Stepper driver circuit for DOB Equatorial Platform

[Bruceaust]

I have recently constructed an equatorial platform for my 8" DOB.
I have used a thread drive with a 3:1 step down belt an pulley that will be driven by a single 6v, 0.6A or a 12v, 0.4A, 2phase stepper motor.

Can anyone point me to a suitable DIY driver circuit with a variable freq pulse input (555?)

I know I should just go out and buy a complete system, but I still enjoy building the bits myself!

Bruce

[MrB]

Will this do?
http://www.piclist.com/techref/io/stepper/linistep/index.htm
Though a chopper driver will generate less heat in the motor and driver.

[kinetic]

Here's another if you're DIY capable.
All plans/circuits/ docs here freely available.
Lots of functions....you just add an old clunker laptop

http://www.bbastrodesigns.com/BBAstroDesigns.html

Steve

[snowyskiesau]

Here's a site (http://pminmo.com/) with a number of DIY stepper drivers.

These all requires a step and direction input.
You'll still need to provide a suitable source of correctly timed pulses to get your correct tracking speeds.

If you're only after a low voltage, low current device, you might consider an EasyStepper (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8368). Ready made and less than $20.

[You can also get the EasyStepper from Ocean Controls (http://www.oceancontrols.com.au/) in Melbourne]

[Bruceaust]

thanks for the links

Bruce