Re: stepster and driver

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Douglas Pollard"
<dougpol1@o...> wrote:

> There seems to be an implication on at least one web sight

that stepper motors can be run off of a program like Stepster through
a parallel port and parallel port card. Does this mean that a driver
board is not used? If so does the computer supply the power or is a
separate power supply needed. Does anyone know of a site that
explains all this. Will appreciate any help you folks can give.

> Doug
>

Dough, stepster produces "step and direction" signals on the LPT port.
Step and Dir signals are a standard that will work with most
drivers that can process the signal into suitable currents
for stepper or even servo motors.
There is a program called turbocnc that can be configured to output
phase signals for stepper motors but the current supplied by your
LPT port is limited to very small motors like printer motors when
used directly.
There are some drivers that will work with those signals and like
a booster simply amplify the signal to drive bigger motors that
require more voltage.
This can often be a cheaper alternative then a going to a more
expensive step and direction driver wich tends to have better
performance.
Good Luck