Trying to run 4 stepper motors with myRIO

[zar]

Hello everyone,

For a school project, my group is trying to make a 3D printer and we need to run 4 stepper motors (3 for motion and 1 for the extruder) using myRIO.  Since we would need 4 drivers to run each motor, we are thinking of using a combination of these following adaptors.  We are also wondering how could we control the heating element in the extruder using the myRIO controller?

 

2 of the Pmod Adapter for NI myRIO

http://store.digilentinc.com/pmod-adapter-for-ni-myrio/

4 of the Pmod STEP: Stepper Motor Driver (2 connecting to each Pmod Adaptor)

http://store.digilentinc.com/pmod-step-stepper-motor-driver/

2 of the MXP extender cable

http://store.digilentinc.com/mxp-extender-cable-for-myrio/

 

We are not very familiar with electrical specs of devices and would love any help to clarify.

[jpeyron]

Hi @zar,

I believe that there are no issues with using the two Pmod-step-motor-drivers with the Pmod adapter but i will verify tomorrow with a more experienced engineer. Unfortunately, We have very limit knowledge of the MYRio. We do not sell the MYRio so we can't really offer experienced support it. I would suggest to reach out to NI for assistance using the MYRio  here.

cheers.

Jon

[jpeyron]

Hi @zar,

I reached out to another engineer and confirmed that there should be no issues with using the two Pmod-step-motor-drivers with the Pmod adapter. I do not know what the current limitation is on the MYRio but if needed you can use vext on the Pmod adapter to power the two Pmod-step-motor-drivers. 

cheers,

Jon

[zar]

Hi @jpeyron,

Thank you so much for the quick response.  This is really going to help us move on with our project.  We are going to try them out as soon as possible and may have a few follow up questions then.

Thank you again so much,

Zar