Configuring dual Y Axis drivers

  • scsmith1451
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24 Nov 2025 17:21 #339160 by scsmith1451
Configuring dual Y Axis drivers was created by scsmith1451
I'm in the process of upgrading my DIY router mill to include dual Y axis steppers. The current configuration uses a single Y stepper to move a rather long axis (~ 44 in) on which the X axis rides to provide X/Y motion for cutting.  However, on long, fast moves I sometime notice slight cogging.

I have an extra stepper and Microstepper that matches the current Y Stepper-Microstepper combination that I would like to incorporate to minimize cogging.

The machine uses a MESA 7i76u 5 axis control board. My question is, will the MESA 7i76u provide sufficient direction and step current to drive two Microstepper drives so that both get their signals at the exact same time? Or, do I need to configure separate sections of my HAL and configuration files to drive each driver separately and if so, how would I go about the configuration?

I did find an old post on the subject of two steppers for an axis, but it was for a rather old version of LCNC.  I guessing that 2.9.4 may have a more straight forward approach to configure dual axis drives.

Kind regards,

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24 Nov 2025 17:36 - 24 Nov 2025 21:49 #339161 by PCW
Replied by PCW on topic Configuring dual Y Axis drivers
The ideal way would be to have 2 sets of step/dir signals and 2 Y home switches so
any gantry racking can be corrected every time the machine is homed.

Whether one step/dir output can drive 2 motor drive inputs depends on the current
requirements of those inputs, but in general I would suggest the separate drive/separate
home switch system.
Last edit: 24 Nov 2025 21:49 by PCW.

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  • AgentWD40
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24 Nov 2025 21:02 #339172 by AgentWD40
Replied by AgentWD40 on topic Configuring dual Y Axis drivers
When you get to about the stepper motor section of pncconf check out "tandem" axis... like this:

 

Also, depending on your machine you may or may not need to invert the direction of one of the motors. There's a few ways to do that but this is one way:

 
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