The specs for the Big Easy Driver state that motor voltage should be between 8V - 35V. Although the hookup guide shows reference to the 10846 stepper motor, the specs for it state that it is a 3V motor.
Does anybody know if the Big Easy Driver supports the 10846 400 step motor?
If so, do I apply 3V to M+?
If not, what other driver can be used?
Also, does SparkFun carry a power supply for the motor (3V, 1.7A/Phase)?
Thanks in advance
Hi jxalfredo.
The voltage you see listed on a stepper motor is misleading and fortunately not something you need to be concerned about when using modern stepper drivers like the EasyDriver or Big EasyDriver.
On older style stepper motor drivers, the driver would apply the motors rated voltage to the motor’s coils and the resistance in the motor would cause the motors rated current to be pulled from the power supply. If you had a motor rated for 3 volts and 1 amp, applying 3 volts would cause 1 amp of current to flow through the motor. Increasing the voltage would cause more current to flow than the motor was designed for and that would make the motor overheat and possibly damage it.
Modern drivers like the ED or BED, supply a set current to the motor and you don’t need to worry about the voltage. The driver will just adjust it’s output to get whatever current you’ve set it too.
Without getting too technical, what you want is a power supply that can deliver anywhere between 12 and 24 volts at 2 amps for 12 volts and 1 amp for 24 volts. Having more voltage is beneficial for these drivers but I like to keep it 24 volts or lower. The driver will then regulate that down to a current and the motor will be happy.
In the case of the ROB-10846 motor, yes, that will work great with the Big EasyDriver. I actually have one on my desk right now spinning happily away connected to a BED.
One thing you will want to do is turn the current adjust control on these drivers ALL THE WAY DOWN to the minimum current before running your motor for the first time. Then apply power and send steps to the driver. Slowly turn the current adjust potentiometer up until the motor runs smoothly and then leave it there. If you turn it up too much, you risk overheating the motor and damaging the BED. At 24 volts, you don’t need to turn it up too much to get things running nicely.