Newbie- What to do? Parallel/Series

[maintenancemike]

I am new to the CNC world and would like assistance. I am in the process of building my small cnc router for inlay work. I have an AlienCNC 3 axis driver board (sorry-should have done my research) with Keiling Technology 185 oz stepper motors. They are rated at 1.86 V @ 3.0 amps/phase for bipolar (parallel) and 2.19 V @ 1.5 amps in series mode.

I understand this driver board likes 2.0 amps/phase to run correctly and maxes out at 2.5 amps/phase at 30Vdc. My question and I am open to all suggestion is: How should I wires the motors?

I have attached the pdf specs from my motors.

Thanks!

[Oldmanandhistoy]

Hi,

If your question is, how should I wire them parallel or series? Then I would say try them both ways in your circumstances.

If your question is which wire to where, then take a look here for different wiring methods http://www.wimb.net/index.php?s=motion&page=52

John

[maintenancemike]

My questions was directed more towards the capabilities of the aliencnc driver board. Will it handle the motors wired in papallel mode? It seems that I remember this driver board not running correctly if it was the below the 2.0 amps/phase.

Thanks for the link.

Mike

[Oldmanandhistoy]

If the board does not run correctly under 2Amps/phase then you will have no choice other than to run your motors parallel at upto 2.5Amps/phase.

John

[maintenancemike]

My motors are rated at 1.86V at 3.0 amps in parrallel mode. Is there a way to safely reduce the current draw without hurting the motors and driver board?

[Oldmanandhistoy]

I would presume you have on board adjustment for current. The motors will have no problem running just below 2.5Amps/phase and will in fact run cooler (better for the motor). The only down side to running lower than max current is it will reduce the amount of torque available from the motor.

[maintenancemike]

I think you answered my question. I believe this board there has no adjustments.(no pots) Are you familiar with this board or do you think it is time to chuck this driver and buy a real driver board?

Any suggestions?

[Oldmanandhistoy]

I am surprised to hear there is no current adjustment but if you are sure. If it is the case then I would replace the board with another reputable board.

I have no personal experience of these boards but have seen the bad reports. As I remember it’s down to not receiving the board in the first place. As for the quality or lack of I can’t say. If I were in your situation I would do a search and find out more. If the board is likely to fail quickly I would replace it immediately due to the damage that could happen to your machine during failure. If you are willing to risk it then you take your chances and hope it fails whist not cutting and is under your supervision so you can hit the E stop.

good luck,
John

[BobF]

This thread is an FAQ about Gecko drives. It has nothing to do with your particular board, but there is lots of good information about steppers and why you would choose serial or parallel wiring.

[Oldmanandhistoy]

Originally Posted by BobF This thread is an FAQ about Gecko drives. It has nothing to do with your particular board, but there is lots of good information about steppers and why you would choose serial or parallel wiring.

[ger21]

I think he forgot to post the link.

[Oldmanandhistoy]

Originally Posted by ger21 I think he forgot to post the link.

Thanks ger21, that makes sense now