Craigk65 (Customer) asked a question.
How to control a second stepper control with the output of a motor
Can I duplicate the stepping motor control to a larger nema size stepping motor via using a second steper control. Can i use the first stepper contols output as and input to the 2nd stepper controller thats capable of driving a much larger nema size stepper motor. I have a laser thats rotary is a stepper motor but very small nema size. I want to run a much larger rotary which has a mu h larger stepper motor. The lasers stepping controller is built into its main board. Help. Thanks!
Hello Craigk65,
You cannot use the motor outputs from one stepper drive to control the Pulse and Direction input to a second drive. Since your smaller stepper drive is integrated into your main board you could run a small motor that has an encoder on it with the laser stepper drive (such as out STP-MTR-17040E or any 'E' model stepper motor). Then use the encoder output wires to directly control the larger drive's Pulse and Direction input. This method is called encoder following and is normally used when you want to control two motors with the same pulse train.
You would need to choose a drive that has AB Quad pulse inputs. This is because the encoder outputs would be AB quadrature. A drive that only accepted Pulse and Direction or CCW and CW pulses would not work. This is not the optimal way to do this but since you have a drive that is limited in current capabilities and you cannot remove it then this will give you the result you need.
You can also see our full line of modular kit encoders in the below link.
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/sensors_-z-_encoders/encoders/modular_kit_encoders_for_stepper_motors
I was following this Question as well.
In this Scenario, it will be difficult to couple the 'Old Stepper to the New Encoder'. That will likely require a SOMEWHAT precise Machining Process.. Unless you can do a ' Cog-Belt and Pulley' Arrangement, where you can Face Mount the Old Stepper and the New Encoder Hanging through a Plate, with the Belt and Pulley on the Other side of the Plate.. Then you could likely get enough precision on a Drill Press.. Center Distance can be handled by Slightly Slotting the Holes, then pulling the Belt Tight and clamping the Screws.
These are my Go-To Belts and Pulleys..
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/power_transmission_(mechanical)/timing_belts,_timing_pulleys_-a-_tapered_bushings/xl_(0.200in_pitch)_timing_belts_-a-_pulleys
The Original Home and Over travel Switches would Stay with the Table..
Additionally, you could do some 'Logic Sniffing' with a O-Scope or a Logic Probe, and see if you can Find Direction Pulses on the Main Circuit Board.. Depends how 'Slick' you want to make this Conversion.
The 'Motor Driving An Encoder' is just about the Fastest and Easiest way to get this done..
Good Luck on your Project..
Cap
Hello Cap,
You're suggestions are definitely valid. Our STP-MTR-17040E has the encoder already mounted on the motor. This could be the cheapest option with the least amount of work.
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/search/search?fctype=adc.falcon.search.SearchFormCtrl&cmd=Search&searchquery=STP-MTR-17040E&categoryId=0&TxnNumber=-1&searchqty=10
Oh Snap..
I was thinking of using the Org Motor, and Hooking it to a Purchased Encoder.. Never thought about Replacing the Existing Motor, With a Motor that had the Encoder already mounted to the Back!..
After re-reading your Reply Post, that is what you Suggested.. My Bad!
If the Electrics and Pulse Counts match up this would be a Much Cleaner way of doing it..
Cap
The encoder that comes one the back of the STP-MTR-17040E motor is configurable with downloaded software. Almost any standard PPR can be selected.