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Propeller Proto Board, Stepper Motor, And G251 Gecko Drive - Tip — Parallax Forums

Propeller Proto Board, Stepper Motor, And G251 Gecko Drive - Tip

idbruceidbruce Posts: 6,197
edited 2011-07-26 09:13 in Propeller 1
Hello Everyone

I currently have a project going where I am enclosing an Applied Motion PS430 power supply, a Propeller Proto Board, and a G251 Gecko Drive (bipolar stepper driver), all within the same enclosure. Considering the size of the salvaged enclosure, let me just say that the space is a little cramped. To gain a few inches of extra room, here is what I am going to do, and I thought it would be a nice tip for those of you who only need to control one bipolar stepper motor.
Space Saving Solution

On the Propeller Proto Board, the main support holes for the VGA connector are spaced 1" apart, which just happens to be the same spacing for mounting the G251 Gecko Drive. Using 10MM insulated standoffs (Part# 276-1381) from Radio Shack, I can mount the G251 Gecko Drive straight to the Propeller Proto Board. Talk about a nice daughter board, this arrangement looks sweet. However, please be forwarned that this solution cannot exceed 3 amps of current passing through the G251, because a heatsink is required when current exceeds 3 amps.

For an additional tip about powering up the Propeller Proto Board with a 5 volt supply, such as the one supplied with the Applied Motion PS430 power supply, please refer to the following thread.

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?132740-Large-Power-Supply-And-Propeller-Proto-Board
I hope these tips will help someone in the future. Please let me know if they do.

Bruce

EDIT: Unipolar stepper motors can also be wired to interface with the G251 stepper driver

Comments

  • ElectricAyeElectricAye Posts: 4,561
    edited 2011-07-26 07:37
    Thanks for sharing this, Bruce. I sometimes use that same Gecko Drive, so I'm sure sooner or later I'll want to apply your experience with this.
  • idbruceidbruce Posts: 6,197
    edited 2011-07-26 07:55
    @ElectricAye

    You're welcome :) Anything to assist my fellow Propellerians :)

    Bruce
  • Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,401
    edited 2011-07-26 09:04
    Gecko drives are really nice products. I've always wanted to interface to these little monsters but haven't made the time. Guess you could say it's in my "bucket list" of technical things to do.

    Share some pictures once in a while, Mr. CNC!
  • idbruceidbruce Posts: 6,197
    edited 2011-07-26 09:13
    Hello Ken

    It is no major issue. Just mount as described above. From the Propeller, supply (3) I/O pins (step, direction, and enable), along with VSS, to the G251. Supply 15-50VDC to the G251. And use my new driver linked below. Piece of cake.

    http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?132373-PulseTheStepPin-revisted-Questions-answers-problems-solutions

    And yes they are nice drivers.

    Bruce

    EDIT: Oh and don't forget the current set resistor.
    EDIT: #2 I will share some pictures shortly. I am waiting on my brother to deliver his nice digital camera :)
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