Hi all. I think iv wired this wrong. iv been told i need a common ground which i think iv done.
Untitled Sketch 4.zip (77.8 KB)
also im trying you make this as neat as possible. so any suggestions would be very helpful.
also, should I run the dc motor driver usings the 10v from the buck converter. or give it the full 12v.
I don't have the pinout of the 8834 stepper driver memorized so I can't tell if the signals are on the right pins there but it seems plausible.
One of your DC motors is labeled 3V - 6V and the other is labeled 3V - 12V. You are running both on 10V.
Your stepper is labeled 3.8V and you run it on 10V?
Forget the buck converter and use the full 12V for the stepper. Be sure to set the current limit to 0.67 Ampere (the indicated stepper current rating) or less per winding.
Give it the full 12.
Hi there, The 3v - 6v motor is from an old meccano set [Meccano DC Motor] EM02 Electric Cube Motor 3-6 Volt DC Original) so I wasn't able to get much info on it. And yes, both will be using the 10v but not at the same time. only one dc motor and the stepper will be powered at the same time. the other dc motor with be a rewind device. I run the stepper driver at 10v and adjust the current limit as to not damage the stepper motor. I'v been told that you should always take stepper motors voltage and times it by five and then use the current limiter. but i dont have a power supply that could supply that much power, so I thought 10v would be enough.
You sure that wouldnt blow the stepper driver up? because i can't afford to buy a new one.
Oops, you are right. I forgot about the 11V maximum limitation. If you use the buck converter, make sure that it can handle at least 1.5 Amperes. Higher is better.
You would be better off with this stepper driver, with a much higher voltage rating: Pololu - MP6500 Stepper Motor Driver Carrier, Potentiometer Current Control
I might buy it next month. This is i bought most of my electronics before i knew what i was doing lol
Also would you be able to tell me how I would enable microstepping mode? As I dont actually understand the instructions.
First, do you know how to set the current limit? Microstepping won't work unless it is set correctly.
Follow Pololu's instructions, keeping in mind that those may not apply to imitations of Pololu's DRV8834 driver.
Then, connect M1 and M0 to digital outputs and set those outputs high or low (or set the pin as INPUT for floating) to select the mode.
Microstepping does not produce accurate steps. Instead, it is intended for smooth running, avoiding resonances at certain step rates.
I do yes. And thank you. Just to clarify. 12v to the dc motor driver and 10v to the stepper driver.
I will worry about those rather than the stepper. Use your voltage stepper and step it to 6V or 9V for those motors. The stepper(s) should be 12V tolerant. If not, supply everything with 9V (get a 9V supply, don't use voltage stepper) and get the stepper and step it from 9 to 6.
I have a feeling that a 9V supply is your best bet.
Hey all. Im really struggling with my wiring. would someone be able to double check that its correct?
i think everything is right except the grounds. I have trouble working things out in my head and i tend to over think things. im more of a visual learner. hence why my sketch is layed out the same as my actual project.
P.s also, i know my voltages and currents are probbly way wrong. but im not worried about that yet. i just need to get the wiring correct. thank you.
@creativesamurai1982, please do not cross-post. Threads merged.
what does cross post mean? did you delete my post?
It means posting the same question twice, either in the same or a different forum.
Wastes people's time as some may answer one and others answer the other version.
Oh. I get it. Sorry
No. Which is indicated by "threads merged".
Anyone able to help? I really could do with some expert eyes.
What is your budget? 
£0 Iv spent all i can afford this month. but i should have a spare £20 next month.
