Model SP-2
Two-Axis Stepper System
Controller + Motors + Cables + Software

Here's a great way to learn about stepper motors and a fun robotics projects! Control two stepper motors (also known as stepping motors) from your computer's parallel port. Each axis can be controlled separately. Motors can be stepped at different speeds and directions; they're completely independent. Software is included.

Here's what you get -

  • Control Circuit
  • 2 Stepper Motors - New High Quality Vexta Motors!
  • Software
  • Cable
  • Power Connector
  • Documentation
  • Assembled and tested
The control circuit is suitable for light-duty motors (up to 1 amp per phase) such as those found in old floppy disk drives and dot matrix printers. The control circuit can drive uniplolar stepper motors- 5, 6, or 8 wire. A cable is included to connect to your PC's parallel port. A power connector is included to connect to a standard PC power supply.  (Power Supply not included, but available for an additional $20)

Control Circuit Features...

  • Opto-Isolated to protect your PC
  • Standard DB25 parallel cable (included)
  • 8 LED's  provide visual indication of stepping sequence
  • Screw Terminals for quick, professional connects
  • Switch Inputs(2) for limit detecting
Software Included

QBASIC Source Code

The QBASIC software allows you to control the motor using the keyboard or 4-button joystick. The software is easy to follow. I wrote the software (I am a professional programmer) so I can assist you if needed. The software will show you how to control a stepper motor in these modes ...

  • Lo Torque
  • Hi Torque
  • Half Step
You can single-step the motors, one pulse at a time both forward and reverse, or run them continuously (forward and reverse). The rate of revolution is smoothly variable - the software allows sample rates up to 600+ Hz (depending on the clock speed of your PC's cpu).

VBStepper.exe - 2 Axis Stepper Control

In addition to the QBasic source code described above, you receive this 2-Axis Stepper Control Panel, which allows you to control your 2 axis system from Windows 95/98/XP.  Select the Parallel Port address and click Start/Stop. You can change the stepping pattern, rate, and direction of rotation from this panel using the mouse or keyboard. Stepping is synchronized to a high-resolution millisecond timer.

The 2-Axis Stepper Control Panel is included. Source to the Visual Basic (VB6) project is available for an additional $20. This project demonstrates Stepper Control, Port I/O, and a High-Resolution Millisecond timer.

Documentation

Documentation includes schematics and a Tutorial which starts from the beginning and provides a solid foundation to stepper motor concepts.  This project focuses on the Unipolar Stepper Controller. (Other Projects available.) Details stepper motor basics, tips for identifying a variety of unipolar stepper motors, current-limiting, and a simple procedure for finding the correct firing order of an un-labeled motor.

Motors - Vexta Stepping Motor

I am very pleased to offer these new Vexta motors with 1.8 degree per step resolution. That's 200 steps per revolution, 400 in half-step mode! Motors are new, and have excellent torque and speed characteristics.  Suitable for small-scale robotics projects and ideal for learning.

Visit the www.Stepperworld.com web site