nah, laser is a Full Spectrum with their RetinaEngrave USB card. God I love that thing.

I'll check out the grbl shield. Which brings me to my next set of questions to be posted in the right thread...