The problem:
I have successfully connected a Nema 23 stepper motor to a Ramps 1.4 shield (which interfaces with the computer through a 3D printing program called Repetier-Host), however it only turns in one direction. I have gotten it to spin in the opposite direction by reversing the wiring, but it only spins in one direction. Does anyone have some suggestions for troubleshooting this issue? I am an architecture student, so I do not have too much experience with circuitry, but I understand basic concepts. I understand that my machine is a 3D printer, but I am using stepper motors and microstep drives used much more commonly in CNC applications, so I figured it would be more appropriate to post in this forum than a 3D printer forum where the majority of members most likely use the small Pololu drivers and Nema 17 motors.
Specs of the machine:
Some dimensions (in mm)
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/attach...d=303330&stc=1
Interface: RAMPS 1.4 Shield in conjunction with an Arduino Mega 2560 (this acts as a breakout board of sorts)
Stepper Motors: Two Nema 23 Motors for the Z-axis (wired opposite of one another)
Two Nema 17 Motors for the X-axis (wired opposite of one another)
One Nema 17 Motor for the Y-axis
Drivers: Leadshine DM442 for the Z- and X-axes
Pololu A4988 for the Y-axis
PSU: +12V outputs from an ATX power supply (The recommended voltage for these Nema 23 stepper motors is 24-48V and the Vdc for the stepper motor drivers is 20-40V, so I have a 24V 15A power supply coming in the mail)
Here is a diagram showing how I am using the DM442 microstep drives in conjunction with the Ramps 1.4 board
Explanation:
This machine is a 3D printer, so I am using an Arduino Mega 2560 and a Ramps 1.4 shield, but instead of the normal Nema 17 motors and Pololu A4988 stepper drivers, I am using Nema 23 motors to handle the increased load and DM442 microstep drives to handle the high current and individually power each motor (normally, Nema 17 motors are connected directly to the shield which provides both data and power).
Essentially, I've connected the PUL - and DIR - (in the case of the driver, STEP = PUL) to the ground on the RAMPS 1.4 Shield, the DIR + to the DIR on the RAMPS 1.4 and the PUL+ to the STEP on the shield.
I understand that this is a forum focused on other types of CNC machines rather than 3D Printers, so this may be a long shot, but I am sure that almost all of the members here are familiar with similar stepper drivers and stepper motors. I appreciate any feedback received.
Regards,
Christian