Getting Current back down to minimal with Stepper Motors

Steel

I need a little help.· I currently have 2 stepper motors connected to a ULN2803.

When I initially power up my project, it pulls minimal current.· (using analog scope, so I cant tell for sure, but looks about 20mA.

Once I activate either of my motors, the current jumps up to 300mA.· After I activate my motors, the current still stays at 300mA.· What do I need to do to get the current down to minimal current while I am not using my motors?

Thanks.

pjv

Hi Steel;

Can you just turn the power to the phases back off? Of course you would want to remember the phase states so you can restore them properly when you go to move them some more.

Cheers,

Peter (pjv)

Steel

Doh...I have the 2 motors powered off a 74HC595. I was sending the serout "0" to disengage the coils, but I forgot to send the Pulsout command for the register lock.

Thanks for the response...we're functional, now.

John R.

I don't know what you're doing with the steppers, but beware, if you "turn them off", you loose reference to where they were. If you have something mechanical holding them, you're probably OK, but if an external force can move them, you won't know for sure where they are. (unless you also have encoders)

On the other hand, if all you're using the steppers for is a "drive", and not positioning, then you're fine too.

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
John R.

8 + 8 = 10