I purchased the BlackBox to replace a Smoothieboard on my OX CNC. It was a simple replacement and the software was simple as well.
The only issues I had was that the X-motor driver was not functioning. OpenBuilds sent a replacement out right away. The replacement had its own issues where I couldn’t connect to it using the USB. I tried the Brains board from the first kit and paired it with the muscle board from the replacement kit and everything is working fine now.
My set up is using X, Y, and Z limit switches, X, Y, Y2, and Z motor drivers, a 400W spindle, a J Tech 2.8W laser, and Z probe.
Normally, the issues I had would drop the rating by 1 star BUT OpenBuilds went out of their way to help me get up and running and all around the Christmas holiday. Easily a 5-star operation due to customer service and the ease of plug and play with the BlackBox. If I start another project, the BlackBox will be an easy choice as the controller.

The Blackbox motion control system just works when several other devices have caused me much grief. I am new to CNC and had almost given up on my project Thank you Openbuilds team

So I was able to put it together without reading the instructions making only a couple of tiny missteps, both of which would have been avoided if I'd installed the two long spacers to the proper board first. I've not connected it yet so I can't speak to that, but the packaging is very clever. If I was to make a suggestion for V2 it would be to put all of the connectors and switches on one side so it's easier to work on. I wan to mount it vertically and if I do that the connectors facing down are difficult to access. Also I'd have liked to see tbs on the side to mount it vertically. I have an original C-Beam and so far I don't see how to easily mount both this and the the power supply to the machine. Right now there is a Smoothie board and the power supply mounted to the back of the X axis but at first glance it does not appear this will fit. Minor quibble I know, but till I fire it up, that's all I've got. Lastly, I was reading the docs and the instructions for setting the 4 current pots seemed to be aimed at someone who already knows how to do it. Everything I've ever purchased from Openbuilds has been what was promised and I expect no less from this.

Ira

I haven't actually used the BlackBox to drive anything yet, but I got it to drive a CNC mill I'm planning to build in the next few months. This basically comes as a kit, but the assembly process itself was quite a bit of fun. It seems well made, and I'm certainly hopeful that it performs as I'm expecting it to.

The Blackbox replaced a TinyG controller running with Chilipepr which needs internet connectivity. One of my shops is located in the sticks without internet and this seemed like an affordable option. I grabbed the Blackbox on sale. It went together without a hitch and fired right up. The only headache I ran into was trying to mount it in a small terminal box. It would be nice if the mounting holes were located on the sides instead of the ends, but no big deal. Thanks for an affordable all in one unit that works.