Driving an external bipolar stepper with Me-Stepper-Driver

#1

We’re considering to build an Image Scanner structure almost similar to XY Plotter that would require us a single bipolar stepper motor directly interfaced to an Arduino.

We thought of using the Me-Stepper-Driver to drive the bipolar motor as we’re already using XY plotter along with the required Arduino library files that would help us make the task easy.

We also searched over the DRV8825 stepper driver but I wanted your recommendation on it if it would be favourable to use that over the Me-Stepper-Driver and if it could also make use of the Stepper Arduino Libraries?

Also, in case we’re convinced to use Me-Stepper-Driver directly with Arduino, we can obviously connect the STEP and DIR pins directly to Arduino but how much power does it need so where would we connect the third wire?

#2

Hi,
The main advantages of the 8825 over the 4988 are the ability to supply more power and that it can do 1/32 micro stepping over the 1/16 stepping the 4988 can do.

if you have a Me-driver already, I’d start with that and see how it works?

J

#3

@jenschr Precision and that high micro-stepping is not a concern. I’m kind of more concerned with an easier interfacing and programming with the Arduino.

I don’t have the me-stepper-driver yet but I’m planning to get it since I guess the programming libraries one needs are included with that. How to set it up directly on Arduino?

#4

It’s quite simple actually. One of the best libraries for driving stepper motors are http://www.airspayce.com/mikem/arduino/AccelStepper/ Using this gives you access to all kinds of goodies such as acceleration/deceleration that is a must in most applications. There’s also a lot of examples available online.

I’m using that library together with the large MakeBlock drivers (Me 2H Microstep Driver V1.0) in a project, but the library will work with a lot of driver boards such as Pololu’s A4988 and Sparkfun’s EasyDriver. Good thread on the 4988 here https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/accelstepper/1EqAaYvLvfM

J

#5

Thanks a lot @jenschr

So let’s say I’m using the me-stepper-driver. I’ll be connecting the two pins for DIR and STEP directly to Arduino where as the VM and GND goes to external battery right?

For a motor rated at a maximum of 12V and 1.35A current, what would be the rating of a suitable adapter?

The baseshield of XY plotter ran two motors and it’s adapter was rated at 12V and 2A.

#6

Hi again,
Yeah. DIR/STEP to arduino and power to the battery. In addition, the two grounds should also be connected (battery’s minus hooked to Arduino’s GND).

A 2A supply should be more than enough. I usually buy a variable one (4.5 -12V) from a local store. Works fine and they have them in different Amp-sizes.

J

#7