StepMasterNC

[grahamweekes]

Has anyone experience of "StepMasterNC 4 axis stepper motor driver, model SOP-2B"?
Intended use would be to drive a small Taig or similar mill
They are available here in UK via Ebay.
I searched for posts but could not find any from users of Stepmaster products.
I see that Xylotex are popular in USA but their web site says:"Sorry. No European Union shipping. Xylotex products are currently NOT ROHS compliant."
Any other recommendations for stepper motor drivers available in UK would be very welcome.
regards
Graham

[art-666]

I bid and won a 2 axis stepmasternc so will let you know how I get on.
I have the components to build a 4 axis controller but need to get things under way, need tobuild now. This was cheaper then buying the Ic's for the picstep too.


http://www.stepmasternc.com/website121506_002.htm

[Kipper]

Search further Graham as the board you enquire of is mentioned in "Is this the same board as xylotex for less dollars"

[jfc11]

I bought one but i have only bench tested it.....The delivery took 3 weeks when I ordered
Jim

[venomx999]

I purchase a 3axis set last few weeks. I still dont know how to set the current and voltage on the board. There's no where to measure it and im not risking zapping the drive board or the motors.

How did you set yours ?

[art-666]

You did read the manual or download it here http://www.stepmasternc.com/

1.4 SETTING STEPPER MOTOR CURRENT:
Stepper motors must NOT be connected when adjusting motor current
Each individual axis current may be adjusted utilizing variable resistor potentiometers (VR X,
and VR Y)
Current adjustment is made with the aid of voltometer at test points (TP X, and TP Y). Be sure
to make contact with COM probe at COM connection point at VBB INput.
Formula for proper Vref at said TP s = (1.25 x desired current value)
(i.e. stepper motor current rating of 2 amps = Vref of 2.5 vdc)
VREFs higher than 2.5vdc require the use of external cooling device such as a fan blowing
directly over the driver board. (DO NOT EXCEED A VREF OF 3.125 VDC ON ANY GIVEN
AXIS)
If using 6 or 8 wire motors, connected using series wiring method, reduce labeled amperage
rating by 50%
(i.e. a motor rated at 4 amps should thus be considered now rated at 2 amps)
A conservative motor current (50-75%) of stated motor rating (bi-polar motor) will often give
excellent results, often making the use of external cooling system unnecessary (as long as Vref is
less than 2.5vdc)


Regards Art

[venomx999]

I had the voltage set up correctly. Not sure how to set up the amps. I tried to hook the motor back in and did some test. But the only thing i hear was a clicking and the chip got hot again.

Not sure if its the board's misconfiguration or its the wiring order of the motor ?

[venomx999]

...is there a really simple program to test each axis ? ... when 1 plugged it. It freezes and does nothing. When all 3 plugged in, it makes small humming noise as if the current distribute among the 3 axis and then just play some Bball.

lol

[venomx999]

Nvermind... i figured it out... I had the step and dir wires from the parallel port in reverse that was why nothing happened and just low humming.


oh yes now the fun begins.

[venomx999]

Okay, as far as wiring... im using bipolar motors. The wires are Black Blue Green and Red. Which ones are A, A# and B, B# ???

any suggestions?

[ger21]

Originally Posted by venomx999 Okay, as far as wiring... im using bipolar motors. The wires are Black Blue Green and Red. Which ones are A, A# and B, B# ??? any suggestions?

Don't connect it until you know what each wire is. If youconnect it wrong, you'll most likely fry the board.

[venomx999]

true Gerry,
imma just wait out til i get more info on those motors.
meanwhile, i have another question. I'm running a variable laptop adapter
charger through the system. Its ranging from 18-20 Volts at 3.16A max, is this sufficient for 3 motors at 4volts 0.8amp ???