Stepper Motor Help - Learning

[steppy]

Hi,
I have read abit about stepper motors as i need to use 2 of them for a project i will be doing.

I am just wondering if anyone knows any good resources for a beginner (preferrably on the net or a thread on this forum?). I intend to control them seperately via a computer and as i understand this will require a driver and the motors which will most likely connect to the parallel port.

I have no idea how to program them or how they interface with the computer so particularly stuff on that will be useful.

I am competent in programming (preferrably C) and electronics so it shouldnt be too difficult to learn i hope.

Cheers

[MadMachines]

Hello steppy and welcome to the forum, you are certainly in the right place to learn how to operate stepper motors. Depending on your needs there are lots of pre-made drivers, breakout boards and programs available. If you want to learn the basic you can look at some of the kits around (jaycar,DSE, etc.). A simple program like TurboCNC is great to learn with and with a bit of research on the net you can build a simple control board that from the parallel port can drive some small steppers found in printers etc. with a 12v power supply.
http://electronics-diy.com/stepper_motors.php
Once you are more confident with the basic principles you may want to move on to larger steppers and proper drivers with micro stepping etc.

Goodluck and have fun,
Cheers