Stepper motor sounds and clicking

[Sanghera]

Hi all,
I was just wondering if this is a normal functioning thing for stepper motors. When I turned them on, the motors all hummed kind of like a shhhhhhhhhhhhh. When moving the motors made clicking noises or vibrations ever once in a while, not sure if this clicking made a pattern or if it was random noises/vibrations. Also, I don't know if when these sounds came up the motor actually stalled for a microsecond. Are these just normal functioning sounds? Not sure if it is because of the wrong software settings or what.
Thanks.

[CNCadmin]

It maybe missing pulses??

[Sanghera]

How do I know if it is missing pulses, and how do I change the settings so that it works?
Thanks.

[Sanghera]

Could it be because of the fact that I may have 200 steps per rev on the pc and the board in 1/8 mode? 1600 steps per rev? But, it seems to be doing the same thing when I have it set and 1600 steps.
Thanks.

[M3ocd]

Mine make noises also using Turbocnc, but they are rythmic. I think it would have to be software related because when I run EZ CNC in Win98 they are as smooth as silk and make no wierd noises. I too am curious.

[Sanghera]

I will try EZ CNC to see if the problem persists.
Thanks for the help.

[HuFlungDung]

Could be a ball bearing noise? Maybe the bearings are "dry" or have gotten a bit of dust inside?

[Sanghera]

Ya think that if it is this, after a little use they will get better?
Thanks.

[HuFlungDung]

No, ball bearings do not "wear in" that way. It might be worth an attempt to inject some light grease into the bearings (if you can fit a grease needle between the inner race and the shield or seal). Or, if you can stand the motor vertically on its shaft, and put a couple of drops of oil on the seal, and lift the seal lip slightly with a needle so the oil can get inside the bearing.

Remember that it is not recommended that you ever remove the rotor from inside the stator housing of the stepper, as a permanent loss of magnetic strength will occur.

[Sanghera]

But the noise is when the motors are at a standstill aswell.
Is this driver or software problem then? I really don't want to open up the motor untill I know that's the only way.
Thanks.

[HuFlungDung]

Your Honor,

I submit into evidence the following statement made by the defendant Sanghera earlier today:

Originally Posted by Sanghera ...When moving the motors made clicking noises or vibrations ever once in a while~snip~

Now he has amended his statement to say that the same noise is occurring when the motors sit still.

I submit, Your Honor, that these statements are contradictory and that the case should be dismissed.


It must be the electronics

[Sanghera]

I OBJECT!!!!!! hahaha
Well, the motors make the shhhhhhh noise at standstill and when moving, just when moving it clicks once in a while, and vibrates in both standstill and moving. So, if it is electronics, what could it be? The noise is made even with no parallel port connected and just at standstill. Is it because steppers aren't made to standstill for long periods of time?
Thanks.
I liked you last post. hahaha.