Newbie- What's next after I get my stepper motors?

[rapture]

I've been looking through the forums to find a good driver to run my stepper motors. The problem is... there are alot of drivers to choose from!

The motors I got are:

Model: API-Gettys (RapidSyn) 23d-6137h
54 oz-in, 11.2vdc, 6 wire, .44amp

I've been looking at the one located here http://pminmo.com/3axis/3axis.htm From what I can see, it looks like there is only conections for 4 wire stepper motors. Is this a problem since my motors are 6 wire?

Also, from what I've read, my motors can only be run in Unipolar. Is this correct? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[jeffs555]

Yes, 6-wire motors are unipolar motors, but can be run bipolar. That driver on Phil's site is a unipolar driver. The 4 connections are for the ends of the coils, and the centers of the coils are connected to the positive motor supply voltage. With your 6 wire motors, you would have to determine which are the two center wires, and connect both center wires to the positive supply voltage. That drive has no current control, so you would have to either use an 11.2 volt supply, or use current limiting resistors, or build the chopper adapter at the bottom of that page.

You didn't say what kind of machine those motors are for, but I wouldn't expect blazing performance from them. Generally, to get the best speed, you want motors with a much lower voltage rating. That way you can run them with higher supply voltages(with some form of current limiting). High speed performance is directly proportional to supply voltage. If you are at all concerned with speed, you will want to run the highest supply voltage your driver can handle. The general rule is to use a supply rated 10x to 20x the motor voltage rating, however with 11.2 volt motors, most inexpensive drivers will limit you to about 3x-4x ie 30 to 50 volts.

[pminmo]

Jeff is absolutely correct. If your on a learning mission it's one thing, a usable machine is another. But ultimately those motors would only power a realy small machine, and then slowly.

[monkeyturnip]

im interested in learning about how to make CMC router and want to build a small "toy" that will help me learn and perfect my design.

ive seen these and after reading so much i am confused, would these be ok for a small router, i would like it to be able to make small parts (plastic/wooden) and circuit boards, the router will be a dremel, well the extension of a dremel.

stepper specification this is only for x, y and z axis movement

Sanyo Denki 103H546-0440
(Nema Frame 17)
Holding Torque: 0.147 N.m (1.30 lb.in)
Step Angle: 1.8°
Voltage: 3.15 V
Current/Phase: 1 Amp
Ohm/Phase: 3.15 Ω
Inductance/Phase: 2.8 mH
Flange Size: 42 mm² (1.65in²)
Connection: 6 Lead
Rotor Inertia: 0.03 kg.m² (x10^4)
Mass: 0.2 Kg