I have a project I am working on that requires 2 stepper motors, and the ability to send commands through Bluetooth (or Wifi)
I just want to make sure I am getting parts that will work together well.
Here's my shopping list:
Adafruit Feather nRF52840 Express (PID: 4062)
Assembled DC Motor + Stepper FeatherWing Add-on (PID: 3243)
Stepper motor - NEMA-17 size - 200 steps/rev, 12V 350mA (PID: 324)
Would this work together?
That Feather is BLE capable... would that allow me to write a simple app to control the motors?
And finally, if I use the usb port to power this, will that be enough for the motors?
Stepper project equipment list
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- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88141
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Stepper project equipment list
That hardware should work together. 5v power from USB would be enough to get the motors to turn, but they won't have much torque at that voltage. For best performance, they would need a 12v supply rated for at least 1.4A.
- sebastienperth
- Posts: 113
- Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2021 4:21 pm
Re: Stepper project equipment list
Ok great, thank you.
What about sending commands through bluetooth?
Since this Feather uses BLE and not classic... can I still create an app to send commands to it?
I have never worked with bluetooth boards before and I want to be sure I am getting the right components.
What about sending commands through bluetooth?
Since this Feather uses BLE and not classic... can I still create an app to send commands to it?
I have never worked with bluetooth boards before and I want to be sure I am getting the right components.
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88141
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Stepper project equipment list
Yes, you can write apps to send commands via BLE. Here is an example: https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpytho ... ckit-rover
- sebastienperth
- Posts: 113
- Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2021 4:21 pm
Re: Stepper project equipment list
Ok, perfect.
Last question... for the power supply. I see some 12v options with barrel connector.
How would I add a barrel port to the Feather or wing?
Could I just add this to one of the boards? https://www.adafruit.com/product/373
Or this one https://www.adafruit.com/product/368
Again, thanks a lot.
Last question... for the power supply. I see some 12v options with barrel connector.
How would I add a barrel port to the Feather or wing?
Could I just add this to one of the boards? https://www.adafruit.com/product/373
Or this one https://www.adafruit.com/product/368
Again, thanks a lot.
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88141
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Stepper project equipment list
This one would probably be the easiest option: https://www.adafruit.com/product/368
Then you just need some simple wire jumpers from the screw-terminals on the adapter to the ones on the Wing.
Then you just need some simple wire jumpers from the screw-terminals on the adapter to the ones on the Wing.
- sebastienperth
- Posts: 113
- Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2021 4:21 pm
Re: Stepper project equipment list
Just thought of another thing. Will the 12v power connected to the wing also power the feather, or do I need to power that separately through the USB drive, or with a battery?
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88141
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Stepper project equipment list
Motor power is entirely separate from the Feather. Feathers are designed primarily to be powered by USB (5v) or a LiPo cell (3.7v). It is possible to improvise with other power sources,, but they must be in the 3.3v to 5v range.
If you want to work with a single 12v supply, you could add in a 5v buck converter: https://www.adafruit.com/product/4739
And feed that to the Feather via a USB Micro B adapter: https://www.adafruit.com/product/3972
If you want to work with a single 12v supply, you could add in a 5v buck converter: https://www.adafruit.com/product/4739
And feed that to the Feather via a USB Micro B adapter: https://www.adafruit.com/product/3972
- sebastienperth
- Posts: 113
- Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2021 4:21 pm
Re: Stepper project equipment list
Ohh, I like the idea of a single power source powering the whole thing.
Is there a guide on how to wire this up? I searched a bit but couldn't find anything specific to the Feather/Wing ecosystem.
Thanks again, I hate to make you walk me through everything, but it's very appreciated.
Is there a guide on how to wire this up? I searched a bit but couldn't find anything specific to the Feather/Wing ecosystem.
Thanks again, I hate to make you walk me through everything, but it's very appreciated.
- sebastienperth
- Posts: 113
- Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2021 4:21 pm
Re: Stepper project equipment list
I looked around the forums a bit more, and I am still pretty confused, but I think I have a partial idea of how it should go.
Power supply + to Wing +
Power supply - to Wing -
Power supply + to Buck converter Vin
Power supply - to Buck converter GND
Buck converter 5v to USB adapter V+
Buck converter GND to USB adapter GND
But that leaves the buck converter En with nothing going on...
Power supply + to Wing +
Power supply - to Wing -
Power supply + to Buck converter Vin
Power supply - to Buck converter GND
Buck converter 5v to USB adapter V+
Buck converter GND to USB adapter GND
But that leaves the buck converter En with nothing going on...
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88141
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Stepper project equipment list
That sounds correct. The EN (ENable) pin on the buck converter can be left unconnected. If connected to GND it will disable the 5v output.
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.