Paralle port controller

[szynszyl]

I'm not expertise in electronics so i kindly ask your suggestion.
I'm thinking to build a controller with ULN micro in order to transmit the signals from the parallel port to the driver attached , do you think it's a good idea?
Stepper drive required only 15ma so i need to limit the current from ULN exit, I put a resistance? what is your suggestion??

Thanks

[szynszyl]

I kindly ask your reply, please I need help!!

[Oldmanandhistoy]

Why do you need a parallel port controller; you can wire the drive directly to the parallel port or via a simple break out board?

John

[HillBilly]

Do not use a resistor. Just because a device is rated at a certian max current does not mean it will always output this current. The current is determined by the input impediance of the load being driven (stepper drive 15mA).

Darek

[Oldmanandhistoy]

I have attached a simple diagram of how to wire your drive/s using a very basic breakout board.

John

[szynszyl]

Thanks guys!

John,
how about the performance of stepper drive? are you happy?
Thanks for the picture!

Marco

[Oldmanandhistoy]

Originally Posted by szynszyl Thanks guys! John, how about the performance of stepper drive? are you happy? Thanks for the picture! Marco

Hi again,

If your asking about the MSD556 drives which I got from http://www.motioncontrolproducts.co.uk/ I am very happy I also have a MSD980.

They run very cool even at near max rating for current and Volts over long periods and imo do not need active cooling (I am monitoring component temperatures at the moment). I have been running them for well over a year around 30hrs/week, during this time I did have one develop a fault which was replaced without any problems. The optically isolated inputs for step and direction means that any simple break out board can be used while still having protection at the parallel port.

The only down side is the fact that they have no mid band resonance suppression circuit but this has not caused any problems to date.

John