Newbie- power supply?

[Banana Jack]

so now that i've got my driver and steppers i need to find myself a power supply. i would like to build my own, but i dont have any old computers lying around... and i'm trying to figure out what kind of ratings i need on it, but google is just confusing me more. what's the difference between serial and parallel wiring? how much voltage should i be running these steppers on? any other info i'm missing out on that i should know?

[atwooddon]

The specs from your HobbyCNC driver state:

•42VDC maximum input voltage, 12VDC minimum input voltage. 24VDC Minimum Recommended Voltage

So, I would shoot for a power supply in the 24-36V range that can handle about 10-15 amps. The instructions with your driver board are very explicit and the HobbyCNC site has examples of how to build a power supply.

Parallel wiring indicates all positive connections are connected as are all negative connections. Series wiring is positive to negative to positive etc. Example: Two 1.5V alkaline battery cells wired in parallel would be both positives hooked together and both negatives hooked together. Total voltage would still be 1.5V but double the capacity. The same 2 cells wired in series would have one positive end connected to the negative of the second cell, total voltage end to end would be 3V but the same capacity as one cell.

I suggest you google or search on parallel wiring vs series wiring to get better explanation with drawing examples.

Don

[Banana Jack]

yeah i understand parallel/series wiring perfectly when we're talking batteries, with capacities and voltages and only 2 wires. 6 lead motors is a different story completely though.
i just looked through the entire hobbycnc website though, and i can't find the power supply how to. mind giving a link?

[atwooddon]

I forgot they moved all the support information to a Yahoo group. You have to have the moderator at HobbyCNC approve your joining the group, usually happens quickly. Here is the link to the Yahoo group

HobbyCNC : HobbyCNC

Wiring the steppers to the driver/controller is not a serial/parallel task, it is based on coils. In the case of the HobbyCNC stuff it is easily accomplished by color coding, just follow the instructions that came with the driver board kit.

Don

[diecutter]

I built my own power supply from parts without knowing much about electronics. If I can do it, you can too. I used this diagram from PMinMO's excellent site and it works great.

Simple Power Supply

[Banana Jack]

ahh that looks perfect! thank you! no cash right now, i'll be using a 12v 15A power supply i have for testing until i get money and i'll give that one a shot, for sure.