Selecting the correct driver for my motor nema 17

Other Hardware Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
1

Hello All,

I got a nema 17 motor with Rated Current/phase: 0.4A, Phase Resistance: 30ohms, Voltage: 12V and Inductance: 37mH ± 20%(1KHz). I want to run this motor at very slow speed ,something like one step per minute which I think can be done with "delay". Link for motor follows

https://www.omc-stepperonline.com/linear-motor/nema-17-external-34mm-stack-04a-lead-2mm007874-length-100mm-17ls13-0404e-100d.html

I got Arduino Uno and now need to buy a a driver. I am thinking of buying A4988 with heat sink module. So, I came across two types

1). https://www.amazon.com/Industry-Park-StepStick-Stepper-Heatsink/dp/B06X8YK5S4/ref=sr_1_12?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1501088388&sr=8-12&keywords=A4988&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011#customerReviews

2). https://www.amazon.com/XINY-Stepstick-Stepper-Driver-Printer/dp/B01J0LK92I/ref=sr_1_8?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1501088388&sr=8-8&keywords=A4988&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011

So (1) says "Maximum output current is 1A simple step and direct control interface", while the second one says "4988 is a complete microstepping motor driver with built-in translator for easy operation. The product can be full, half, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 step mode to operate bipolar stepper motor output drive capacity of up to 35 V and ± 2 A".

So I am confused which one to get. As my current rating is very low so I feel (1) is a good choice as, I don't want to deal with heating issues.

Also, what I understood, is that, I need to get a capacitor of 47 uF with these as well ( if I am not wrong). Do I really need it?

Please suggest me which driver is the right one for my need and why. This will help to improve my understanding as well.

Thank You,
devika9

17LS13-0404E-100D(1).pdf (156 KB)

2

All A4988's should be about the same. The chip can only handle 2A if you cool it AGRESSIVELY. So treat it
as having a 1A max in practice with modest heatsinking.

You have a high impedance motor there (30 ohm, not the usual 1.5 ohm), so you're going to need at least
18V supply just to allow the A4988 to function at the nominal current setting.

If you'd selected a lower impedance motor you'd have been able to use 12V, but there's no overhead for that
with a chopper driver and your motor.

If you use 24V supply you'll see better top speed. But for faster speeds a lower impedance motor would
have been preferable.

3

Thank You very much Mark, for your reply.

As I have slow speed requirement, I don't think I need to change my motor.

Thank you for letting me know the requirement of 24V for proper operation.

4

These links may be of interest
Stepper Motor Basics
Simple Stepper Code

I have some of these motors (which are probably fairly similar to yours) controlled with Pololu A4988 stepper drivers. I have them powered from an 18v laptop power supply.

...R

5

Thank You very much Robin2 for your reply.

6

devika9:
Thank You very much Mark, for your reply.

As I have slow speed requirement, I don't think I need to change my motor.

Thank you for letting me know the requirement of 24V for proper operation.

I said 18V. And in fact you can live with 12V if you turn down the current somewhat - although
the torque drops which might be a problem (or not).