After some research I narrowed down to two options/packages for controlling stepper motors (they both seem easy enough to work with and appears to be lots of online support for both):
Mega 2560 R3
RAMPS 1.4 Controller
A4988 Stepper Driver Module
I save R$20 with the 328 option (not a big deal -- about $7 USD). I cannot figure out which is a better option. I need something that is fairly versatile with a little more than what I need than exactly what I need or less. If there is something a little more than these that might be worth upgrading, it is definitely an option. These are just the two I keep seeing everywhere in projects.
Also, if I want, I could buy everything separately to choose individual components, but I get hit hard on shipping (China to Brazil). But, I probably could find a vendor to put the separate components into one package - maybe.
If you want to move various things, then you need to use various things.
I can't get any more specific than that unless you give me more details. Weight, speed, the motors and gearboxes you've picked would be a great place to start. I don't need to know what the things actually are but it's easier to talk about them if you give them a name.
Of the two options in the Original Post the first one with the Mega 2560 will have considerably more capability.
You have not posted a link to the datasheets for the stepper motors you are using so it is impossible to say if the A4988 drivers are suitable. In general they are capable of driving motors that require a coil current not exceeding 1.4 amps. AFAIK the DRV8825 drivers can be used in the same sockets and can control a slightly more powerful motor - say up to 1.7 or 1.8 amps.
For bigger motors you will need separate drivers that don't fit on a shield - but they could still be controlled by a Mega
Robin2:
Of the two options in the Original Post the first one with the Mega 2560 will have considerably more capability.
You have not posted a link to the datasheets for the stepper motors you are using so it is impossible to say if the A4988 drivers are suitable. In general they are capable of driving motors that require a coil current not exceeding 1.4 amps. AFAIK the DRV8825 drivers can be used in the same sockets and can control a slightly more powerful motor - say up to 1.7 or 1.8 amps.
For bigger motors you will need separate drivers that don't fit on a shield - but they could still be controlled by a Mega
There is a possibility to get something more powerful -- but not for some time.
Good to know about the DRV8825 drivers. I wasn't sure if those were too much.
What do you think about the difference between the two "expansion/interface" boards. They seem almost the same. I am not knowledgeable enough yet to understand the differences.
The biggest differences are:
The Ramps board has 3 MOSFET drivers for high current loads like heaters and fans that the CNC shield for the Uno lacks. The Ramps board can control 5 steppers, the CNC shield can control 3 steppers. The Ramps board has thermistor inputs for monitoring the heaters, CNC shield does not.
groundFungus:
The biggest differences are:
The Ramps board has 3 MOSFET drivers for high current loads like heaters and fans that the CNC shield for the Uno lacks. The Ramps board can control 5 steppers, the CNC shield can control 3 steppers. The Ramps board has thermistor inputs for monitoring the heaters, CNC shield does not.
Got it. Thank you!
You guys/gals have been great help. Thank you so much.