This is probably a very simple question so go easy on me please.
hi all! I'm new to the forum
I have recently got myself a mega and have been playing around with basic (super basic) stuff having a try at editing simple code and wiring up simple set ups using online guidance.
I need to move (within the next 4 weeks) a mechanism using 4 lead screws, all of which need to be turned at the same rate.
So far i have the 4 Nema 17's and lead screws, a Mega and an external power supply along with various electronics.
These are the Nema's I have as i believe they come in different outputs?
I am aware I need to buy some kind of stepper controller probably from the easydriver range but I am unsure which one and how many?
The aim of the project is to make all four of the steppers move in time with each other by a given amount each time a button is pressed or when a potentiometer is turned. Closest thing I have seen is like the bellow example, it includes a video at the bottom (moves it at 6.15).
Have a look at the AccelStepper library - the standard Arduino Stepper library is not intended for drivers that take step and direction signals.
I believe you can get a GRBL shield that can take 4 of those drivers - it may simplify the connections. But it may only work with a Mega. An Uno can easily control 4 steppers.
The popular A4988 and DRV8825 drivers would work with that stepper (@ 0.4A per phase). The DRV8825 is the one that I prefer. One driver per motor.
The aim of the project is to make all four of the steppers move in time with each other by a given amount each time a button is pressed or when a potentiometer is turned
If all 4 motor drivers get the step pulses at once they will move together.
The Uno compatible 4 driver Grbl shield can only drive 3 steppers, The 4th driver is for driving a parallel motor for 1 axis (ie. 2 motor z axis). A Ramps 1.4 (Mega compatible) shield will drive 4+ motors.
Cheers for the advice, so 4 controllers are required.
The project is a variable nozzle, so as the output changes the diameter of the nozzle needs to be changed. As this is a prototype the change will be performed manually via the buttons or potentiometer.
And yes I am aware that this is way to much torque for the application but I have ordered them now so its to late.
Having a read around it is possible to run 2 steppers from the same driver as long as the rmp is low (below 5) which is fine as minimal speed is not required by my project.
Keeping this in mind would is then be possible to run 4 as long as it remains within the drivers current limit?
I just wanted to run this buy someone which knows what they are talking about before I connect it up and fry my driver or steppers.
Please see picture in above post, all 4 steppers need to move identically.
