Hearing saftey- stepper motor PWM whine - CNCzone.com-The Largest Machinist Community on the net!

nullbert · #1 07-02-2008, 01:59 PM

The stepper motor drivers I'm using (L297/L298 combo, kit built from pminmo.com) emits a very loud whine, presumably from the current-limiting chopper circuit.

I tested another driver with better results ("Dragon Driver")

http://cgi.ebay.com/BIPOLAR-STEPPER-...QQcmdZViewItem

With this drive the motor seems to be operating with no audible whine. However, a co-worker pointed out to me there could be a lot of near-ultrasonic energy being emitted just out of hearing range, which could still be dangerous.

I was thinking of looking for a sound level meter that can measure into the ultrasonic range. What is the consensus out there? Has anyone thought about this at length?

youngjim · #2 07-04-2008, 08:43 PM

Might be worth the trouble. I've lost a little of my high frequency hearing (being the Air Force, and up til recently working on & around F-18s) and once its gone, its gone.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Beltdrive-stepper motor-stepper motor driver	Georg	Stepper Motors and Drives	0	10-16-2007 04:56 PM
Hearing Static noise but no movement	Hmedich	Hobbycnc (Products)	0	10-14-2007 08:26 AM
Bench grinder saftey	groovemixer	Toolgrinding & Toolgrinding Machines	5	06-24-2007 03:12 PM
Motor whine, no rotation	flyboy1015	Mach Software (ArtSoft software)	9	03-02-2007 09:32 PM
Whine / squeal noises when machine idle	bkraz	Bridgeport and Hardinge Mills	5	02-09-2006 05:29 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)