I am trying to use an Arduino Uno R3 to control a Geared Bipolar Stepper Motor (RB-Phi-210) using the MotoMama L298N Driver.I loaded the sample code but it does not rotate. I know the motor runs fine as I have successfully tested it on the Phidget Stepper Bipolar Motor Controller (1067) . I have connected the parts as follows: Shield and Arduino with the pins supplied; The motor has 4 wires and are connected to the Motomama Out 1-4 sockets using the motor cables is this order : Black, Green, Red & Blue. I am supplying the power in the Vin with a 12V power supply unit (PSU). Arduino is powered by USB.
I have tried using a Li-Poly battery which had supplied 14.8 V and this fried my first Motomama. I have increased the voltage on the PSU while limiting the Current to 2.7 A (Limit of Motomama). I have taken it up to 30 V but this does not reduce the current.
The code used on the arduino is the sample code supplied on this website’s page but I have also used the example code for stepper motors within the Arduino software.
Customer support stated that at 12 V the motor will require a current of 4 A. However, with the Phidget Contoller it only draws 0.6 A at 12 V.
I require a dc motor which can have a RPM within the range of 45 to 120 max, have as high a torque as possible (hence this motor). I want the motor to run in one direction only but I use a potentiometer to control the RPM. Any advise on solving my problem above or alternatives will be much appreciated.
Hey,
Do you have links to the code you’ve used? Otherwise, you could always attach it in your reply.
Also, please provide a clear schematic or pictures of your setup. A picture is definitely worth a thousand words in this case! 
Sincerely,
[left]Thanks for replying to my message,[/left][left]Ok, I am new to using stepper motors so I have now done a lot of background reading on what I need. Firstly, I don’t believe the code was the problem (https://www.robotshop.com/media/files/zip/rb-ite-09_dc_motomama_aruino_test.zip). I also believe the Motomama was working properly. Your colleague who first advised me was correct. at 12V the stepper motor required almost 4 A which is well above the limit of the Motomama.[/left][left]The confusion was the poor information which was provided with the motor (https://www.robotshop.com/eu/en/12v-17a-416oz-geared-bipolar-stepper-motor.html). It misleading states it requires a max current of 1.7A. After reading various webpages, I understand that this means per phase.[/left][left]So, If I wish to use this motor, I need a driver which can give me 4 A at 12V or use a higher voltage say 22V which will run with a lower current. I intend to use the motor with A Li-Poly battery. Currently, I have a 4S which runs at 14.8V but I am now looking at a 6S which provides 22.2 V.[/left][left]The MBC35081 driver by Anaheim has an output current of 2.5 Amps per phase. This driver is on the expensive side but works fine with the Arduino Uno V3. The drv8825 driver is rated at 1.5 A per phase but forums state it can go up 2A per phase using heat sinks (https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=417931.0).[/left][left]I wanted to use this motor because I require as high a torque as possible. However, I am not finding it easy to apply it into my project. Extra gearing will reduce the efficiency.[/left]
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[left]As an idea, I am thinking of synchronising two lower powered geared stepper motors which will require less current (they need to stay in step with each other). I could use the following stepper motor (https://www.omc-stepperonline.com/geared-stepper-motor/nema-17-stepper-bipolar-l33mm-w-gear-raio-51-small-planetary-gearbox-17hs13-0404s-cg27.html) which requires 0.4 A per phase at 12 V. If I place the motors in parallel, I would draw 1.6 A at 12 V. This is within the limits of the Motomama Shield.[/left]
[left]To conclude, the Motomama was actually working fine and was simply under powered for this motor. The details for the Bi-polar motor was misleading and needs to be more clear on the website. I have waisted money on a motor and accessories I don’t need.[/left][left]Thanks again,[/left][left]Ivan[/left]
Hi Ivan,
If you cannot find an appropriate motor driver for this stepper motor, using two smaller motors working synchronized together is certainly a good alternative.
That being said, you could also just use a regular dual motor controller with higher current ratings to control your stepper motor. We do offer plenty that have ratings well above 4 A.
Concerning the parts you purchased, you could always open a support ticket here (chose the Exchanges/Returns department) and ask to receive an in-store credit for returning the products in question. That should most likely not be a problem if you bought them recently and they are still “as new” / in a resellable condition.
Sincerely,
