I've built a 3' C-Beam Actuator and I don't think the 12v power supply (1.6 amps) is sending enough amps to the GRBL shield on the Arduino as the machine seems to be laboring under a strain. Before I go out and buy a 24V power supply, I'd like to know if a Maplins DC regulated power supply would be able to drive the 3 steppers instead. It puts out 13.8V at 3 amps continuous. This thing is up on a shelf doing nothing, but I'm not sure the amps are too much for the board. Thanks a lot. Michael.
get 24v supply, 6amps if you have NEMA23 motors. stepper motors really like high voltage, they work much better with it compared to lower voltage.
I'm guessing you're using a combo board and drivers? The board should draw only the load it needs. you can hook up a 12v 20Amp to it and it'll be fine. the supply on the shelf should be used. Dave's right. Steppers love voltage. get the 24v supply if the shield can handle it and aim for a higher amp capacity. max voltage for a stepper = sqrt of motor inductance x 32 starting amp capacity of supply = total of all motor current ratings x .66 so if your using four 2.8A stepper you should be using a supply of at least 2.8A x 4 x .66 = 7.4 or better. With one or two motors I recommend the supply is rated the total of motor amps or higher.
the gRBL shield cannot do 2.8A so you can downrate to what it CAN do, or 'is' doing with your settings, but note, if your machine is struggling maybe it needs more votls AND amps (-: so plan for it.
itll take what it can based on the current pot settings. Just have to make sure the supply can provide the current.
For motors always there is the need of the high voltage and the high current. You must go for the high current source. You can easily find it, lots are available. You must specify the rating of your motors. What I/O it requires for V-I? Also what are other specifications for them? pcb assembly house
I've successfully built my first C-Beam router with Nema-23 stepper motors. I've been also able to get a BOSCH Colt Router GKF 600. Now I've to buy the controller (CNC xPRO V2) and the Power Supply. My question is: I've to use a 12V PSU or a 24V PSU? Is there any gold rule or suggestion? I've seen that many suggest a 24VDC PSU cause the sttpper performs better at higher voltages.
