Stepper driver voltages - using different levels

[Jonathan]

The MA860H looks to be the same as the DQ860MA, except rated for 80VAC instead of 80VDC ... which is quite a big difference. It implies you could just get a toroidal transformer with a 50VAC (or 2*25V etc) secondary winding and connect it to the drivers, which is quite convenient.

However they are quite a lot more expensive than the DQ860MA - have you checked on AliExpress.com - Online Shopping for Electronics, Fashion, Home & Garden, Toys & Sports, Automobiles from China. You can also e-mail wantai-motor directly and they'll probably give you a good price. They did for me at least.

Why do you prefer to go for the SMPS? It's a much more expensive option.

[routercnc]

The specs say that the MA860H will take both 80VAC and 110V DC, which is probably why it is more expensive.

I'll check out AliExpress and add DQ860MA to my list of possibles.

I don't touch mains projects and am quite happy to pay extra for a ready made SMPS.

Thanks

[Clive S]

The specs say that the MA860H will take both 80VAC and 110V DC, which is probably why it is more expensive.

I'll check out AliExpress and add DQ860MA to my list of possibles.

I don't touch mains projects and am quite happy to pay extra for a ready made SMPS.

Thanks

Here PS806-5 Linear power supply. If you don't want to build one. ..Clive

[routercnc]

Thanks Clive that's good to know. Hadn't consider the ready made linear route. I see it also gives 5v which would power the types of BoB which use terminals rather than USB power. All good info . . .

[Jonathan]

Here PS806-5 Linear power supply. If you don't want to build one. ..Clive

£114 including VAT and shipping ... wow.

So long as you don't need it within the next 2 weeks, I'll make you one for £65, but using a 600VA transformer not 500VA as 500VA is a bit on the small side for 4 motors. It wont look as pretty but it'll work.

I'm not going to try and encourage you to start touching mains projects, as I don't know your reasons for not doing so. However, should you decide to then there's a good thread detailing what to do and if you want any advice it wont cost a penny....

[routercnc]

I don't need the electrics yet - not for a month or so. Need to finish the machine first.

That's a kind offer thankyou - but am I missing something then with this sort of thing?:

600W 60V 10A Switching Power Supply With Current Control Charger LED CCTV UKD | eBay

I've read that the back EMF of the steppers means you need to overspec the current of the SMPS - is that where the above would limit the performance of the 80V driver setup over the linear 600VA type?

As for mains there are just too many risks for me. Not only the first switch on, but later on with perhaps a poor earth or even a fire. I need something which has been built, tested and warranted so that I can get on with the bit I enjoy which is the Engineering and machining.

Thanks

[Clive S]

As for mains there are just too many risks for me. Not only the first switch on, but later on with perhaps a poor earth or even a fire. I need something which has been built, tested and warranted so that I can get on with the bit I enjoy which is the Engineering and machining.

I think this is a very sensible approach , in my opinion the unregulated power supply is best as it does not generate any noise type interference etc. ..Clive