[X7racer]

Can a GRBL CNC controller (as pictured) be wired to a TB6600 Stepper Motor Driver to run a larger NEMA 34 stepper?

[peteeng]

Hi X7- Yes and No. A small N34 would require 6A to achieve its full torque. A TB6600 may handle 2A? maybe 3A what's the spec on the controller? Say its 3A this means the motor can only achieve half of its torque. So yes it will run but you may as well use a smaller motor... Peter

[X7racer]

Thank you for getting back to me, My mistake, the stepper motor is a Nema 23, The motors and drivers came as a kit from Alibaba, The description is (TB6600 Stepper Motor Driver 4A Stepper Driver Controller and Nema 23 Stepper Motor, 32 Segments for 42 57 86 Stepper Motor Driver, Upgraded Version)
However, My question is, can the GRBL controller be wired with the existing A+A-B+B- outputs to the TB6600 Driver controller?

[peteeng]

Hi X7 - Please draw a wiring diagram to explain what you are trying to do. Sounds like you are trying to wire a controller to a controller? Peter

[X7racer]

Hi X7 - Please draw a wiring diagram to explain what you are trying to do. Sounds like you are trying to wire a controller to a controller? Peter

Not exactly a controller to a controller, a TB6600 Stepper Motor Driver needs a controller. On my CNC plasma cutter, I use an ESP32 to control the stepper drivers which in turn run the stepper motors, on the ESP32 controller the pinouts are programmable so they match up with the driver.
What I'm trying to get is the wiring diagram, if possible to utilize the GRBL 1.1f cnc controller to the TB6600 stepper driver so I can use bigger Nema stepper motors instead of the Nema 17 which is about all the GRBL 1.1f can handle.

I have a few of these GRBL 1.1f controllers and a few TB6600s lying around and was wondering if someone knew if they could be used together.
Thank you

[peteeng]

Hi X7 - The GRBL 1.1f has stepper motor drivers integrated with the board. These put out high power signals to control the motors. You can't put this signal into a motor driver. The driver will require 5V or a low voltage signal input which the driver then controls a high power output to the motors. Some boards have plugs so you can access the signals vs the power output. Looking at the 1.1F image I don't think it has signal out only power output so I think your plan is no good. If your clever and can find the signal outputs/inputs from the controller to the on-board drivers then you could solder leads to those and take them to your bigger drivers.... Also a motor driver is usually run from a break out board. So a machine controller goes to the BOB then the BOB connects to the external bits... There is quite a few things to figure out to realise your plan.... Good luck. Peter

[X7racer]

Thanks, Peter,
It looks like these GRBL 1.1 controllers will be going back on the shelf until I have a project which I can use smaller stepper motors for. Thank you.

[peteeng]

Hi X7 - Being a machine builder I too have a shelf of odd stuff. I occasionally look at these and try to make a machine out of them but generally fail to get a coherent idea with them. We move on to different or better machines leaving an "old" parts trail behind. The best thing is to gather the bits and have a sale on them. Clean them out. Its spring down under, time for a good spring clean out!! Peter