Powering a stepper motor using a LiPo battery

Other Hardware Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
4

Here is how to calculate the resistor value:

  1. The motor takes 1.7 amps at 3 volts. That means its winding resistance is (by Ohm's law V=IR) 3/1.7 = 1.8 Ohms.

  2. The L298 H bridge will "consume" 3-4 volts, as it is very inefficient. Assuming the battery voltage is 11 V, about 11-3 = 8 volts maximum are available for the motor + resistor.

  3. The current is 1 amp so the total resistance (motor plus resistor) should be 8V / 1A = 8 ohms.

  4. That leaves 8-1.8 = 6.2 ohms for the resistor. That happens to be a standard value.

  5. The power dissipated by the resistor is P = I^2 R = 6.2 watts. Choose a 10 watt resistor to be safe.