Controlling multi stepper motors

Projects General Guidance
1

Im new to using an Arduino and need some advice.

I want to control 8 stepper motors 28BYJ-48 each motor connected to a motor board driver ULN2003 using an Arduino mega.

Each motor has to run independently of the others at different speeds and times.

Is this possible and how would I connect them.

Any advice appreciated.
Stuart

2

How do you know what times and speeds? How fast? do they need to go? Do the moves need to be coordinated with each other?

Here's a simulation of coordinated motion with 6 steppers and better drivers than a ULN2003 on an Arduino Mega:

3

8 steppers need 16 outputs. No problem for a Mega.
About connections... Use the "Search Forum" function up to the right in this window. More then plenty of projects like Yours have been done.

1 Like
4

Not with the ULN2003 driver OP has.
Then you need 8 * 4 = 32 outputs.
Leo..

1 Like
5

Thanks! Correct but still no problem for a Mega, only for the person fighting the cables....

6

In a previous 48-motor project I replaced the ULN2003 drivers with TPIC6B595 chips.
Then you only need three pins to rule them all, and you can use a Nano v3.

Wise to get the experience with just one motor, before upscaling to eight.
Leo..

1 Like
7

+1 for that.
Works wonders. Maybe even better than the ULN2003 as you don't have that voltage drop of those Darlington transistors.

8

Thanks for all the replies and info.
Most helpful.

9

Thanks for your reply to me question re multi stepper motor controls.
Thats very helpful.
When I get more time Im going to study your coding and diagram.

Very kind of you to take the time.

best wishes
Stuart

10

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