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Power supply question for 3x EasyDriver


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#1 Archangle Nexus

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Posted 31 July 2015 - 12:10 AM

Recently, i decided to build a small desktop CNC machine. Mainly, because i have too much free time :D

The question i have is this:

I plan on using 3 of the EasyDriver stepper controllers, however, I'm unsure what is, and is not safe for these boards where power is concerned.

The product page says they are rated for:

  • Maximum Voltage: 30V
  • Maximum Current: 750mA/phase

My question, i suppose would be, what is a "safe" power supply to run 3 of these boards, as well as maintain longevity of the devices?
I.E. what voltage / amperage total would be recommended?

I was looking at a 24v 10amp supply, but perhaps the amperage is too high.


Thank you in advance for any thoughts, suggestions, or ideas.

 


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#2 Nathan House

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Posted 31 July 2015 - 05:10 PM

Sorry for not getting back with your sooner...

 

Very cool project! I built a desktop CNC for drilling PCBs a few years ago and it was a blast. Here's some info on my project:

 

https://www.foxytron...ne-1st-attempt/

 

 

Definitely check out this website if you haven't already: http://www.cnczone.com/forums/

 

What are the max voltage and current ratings for your stepper motor?

 

The power supply you're looking at is just fine. The higher the voltage the better (the stepper motor will turn faster), and the current rating just means that's the maximum current it can provide. The current rating can be a little confusing, because it doesn't mean that there will always be 10A flowing through the power supply -- it just means the power supply can provide/supply that much current if the circuit connected to it tries to draw that much.

 

If the maximum current rating for your stepper motor is less than 750mA (the max current the EasyDriver will supply), then you will want to adjust the output current by turning the potentiometer on the EasyDriver.

 

If you're new to stepper motors, I just Google'd and found what looks like a decent tutorial for Arduino and the EasyDriver: http://bildr.org/2011/06/easydriver/

 

TLDR: the power supply and EasyDriver's should be fine for small to medium stepper motors!

 

Let me know if you have any further questions. I'm happy to help!

 

 

 

 


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#3 Archangle Nexus

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Posted 01 August 2015 - 04:17 AM

Thanks for the info.
After posting this, i did a little more digging around, and realized that my initial assumption that the ED board itself could only accept that amount of current was incorrect. Your post further clarifies this.

The motors are Nema 17's rated for 1.5amp/phase current.

As for the build itself, i'm planning on using 20mm x 60mm V-Slot rails from open builds.

The configuration i'm planning will have a stationary work bed, with two 20mm x 60mm x 500mm rails on either side to support a gantry  that uses a 20mm x 60mm x 500mm rail to span across the work area, and a vertical 20mm x 60mm x 100mm rail for depth.

This should give me a pretty nice work area as the X, and Y axis will have the same dimensions, and the Z axis can be adjusted by swapping out the gantry plates on either side to  provide more or less clearance for the work piece as needed.

I'm also currently building a project box to house the funduino, ED's, power supply, and 2x 40mm fans for ventilation, with a custom PCB built to plug the ED's onto, the arduino, and limit switches it also has two RJ45's as output so i can keep the "brains" of the operation a safe distance from dust, debris that the machine will create.

On the machine itself, i will be placing a small custom PCB with two RJ45's, as input from the funduino box, and it will have 6x 2pin connectors for limit switches, as 3x 4pin connectors for the steppers.

It's kind of a modular approach, but i feel it's worth the little exra work to make sure the PC, and the funduino components are safe from the mayhem of potential metal chips, wood and plastics dust, and the occasional broken end mill that may go flying if i decide to drunk-dial the monstrosity :P

As you'll be able to see in the below images, the ED's will plug directly onto the board, and limit switches, and stepper signals are all sent through CAT5. I chose that method as it's inexpensive, and quite easy to create your own length of cables. (Note however, i did NOT consider crossed wire cables, so you'll have to make your own :P)

The main board also has ports for directly connecting your steppers without using the RJ45's. This is actually a vestigial feature from an earlier version of the board, but i've decided to keep them as "test" ports.

Also, to minimize the footprint of the second board, and maintain simplicity, all resistors for the limit switches are on the main board.

Here's the fritz images on the two custom boards (NOTE: They are dual layer)
Connection Board for back of CNC machine:
Fritzing%20-%203%20Axis%20Easy%20Driver%

3Axis Easy Driver Plug-n-Pray Board:

Fritzing%20-%203%20Axis%20Easy%20Driver%
 


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#4 KarelBlagg

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Posted 18 November 2015 - 03:58 PM

I want to know about this CNC machine. I am an electronics hardware designer and most of the time i have to make my PCBs.

Can you please tell em all the specifications of this machine?

What are its hardware components and which softwares are compatible with this machine?


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