Need Help!- Need simple non-cnc stepper motor driver

[BTD]

I need a simple (one-piece, self-contained?) power supply/motor controller for the stepper motor. 120 vac in....wiring to stepper motor out.

I want to use a NEMA 23 stepper motor for a plasma torch track driver.

There's no computer interface....all manual control.

I need adjustable speed, forward/reverse selection, and two discrete inputs for limit switchs. RPM or pulse frequency readout would be nice.

Please help!

Thanks guys...

[serriadh]

Sounds like you've just asked for all the major things a CNC driven axis needs, bar the facility to parse and run g-code ;-)

You may find that it is quite practical to use a standard DC motor to do the driving here, as you don't need precise positioning between limits. The controls will be much simpler and you're more likely to find an off-the-shelf speed control and reverse package. Me, I'd scour ebay for likely looking devices. You may have better things to do with your time, however.

[RC-Archer]

I think that I need the same thing but for testing and setting up stepper motor drives and lead screws.

[amishx64]

Originally Posted by BTD I need a simple (one-piece, self-contained?) power supply/motor controller for the stepper motor. 120 vac in....wiring to stepper motor out. I want to use a NEMA 23 stepper motor for a plasma torch track driver. There's no computer interface....all manual control. I need adjustable speed, forward/reverse selection, and two discrete inputs for limit switchs. RPM or pulse frequency readout would be nice. Please help! Thanks guys...

This sounds like a good little microcontroller project. Are you looking to do DIY?

[Kipper]

Sounds simple enough! Programmable Stepper Drivers

[BTD]

Thank you all....

Kipper, that link isn't working for me.

amishx64, I'm not very savvy re microcontrollers (pic?, basic stamp?). This will be DIY as far as the mechanism is concerned but I wanted to use off-the-shelf electronics.

serriadh, I looked at DC motors but am concerned that the speed won't be constant and I think I need pretty much constant speed for a plasma torch. I'm going to look again though. I'm thinking that a stepper will pretty much be a constant speed motor up to the rated braking torque.

I also looked at outright purchase of a OA torch track burner but they aren't cheap...several thousand dollars.

I've priced the stepper motor and power supply from Keling (approx $110 total) but the drivers I've seen seem to demand a computer interface.

Again, thanks all.

[BTD]

RC-Archer - just saw this. It's a little expensive for what I want but might be what you're looking for.

http://www.velmex.com/motor_control_vxm_j.html

[BTD]

Kipper....ok, the link works now.. http://www.electrozoneuk.com/
This is pretty much what I was looking for....just add power supply and stepper motor and off we go...you da man!

RC-Archer, you might consider this too. Seems to max out at 2 amps but will work for me.

[RC-Archer]

Thanks for the info, BTD.

[Kipper]

Originally Posted by BTD Kipper....ok, the link works now.. http://www.electrozoneuk.com/ This is pretty much what I was looking for....just add power supply and stepper motor and off we go...you da man! RC-Archer, you might consider this too. Seems to max out at 2 amps but will work for me.

I reckon it can be interfaced to another driver ie the step/dir part to drive anything..... I built some miniature 4th axis units and a CCTV dome with those a few years back......The larger power version seems to have been in development forever so don't hold your breath waiting on it.