I’ve had this configuration connected to run a machine I built, and it has been working perfectly for 1 year. It is connected to run 2 steppers in sync to drive an object in two directions. Then one day while it’s running fine, one of the steppers starts to move slower than the other one. This was very noticeable considering both steppers are driving an object that needs to stay perfectly aligned. If one motor stops or changes speed, the misalignment can break the machine. When the one motor slowed, I was luckily with the machine to cut the power before it destroyed itself. Then I’d noticed that the big easy driving the slowed stepper was extremely hot. This was never a problem. Both drivers stayed cool w/o a heatsink for a year - while the machine ran for hours.
Since then I have replaced the stepper that slowed, and its driver. I’ve checked every terminal connection. New jumpers, fresh solder was added to most. I’ve tested the power supply that always worked with the config. The Arduino sketch is verified.
When I plug it all in now, the Uno and both drivers power on. Both motors give a tug, but do not start moving at all. Then the one driver that I replaced gets way to hot. The other driver stays completely cool. It’s like one driver/motor is drawing all the power and everything is freezing up :? It’s seeming like a power consumption problem I just need to pin point it.
Before I try replacing the other driver and possibly the 2nd stepper now too, does anyone know a simpler/cheaper solution that I’m not getting? Or what sort of issue would make it suddenly stop working so I can isolate the problem that way? My initial guess was the driver fried and died from age/wear, but I’ve replaced it and have the same issues so I just don’t know.
Power supply is 12V 850mA.
Some photos for ref:
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The whole config
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M1 and D1 - motor not powering on; driver powers on but stays cool.
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M2 and D2 - motor not powering on; driver powers on but gets way too hot.
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CU of Uno
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CU of D1 and breadboard
Any advice is really appreciated!