[Big John T]

I'm using a Gecko 203v drive on a Nema 23 stepper with the following specifications:

Rated Current 2.8A/phase
Resistance 1.1 ohm
Inductance 3.82mH
http://web2.automationdirect.com/sta...stepmotors.pdf

The Gecko drive is rated for up to 80vdc

How do I figure the best voltage to run?

Thanks
John

[GaryCorlew]

Amps times phase resistance, So 2.8 x 1.1 = 3.08 volts

[pminmo]

As you go up in the supply ratio to coil voltage you get better high speed performance. I believe gecko recommends three to twenty-five X. So that would put you around 75V max.

[Eurisko]

The 3.08 volts is the rated voltage of the motor.

Gecko recommends running the motor from 4 times (minimum) to 25 times (maximum) the rated voltage.

My G201 also specifies a minimum power supply of 24 volts.

In your case, 24 to 75 volts should suffice. The more voltage you use, the more power you'll get. Too much voltage may cause the motor to overheat.

Don't exceed this motor's rated current of 2.8 amps when configuring the Gecko.

Although heatsinking for the Gecko is not required under 3 amps, I'd take the safe route and put one on.

[Big John T]

Thanks for all the help. BTW, the G203V instructions recommend 4 to 20 times for the power supply voltage. So it looks like a 60 volt power supply is for me.

Thanks
John

[rgammage]

Hello Big John T

Remember that most drivers use some form of current limit and so 60V is only fed to the motor for a fraction of a second and then turned on and off repeatedly so the average of ( 60 * Time on/Time off ) will be close to 3V.

Richard