[FLUTE HEAD]

driver When designing a power supply, is one to look at phase current or rated current of stepper motor? ex. 2 phase motor rated at 5v 3amps. Lets say a three axis machine. Would I design my power supply for 3amps x 3=9amps or would it be 3amps x 2phase=6amps x 3 motors= 18 amps.I understand that depending on the driver I use will make a difference on the percentage of amps to use in the calc., something like 67% of total amps(ex. a chopper drive). What about without a chopper drive, should I go with the total amps + 20% to cover all bases? I seem to be using a basic bipolar drive. The one on electrokits.com

[ger21]

With that drive, yes, add up all the amps for each phase. 3a/phase times 2 phases/motor = 6 amps times 3 motors = 18 amps. I'd maket it at least 20.

If you used Gecko's, on the other hand, you'd only need about 6 amps. You'll be wasting a LOT of power through your resistors.

[FLUTE HEAD]

ALSO, What is the amp rating refering to on most stepper motors(per phase amps or total amps)?

[ger21]

per phase