clunks / missing steps - DM856 and single pulse operation

[dsc]

Just use microstepping to increase the frequency. You'll loose incremental torque, but that most likely doesn't make any difference as you're only interested in the coarser steps.

Kudos again to Jonathan, I'm using 1/4 microstepping and sending four pulses to move a step. Works like a treat, no jumping, glitching, random movements.

Regards,
dsc.

[dsc]

I think the issue here is that the motor doesn't want to remain in-between steps and falls back into the 'true' full step, which is why it doesn't move at all and jumps two micro-steps at a time. I need this to move a step / microstep and remain in that position for a long time, including down-time when not powered up, I simply cannot have it miss steps or jump steps.

Regards,
dsc.

[irving2008]

Then you can only use full steps. All forms of microstepping need power applied to hold position.

[dsc]

Yes, I've just realised this. What's the normal work around if you need microstepping? 'Zeroing' on every power up?

Regards,
dsc.

[Jonathan]

Since you're already using a PIC, it would be easy enough to add an encoder to the motor and use it to keep track of the position.

[irving2008]

Well, re-homing certainly.

[dsc]

Well I could use an encoder, although I'd need an absolute one to know where the motor sits after power cycling the thing.

Regards,
dsc.