Hey all!
I should preface that I have never worked with electronics on such a low level as described in the following project. I know that it might have been stupid to jump into a project like this to learn, but I like to learn the hard way. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
The project may be seen [here.
I can’t seem to get the motor working, and I don’t know what I’ve done wrong. I have bought the following parts:
[Arduino Nano
[SparkFun EasyDriver
[NEMA-11 Stepper Motor
[Optical Encoder
[Analog Feedback Servo
[500mAh Battery
I also got a [soldering kit with some [Rosin paste
I had to solder some header pins to the stepper driver, which could be a source of error.
I don’t know where (or how) to make a wiring diagram so I will explain it as best as I can:
I have a common breadboard that spans columns A-J and 1-30, along with two positive and negative channels on either side.
The servo is working on pins 9 and A0 on the Arduino.
The motor wires haven’t been altered in any form, and are being directly plugged into the breadboard to correspond with this configuration with the EasyDriver:
Black Motor Wire → A Pin 1
Green Wire → A Pin 2
Red Wire → B Pin 1
Blue Wire → B Pin 2
I can post photos or wiring diagrams if necessary, I just have to figure out how to.
Thank you for any help!](Amazon.com)](Amazon.com)](Amazon.com: Turnigy 500mAh 3S 20C Lipo Pack : Toys & Games)](Analog Feedback Standard-Size Servo : ID 1404 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits)](Rotary Encoder - For 4mm Motor Shaft 300 CPR - 3531_0 - Phidgets)](NEMA11 - 1.8 Degree - 0.67A Stepper - Gearless - 3320_0 - Phidgets)](Amazon.com)](Amazon.com)](Samy Kamkar - Combo Breaker: combination lock cracking device)
Hi domlord,
Can you please take a few photos of your Big Easy Driver and how you have it connected to your Arduino and attach them to your reply? Also, I have a few suggestions to help you get this working and avoid damaging your Big Easy Driver.
First, I would highly recommend NOT plugging the wire pairs for your stepper motor into a breadboard. Loose connections between a stepper motor and the Big Easy Driver will very easily damage your motor driver. You also will need to identify the pairs either by referencing a color-guide from the motor’s manufacturer or by using a multimeter. If you have not yet, please read through the entire [Hookup Guide for the Big Easy Driver. It will go over your hardware connections, how to identify wire pairs, example code as well as some tips to help use and protect your motor driver. Try starting with the simple example code in the Hookup Guide and follow the wiring diagrams to connect it to your Arduino. For a simple test, you only need to connect the STEP, DIR, ENABLE and GND pins to your Arduino. The MS pins are all for the micro-stepping logic on the board.
You are also going to need a power supply for the motor between 8-30V. Your 500mAh battery is most likely not powerful enough to drive the circuit here. The Big Easy Driver is a constant-current driver meaning the input voltage does not need to match the rated voltage of your stepper motor. If you want to learn more about that, Brian Schamlz’s [Design Site has a great User Manual and FAQ section that covers most common questions and issues.
I hope this helps you get started. Please include photos of your circuit in your response if you still are having trouble.](Big Easy Driver stepper motor driver)](Big Easy Driver Hookup Guide - SparkFun Learn)