Dumpster diving - Compumotor AL-Drive (Matching surplus steppers to)

[ehud42]

I just received 3 surplus Compumotor AL-Drive drivers. I have a bunch of surplus 110oz steppers rated at 3.1A / 2.9V that I want connect to these drivers. However, in reading the manual (http://www.compumotor.com/manuals/a-ax/a_ug.pdf) there is a warning:

Motors must have a minimum inductance of 20mH (end to end).

What does 'end to end' mean?
How do I determine what the inductance of a stepper is without access to a scope to measure the time constant?

In other words, Can I use my motors with this driver?

[James Newton]

techref.massmind.org/techref/inductor/measure.htm Has a means of measuring inductance without a 'scope... it does require a sine generator, however. If you have an Arduino, or other easily programmable uC, you may be able to make a sine generator without too much trouble. Here are some ideas for the uC part: techref.massmind.org/techref/new/letter/news0404.htm

Or you can purchase a meter that can measure inductance. I've seen models that can do that for as little as $25.