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How do I Power my Nema 17 stepper motor

Discussion in 'General Talk' started by Shakil Haider, Jun 4, 2018.

  1. Shakil Haider

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    I just bought and put together my new V-Slot Nema 17 Linear actuator w/ motor. How do I power my stepper motor? Any help would be greatly appreciated :) Thank you!
     
  2. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
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    You hook it up to a stepper driver which is hooked to a power supply and a controller. But as I get the feeling that really told you nothing, the best route here would be to give us a better idea of what you intend to use the linear actuator for to where we can lead you in the most appropriate direction. Whatever you do don't hook the stepper motor directly to a power supply as this could fry it.
     
    GrayUK likes this.
  3. Shakil Haider

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    Ok - Thank you. I am trying to open a sliding door about 25 - 30 inches. I bought a 30 inch v-slot. I also want to open it 1/2 way to get my dog out. Hope that makes sense. How much would this power supply and controller run me and how much knowledge would I need to make it work? or am I better off trying a regular high torque dc motor
     
    Puneit Singh likes this.
  4. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
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    How easy or how difficult you want to make this is really up to you. At the easy end, the high torque DC motor is certainly an option but the downsides with it are positional accuracy and limited automation potential. You'll pretty much have to hold the button while the door opens and hold the button while it closes with the latter being more critical as you'll need reasonably good skill to be able to stop it at just the right moment. Too soon and there's a draft, too late and you could damage the mechanism. At the other end of the spectrum is something Arduino based using a stepper driver to move the stepper. Because this is computer based you could program the system to move a specified number of inches with the push of a button. You could take this even farther by making it wireless and being able to open or close the door with a button push on a remote or on a smart phone. The good part about Arduino systems is you can start at the low end and build up features as you feel comfortable. Anyway, Arduino parts and drivers are not terribly expensive (you can probably the system working for less than $20) and a sufficient power supply is also fairly cheap if you don't already have one laying around (old laptop power brick, gaming system brick, etc.).

    If you're interested in the Arduino route, this project might give you a better idea as to what is involved. The project is a bit toward the extreme when it comes to automation but nicely shows the possibilities. It's also for a lightweight door which is fairly easy to move with the belted system he used. You didn't mention which NEMA 17 actuator you bought but hopefully it is the screw driven model.
     
  5. Shakil Haider

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    Thank you. I checked out the project and that is exactly what I want to do and that speed too. I got the belt drive actuator. Should I have bought the screw drive one? So you would recommend staying w/ the stepper? I am trying to keep the cost under $200.00 My other problem is I know what I want but I don't have the experience or knowledge to program it. Thanks again - I really appreciate the advice, guidance and help!
     
  6. Rick 2.0

    Rick 2.0 OpenBuilds Team
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    To clarify, are you wanting to move a sliding screen door or a sliding glass door? Belts are fine for screen doors but are not likely to budge a glass door.

    As far as programming the Arduino goes, remember Google is your best friend. Pretty much anything you'd want to do someone has already done and has probably posted how online, all you have to do is find it. There are millions of young people out there who know how to program them and most are not shy about sharing their expertise.
     
    MaryD likes this.
  7. Shakil Haider

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    Ah got it. Sliding glass door. I’ll check google.
     
  8. Awestruck

    Awestruck New
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    Depending on where your skills are, you could consider one of Pololu's stepper drivers that can connect via USB to your computer. You would need to code up something there then to command. Before you do that though, you could use their available program to test the interest and your mechanical design.
     
  9. Shakil Haider

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    Thank you so much for your response - I am too new to programing but willing to learn. Thanks again
     
    MaryD likes this.

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