Re: Stepper motor vs amps per phase question???

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Russ Waters <mycncworld@y...>
wrote:

> Hi all... I an currently building a power supply for three

steppers, each running at approximently 3 amps per phase.......

>
> If I understand how steppers work, I believe they switch back and

forth from there phases, and therefore a stepper that requires 3 amps
per phase, only needs a total of three amps, because of the switching
process....... or does it?

You are correct. A 3 amp rating is for the total motor.

> Now as far as series vs tap, ect... I know that a steppers wiring

configuration determinds what the total amps and is not part of the
question.

Read the white paper on the Geckodrive webpage.

single coil motors will use full motor amps and series wound will use
half of full motor amps. 8 wire motors (the only kind that can be
wired in parallel) use full amps also.

If you plan on series and have the $$ and room I recomend providing a
power supply that will deliver the total current for the single coil
wiring (or full amps)

But, depending on your drivers, the efficency of the motors will
never reach the motor rating of current. So, you can supply a PS
with 80% of the total rating and still have reserve.

Also, is you plan on a 4th axis, considder if you want to add that as
an expansion of a totally seperate add-on. in other words, if you
want to include that current in your power supply or just add a whole
new power supply strictly rated for it.

Dave