I have been recently doing the same research, and I can highly recommend the A3977 chip from Allegro. It gives you very smooth control of the stepper, and relatively simple to setup. If you get it, and need help, let me know and i'll send you my wiring diagram.
Yes, I just bought the chip, it was around $4.50. You will also need an adapter if you are breadboarding. The chip is available in two packages, so get the appropriate adapter.
As for the motor, I am modifying another product, so I was stuck with what was in it. It is a 12v, 0.75A, 400 step, 6 wire motor. Being that it is 6 wire, it can be used as a unipolar or bipolar motor.
Well Im going to order the stepper motor that is in the upper link, it has 4 wires. Which means that it is either bipolar or unipolar, it doesnt really say which type it is.
But the chip, it is for both of em, correct?
Mr_Faineant, are you sure, that the NEMA17 (upper link) is unipolar?
I'm not an expert, but I've been a little bit in stepper topics the past month and I once read, that the NEMA17 is a bipolar stepper motor.
I'm also not sure, if NEMA17 is a standard, so every NEMA17 motor is bipolar. But I guess, it is.
So I rather would say, that the upper link is a bipolar motor.
Once again, thanks for replies, really appreciated!
This stepper motor is for a laserharp, as Ive already made one, but now I want to make a frameless with much more beams this is good for me.
And as Im playing with the stepper motor, I hope Ill learn in the future to build my CNC.
This is my first year in the univeristy, and I really love what Im Learning over there. This is a new World for me I must say!
Ive ordered the top step motor, waiting for it to arrive
I also need to order the A3977 chip, but could you tell me why I should order it? What is the difference between this one and Darlington transistor Array and H-bridge. Beause maybe I am able to get the H-bridge from school.
The darlington array (for a unipolar) or h-bridge (for a bipolar) will work just fine for basic functionality, the A3977 just gives you much smoother operation, as it can do 1/8 micro stepping. You can decide of this is necessary depending on your application.
I have only recently started my electrical engineering classes also, and have begun working in lab, and am just as excited to you to see this whole new world opening up before me. It really is amazing. I have begun to think of small projects for this that I can make to simplify menial tasks around the house. It feels good to be able to harness science and exploit it for my benefit. I have a LOT to learn, but that is an exciting prospect to me.
Keep me posted on your progress, and please share any cool tips and tricks that you learn.
