Re: unipolar stepper and 5804

A simple alternative to counting steps would be to produce a burst of
steps at a known frequency for a known amount of time, it is
essentially the same thing. Assuming that the speed is not too high
it could work rather well.

You could have one 55 acting as a monostable which powers the second
555 pulse generator circuit for an amount of time set by a
potentiometer. This could be calibrated to distance even without a
scope or any maths (just do tests).

Using a multi turn pot would probably give the best results in terms
of accuracy although it might make labeling more difficult.

Just a thought for simple get you going system.

Graham