PD-Stepper/Getting Started
2025-02-18 21:51:54 +13:00
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README.md Update README.md to add warning label 2025-02-18 21:51:54 +13:00

PD Stepper - Getting Started

If you just received your PD Stepper this will show you how to spin a motor and configure the driver using the firmware pre-installed on the board.

⚠️ Warning: Stepper motors should never be back driven at a high speed as they can act as a generator and cause damage. This is especially important if your PD stepper board is connected directly to a computers USB port

Assembling a kit onto a Nema 17

Timestamp 1:50 of this video also shows how to setup a Nema 17 with your kit.

1. Install the magnet onto your motor (only needed for reading encoder position)

Carefully superglue the included diametrically magnitised magnet onto the centre of the motor shaft.

Only a very small amount of glue is required, take care not to get any in the motor bearing.

2. Remove the original motor screws

3. Peel off the protective film and add one of the included heat pads onto the heat spreader

Ensure this is added on the recessed side of the heat spreader

4. Place the spacer onto the motor ensuring it is in the orinentaion show

Note. If you are not using the heatspreader/spacer (partial kit) ensure the board is not resting directly on the motor as this could short out the traces on the underside of the PCB. Use washers or an insualting layer.

5. Add the PCB

Again ensure the PCB is installed in the orientation shown so the motor connectors as well as the heat pad line up

5. Add the cover and new countersunk screws

The included screws are best suited for a 34mm length Nema 17 you may need longer or shorter ones depending on your motor. (included ones are M3x40mm)

6. Add the heatsink

Use the larger heatsink if you plan on running the motor for long periods and/or at high currents

7. Plug in motor loom

There are 2 looms provided in the kit for different motors, try one and if at the next step your motor stutters/doesnt spin, power off the board and try the other one.

Note. Do not disconnect/connect the motor while the board is powered.



Running the Webserver

1. Connect the PD Stepper to your PD power supply.

2. Open a phone/computer and connect to the WiFi network named "PD Stepper"

3. Open a browser and type in the IP Address 192.168.4.1

5. From here you can use velocity/postion control and play around with different settings.

6. The current is set as a percentage of the maximum possible current (1.92A). You will want to set this to match the current rating of your motor (or lower to stay cooler) E.g for a 1.8A motor set to 90% as 90% * 1.92A = 1.73A

Note: When using the webserver example the value is set here and the potentiometer is ignored. When using the advanced ESPHome examples this can be set with by changing the run_current value.

7. For your own projects this code as well as others (such as ESPHome config) can be found HERE

8. The buttons on the side can also be used to change the velocity

Trouble Shooting

  • The motor will not spin unless the board is receiving correct the voltage requested from the PD Source. So ensure your brick can supply the correct voltage. The requested voltage can be adjusted on the fly in the webserver.