Category: General LinuxCNC Questions
We have built a CNC machine using open-loop stepper motors. The motor drivers are connected to a computer via a breakout board, which is linked using a DB25 cable. Most of the wiring is done using jumper wires, and we have a common ground for all electronic components. The Y-axis is driven by two stepper motors, one for each arm.To improve signal stability, we have added pull-down resistors to each
Step- pin of the motor drivers. However, we have observed that the potential difference between the
5V pin and ground pin of the breakout board (powered by an 18V power supply) is only
1.6V. Additionally, when the Y-axis motor stops working, the potential difference between the
5V pin and the Y-axis direction pin drops to
0.06V.Thus, we suspect that the
breakout board is damaged. The
5V pin on the breakout board should provide a stable 5V, but since it only outputs
1.6V, the board’s
voltage regulator or power circuit may be faulty. The fact that the
Y-axis direction pin drops to 0.06V when the motor stops further suggests a power issue or weak signal.Additionally, we suspect that
electrical noise is affecting system stability, leading to
random motor movements. Interestingly, noise issues
only appear when the PC is connected to the breakout board. What could be the reason for the issue? Should we also connect breakout board with a usb cable to the PC for extra power. YOU can view our breakout board specifications in the file attached below.