origineng (Customer) asked a question.

June 28, 2023 at 12:06 PM
Stepper System Hardware Recommendations

I am working on a stepper control system, and have become a bit stuck on the best way to proceed. Recommendations are greatly appreciated.

 

I need to run four stepper motors (STP-MTRH-34097). They will be independently started, stopped, and speed controlled.

 

The best method that I can come up with would be to use the advanced stepper drives (STP-DRV-80100) with analog inputs. I could then use a CLICK PLC with 0-5VDC outputs to control speed. Unfortunately, this requires four expensive stepper drives and multiple PLC modules to get enough 0-5VDC outputs. I am hoping that there is a better (less expensive and simpler) approach that I am overlooking.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

  • 6 answers
  • 398 views

  • z28z34man (Customer)

    If you just want to do start stop and speed a P1-540 with a P1-04PWM and a DC output card. The P1-04PWM has 4 PWM outputs one step for each stepper drive and use the DC output card for direction.

     

    If you want to do anything with precise position control I would second @PouchesInc (Customer)​  recommendation of a P1-550 and a PS-AMC4

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  • PouchesInc (Customer)

    I would use a P1-550 CPU and a PS-AMC4 module to control them and use "dumb" stepper drives that are cheaper. Or a BRX PLC and a BX-HSIO2 module. This will give you far better control than turning analog on and off to start and stop.

  • z28z34man (Customer)

    If you just want to do start stop and speed a P1-540 with a P1-04PWM and a DC output card. The P1-04PWM has 4 PWM outputs one step for each stepper drive and use the DC output card for direction.

     

    If you want to do anything with precise position control I would second @PouchesInc (Customer)​  recommendation of a P1-550 and a PS-AMC4

    Selected as Best

  • Tinker (Customer)

    The "advanced" stepper drives are very expensive, I would avoid them if I could. Since you mention CLICK, the CLICK PLUS PLCs can operate step and direction "dumb" drives that are much lower cost. though I'm not sure how many one CLICK can control.

    EIDT: I just checked and it seem 3 is the maximum high speed outputs on a CLICK Plus, not enough for your application. I don't have any experience with Productivity, with a BRX one can add motion modules for a larger number of motors, but, BRXs and the modules are not cheap and many are backordered, I might be tempted to use two CLICKs and run one as a slave to the other, maybe

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  • Cap (Customer)

    What is the application, and what is the requested pulse rate?..

     

    For a LONG time 'We' Controlled Steppers with out High Speed Outputs.. If your not in a hurry, DC/IO can move a Stepper Drive Controller, and a Programmer can figure out where the Stepper is 'Located'..

     

    OR..

     

    Can you divide the Steppers up into two groups?.. One Click for one group, and one Click for the other group?.. then have the Clicks talk to each other about what they are doing, and who is making the next decision

     

    Cap

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