Powering 3 45Ncm Nema 17 Stepper Motor 2A 4-wire (not CNC)

[Fivetide]

So, I have a project that I’m doing with my uncle but it’s not cnc’s / lathes or 3Dp’s related and just some fun hopefully.
I think I know what I’m doing but could do with a eye casting over my idea. Also, I’m crap at electric needs and usage.
I have 3 Nema 17’s 45’s from a small project that never got started ages ago.
So basically, I need all 3 to rotate in the same direction at the same RPM. Don’t need bidirectional but need to keep the RPM under 110'ish (variable). No precision needed, torques not a huge factor, but it could be running several hours at a time.
I was thinking of a just a motor speed controller that can supply the voltage and amps with a suitable pot. That’s where I’m struggling to work out what I need or if indeed it will work.
Any thoughts?

Manufacturer Part Number 17HS16-2004S1
Step Angle 1.8°
Step Accuracy 5%
Holding Torque 45Ncm(63.7oz.in)
Rated Current/phase 2A
Phase Resistance 1.1ohms
Voltage 2.2V
Inductance 2.6mH±20%(1KHz)
Weight 300g

[Lee Roberts]

Dunno if this unit Jonathan is working on maybe of use: Build Log: Servo Drive and VFD with vector control

I'm sure I read a discussion where he was able to put custom firmware on it for someone, could be wrong.

[cropwell]

Would 3 of these be the sort of thing you are looking for ? You might only need 1 if the motors are all at the same speed.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stepper-mo...YAAOSwIgNXlrJf

You would still need some cheap drivers and a power supply though.

Rob

[Fivetide]

Would 3 of these be the sort of thing you are looking for ? You might only need 1 if the motors are all at the same speed.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stepper-mo...YAAOSwIgNXlrJf

You would still need some cheap drivers and a power supply though.

Rob

Yeah Rob that's what I was thinking, but I don't know if I can run all three off a single 3A supply or I'll need separate ones per motor. I'll post results as soon as I have a test ready.
I mean what could possible go wrong ?? lol :)

[m_c]

It'll depend on how well matched the motors are, and how much load each one is under.
If they're all identical motors with similar load (and/or a good safety margin), then it shouldn't be a problem. All you can do is try it, as the worst that's likely to happen is motors stall, or one heats up.

[Neale]

Is your question about whether a single 3A supply would be enough? If you are not looking for much torque from the motors, then most drivers will have a "max motor current" setting which you could wind down to, say, 1A. I'm assuming single power supply/multiple drivers here, of course. Problem is greater if you are using a switch-mode power supply as these often have a "hard" current limit at their max rating so can effectively switch off just when you need most current at peak load. Old-fashioned linear power supplies are much more forgiving of peak loads. Or wind down max motor current a bit more, or use a bigger or multiple power supplies.

[m_c]

Neale, my understanding is fivetide wants the 3 motors to run from a single driver..

[Fivetide]

Neale, my understanding is fivetide wants the 3 motors to run from a single driver..

That's true .. I would like to manually vary the speed of all three motors simultaneously. Toque maybe a factor in the future
There are 40A versions of the Motor controllers for not much money. My understanding of power supply is limited, if I attach 3 motors that draw 2A's each onto a 40A supply will the motors only draw 2A's of the 40 or will the power supply push 13A's to each motor.. ?

[Clive S]

That's true .. I would like to manually vary the speed of all three motors simultaneously. Toque maybe a factor in the future
There are 40A versions of the Motor controllers for not much money. My understanding of power supply is limited, if I attach 3 motors that draw 2A's each onto a 40A supply will the motors only draw 2A's of the 40 or will the power supply push 13A's to each motor.. ?

The motors will only take what they want so IF the motor need to draw 2A each then it would be 6A total but I very much doubt they they will draw 2A each as you have said they will be operated at very low torque

[Fivetide]

The motors will only take what they want so IF the motor need to draw 2A each then it would be 6A total but I very much doubt they they will draw 2A each as you have said they will be operated at very low torque

Thats what I needed to know ..thanks Clive :)