Using 2 controllers for one motor???

[Witsenburg]

Hi,

I've bought some motors which are bipolar and rated at 4.3 amps. (HN200 3438). Now I'd like to build a simple controller myself, but the only diy controllers I can find don't support over 4 amps. Could I use 2 controllers per motor, hook them up parrallel to both the motor and the interface card? For instance the PICStep, having the 2 boards share one and the same resonator? That would mean designing a new board for it, but that's the easy bit.

Please post your pros and cons to the concept,
Thanks,

Hugo

[Leeuwinga]

You cannot use two drives to connect one motor.
Better use a Gecko drive, up to 7 Amps without any
problem

[MHINK]

I would use one of the kits from kitsrus.com, either k158 or k179, drives up to 6 Amps. They are less expensive than buying the parts alone, well made and easy to assemble. I bought 3 of them for less than $70 total.
http:www.kitsrus.com
-Mark

[Witsenburg]

@ Leeuwinga: thanks, but can you explain why not?

@ MHINK: Thanks, with all documentation given I can build those myself. Goody...

Cheers,

Hugo

[Googo]

Hi,

I've bought some motors which are bipolar and rated at 4.3 amps. (HN200 3438). Now I'd like to build a simple controller myself, but the only diy controllers I can find don't support over 4 amps. Could I use 2 controllers per motor, hook them up parrallel to both the motor and the interface card? For instance the PICStep, having the 2 boards share one and the same resonator? That would mean designing a new board for it, but that's the easy bit.

Please post your pros and cons to the concept,
Thanks,

Hugo

For the DIY controllers, you should be able to double up the FETs/BJTs used to drive the motor to get more current through them. You may need to change the constant current portion of the circuit for increased current. Haven't really looked at the DIY boards nor have I built any CN machines. I'm just browsing for now so hopefully I haven't confused you.

[MHINK]

The kitsrus kits use the 5 V for logic only, there is a separate power in, I think it is up to 30 volts and I have seen them run 6 Amps with no porblem.
-Mark

[DLG]

I am running two small (I think NEMA 17) stepper motors on one Geko drirve.
I had to increase the current resistor to 2 amps. I have 5V 1 amp motors.
I recently add a second lead screw and drive to the 4' gantry on my home plazma and oxy-propane cutting table.