- #1
Vijayent
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I have doubt. Is it possible to convert DC motor to Stepper ? If yes then what is the procedure ?
Is it possible to convert a DC motor to a Stepper motor?
- Thread starter Vijayent
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In summary, a DC servo motor can be converted to behave like a stepper motor by replacing the control circuit.
- #2
anorlunda
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A key feature of stepper motors is the "teeth" that make the rotor look like a gear and the pairs of windings. A normal DC motor does not have those.
By Wapcaplet; Teravolt. The original uploader was Teravolt at English Wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Fastilysock using CommonsHelper. said:
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- #3
Rive
Science Advisor
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It is not possible.
Some multi-pole synchronous (AC) motors can be used like a (very) low performance stepper motors, but it is like plowing with dogs. Slightly interesting, but not really useful or fun...
Better to get a real stepper. As components from old (really old) HDDs, they are cheap.
Some multi-pole synchronous (AC) motors can be used like a (very) low performance stepper motors, but it is like plowing with dogs. Slightly interesting, but not really useful or fun...
Better to get a real stepper. As components from old (really old) HDDs, they are cheap.
- #4
davenn
Science Advisor
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Rive said:
yup and ...
also printers, photocopiers and similar electronics are an awesome source of stepper motors
- #5
Windadct
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I tore down my last printer and was surprised not a stepper in the set - almost all were DC with optical encoders for positioning feedback... which begs the question to the OP ... why do you want a stepper?
SparkFun page seems to be pretty good reference for basic understanding.
SparkFun page seems to be pretty good reference for basic understanding.
- #6
Baluncore
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A DC servo motor is better than a stepper motor for most applications. Only low power, minimum complexity systems use stepper motors. The easiest way to convert a DC servo motor to behave like a stepper motor would be to replace the control circuit, not modify the motor.
I would mount a quadrature encoder on the DC motor shaft. Next I would pass those encoder signals to a microcontroller so it could keep track of where the motor is now. That microcontroller would also receive the phased control signals so it could know where a stepper motor should now be. By comparing those actual and wanted positions the microcontroller would drive an H-bridge to control the DC motor and bring it to zero error.
The advantages of that DC servo motor system is that it will fight big loads without missing steps. It will also only draw sufficient power to maintain tracking.
The controller is best programmed as a state machine that is indexed by the two incoming pairs of phase signals. It then checks the two next critical phase signals so is not confused by encoder vibration noise.
I would mount a quadrature encoder on the DC motor shaft. Next I would pass those encoder signals to a microcontroller so it could keep track of where the motor is now. That microcontroller would also receive the phased control signals so it could know where a stepper motor should now be. By comparing those actual and wanted positions the microcontroller would drive an H-bridge to control the DC motor and bring it to zero error.
The advantages of that DC servo motor system is that it will fight big loads without missing steps. It will also only draw sufficient power to maintain tracking.
The controller is best programmed as a state machine that is indexed by the two incoming pairs of phase signals. It then checks the two next critical phase signals so is not confused by encoder vibration noise.
Related to Is it possible to convert a DC motor to a Stepper motor?
1. Can any DC motor be converted into a stepper motor?
No, not all DC motors can be converted into stepper motors. Stepper motors have a different internal structure and require specific components such as a rotor with multiple poles and a precise winding pattern.
2. What is the advantage of converting a DC motor to a stepper motor?
The advantage of converting a DC motor to a stepper motor is the ability to control the motor's position precisely. Stepper motors operate in discrete steps, making them ideal for applications that require accurate positioning, such as robotics, 3D printers, and CNC machines.
3. Is it possible to convert a DC motor to a stepper motor by simply changing the power supply?
No, a simple change of the power supply will not convert a DC motor into a stepper motor. As mentioned earlier, stepper motors have a different internal structure and require specific components for precise control. Changing the power supply alone will not alter the motor's fundamental functioning.
4. How difficult is it to convert a DC motor to a stepper motor?
The difficulty level of converting a DC motor to a stepper motor depends on the individual's skills and knowledge. It requires a good understanding of the motor's internal structure and the principles of stepper motor operation. It may also require some mechanical modifications and the ability to program a microcontroller for precise control.
5. Are there any conversion kits available for converting a DC motor to a stepper motor?
Yes, there are conversion kits available in the market that can help in converting a DC motor to a stepper motor. These kits typically include the necessary components such as a rotor with multiple poles, a stepper motor driver, and a microcontroller. However, it is important to choose a kit that is compatible with the specific DC motor being converted.
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