Stepperonline CL86Y: Bench Testing with Centroid Acorn

[@GenePavlovsky]

I'd say one of reasons to buy this USB interface box is the ability to adjust the motor current. Some people recommend to set the current only as high as necessary for correct operation of the machine under any normal circumstances. This can be worked out experimentally. If the motor loses steps and errors out, increase the current, until a setting is found that works well. Increase it a bit more to have a safety margin, this is the perfect setting then. If the driver is configured for max motor torque, and 12 Nm can be a lot, then if there's a malfunction (something jams or crashes), the likelihood of expensive damage can be high if the powerful stepper continues to twist and turn. If it's "just powerful enough", it will likely stall and error out. In the video we can see the peak current is set to 7000 (milliAmps, I suppose). The motor's 6.0A rating is the RMS rating. 7.0A peak ~= 7.0 * 0.707 ~= 4.95A. It's a bit conservative setting already, so if you need to squeeze out every last bit of torque, you can go even higher. But, depending on the machine, a lower peak current may be still enough. Worth experimenting with, for additional safety. If peak current of 5.0A (3.5A RMS) is enough for the application, then we can also run two motors on the same 350W 48V (~7.2A) power supply. Something to consider.

[@hamheadless]

Hi Franco, Helpful video. It's interesting to see how you set things up. I just want to mention that in the CL86Y programming software, you might wish to note that the default "Position deviation alarm threshold" is 4000 steps. This setting merely monitors the difference between the pulses already sent to the motor and the encoder's counted steps BEFORE the alarm on the stepper driver is triggered. Since you've gone to the trouble of investing in a closed loop system, and wiring up the alarm.. It's important you make the most of the alarm feature. When you're first setting up, 4000 steps makes sense when you're making sure everything is working. However, for production, this might be a significant problem. Depending on your chosen micro-stepping settings, gearing/belt ratios, and/or the pitch on your ball/lead screw, this 4000 step difference may render the alarm pointless by waiting far too long to trigger it. If you're using the default 200 steps per revolution setting, a 4000 step threshold is 20 full rotations (or 200mm worth of travel on a standard 10mm/revolution pitched ball screw) before the alarm is sounded. This can be bad, and should be lowered, again, only once your system is running. Of course, if you're using a much higher micro stepping setting, say 40,000 or 51,200 steps per revolution for extreme accuracy, or some sort of ultra-precise gearing ratios/finely pitched lead/ball screws then 4000, may seem low, but then again, smaller differences on a precise rig will have greater impact, and thus may still be too high. Raising the threshold value is really only used for testing purposes and to avoid false alarms.... and jittery performance should that start to happen. The value range for the "Position deviation" is 1 - 65,535 on this and many other closed loop drivers. However, if you set the value one, you'll find that you will routinely get alarms... if you can move the motor at all. Mills which need high precision will often have lower numbers (say a threshold of 10-40 steps) and CNC routers will use simiar or maybe higher values. You mentioned that most of the default driver settings work for you, and if that is the case, then great... but there are many situations where the interface and programming software would be a huge benefit. I'd be careful about downplaying the importance, or discouraging the use of the reprogramming tools. I hope this helps.

[@maiknakas]

This set works young man with a board Signal generetor !

[@jochenreitzig3880]

Thank you for sharing this video. How do you reset the alarm mode via input signal?

[@codearachnid]

@Franco I appreciate your detail on the CL86Y - do you happen to know what the difference is between this stepper and the CL86T?

[@paulhamacher773]

I'd be interested in that topic too

[@thechipwelder1253]

I can approve stepper online. Very legit Products. Thank you for the video. :)

[@paulgarrigues5069]

Very nice, that big 34 should move and hold the 728's head with authority, counterbalanced or not. I wonder how much approximately the head assembly weighs? It'd be interesting to see the #'s when you perform a rapid test on your Z. A head weight assembly estimate along with max rapids before erratic behavior or it greatly exceeds expectations/needs/safety.

[@minasianjohn]

Hi Franco , I purchased 4 of each , Nema 34 closed loop , Power supply , CL 86 Y driver with the cables and connectors. After a long struggle to wire one of the Steppers had no luck to have it run, spent many hours , finally found out the manufacturer had made a mistake in the wiring of the plug The black wire does not correspond to the plug on the other side. This is to help others to look out for this problem. I'm not sure if all the steppers are wired incorrectly, I will soon find out .

[@Th3mast3r69]

Hey Franco, thanks for this video. I would really appreciate a video covering more of the parameters and which ones should be adjusted and which ones shouldnt be and what effects those parameters have on the motors. Right now im trying to figure out what current settings to use for peak and also holding for best performance.

[@SantaDragon]

11:00 Why do you pulse the negative side? Most videos (and the guide from stepperonline) pulse positive side.13:50 ipm = inch per minute or is it 14:15 rpm? If it is the same in your case maybe you should describe why.

[@антонпавлов-ж6ж]

Hello, can you tell me how you connected the alarm signal output?

[@perro0076]

I'm in Belgium (so nothing to do with these guys) and I must admit, although this seems to be a Leadshine badged product (I am happy to be wrong) Stepperonline seem to have the edge on available information and product configuration via the dip switches. Although I still don't know where to set over current protection. Not sure yet whether there is a temperature protection on the driver itself. I wouldn't want to 'cook' the electronics when the motor overloads or a short circuit. But after a few days of research Stepperonline are coming out on top.

[@Z-add]

Two years back you did a review of a blue color hbs860 closed loop stepper driver. Why did you not use that one?

[@GaryBrown-uz4in]

Hey Franco - Another great video - Thanks!! I've been using StepperOnLine motors and controllers for over 6 months with my Centroid Acorns and am very happy with them. I know you decided your motor wouldn't work as a spindle for your mill, but I think it would work in my situation. I only need 300-500rpm. I was able to get the snippet of gcode you are running from the screen, but it doesn't show above line 13. I assume you are simply setting the initial values of #100 and the modes. Is there anything else significant I should know to try to get one of my motors to turn constantly like you have in the video? Thanks very much

[@tjuggernaut29]

The reason you dont see stepper motors as spindle motors all comes down to the torque curve. For this exact motor and driver, at 900 rpm the torque has dropped already to 1 Nm from 12. www.omc-stepperonline (dot) com/download/34HE59-6004D-E1000_Torque_Curve.pdf

[@stevehudson7468]

hi franco i eventually bought 2 steppers and controllers through the links also have acorn, is the alarm +_ nc as per your older video or is it changeable

[@casperjensen4156]

Nice video. Could you maybe try to change the step input frequency for the drive? maybe talk a bit about the difference it makes? I would love to hear if there is an audible difference. Maybe go a little into the encoder resolution compared to Clearpath. it looks like you get good bang for your buck in these motors. PS. love the Acorn, would love to play with one myself;-)

[@MrCoffeypaul]

Any videos on how to setup from scratch?

[@ethandingels2751]

Do you have to have the Handheld Intelligent Setting Unit for Closed Loop Driver to connect to the drive via PC?

[@knguyen3348]

great vid, could you please point out which slot is for ac and which slot is for dc input. my driver does have ac and dc, but im not sure which is dc. thanks in advance

[@simontotts6526]

Should the drive not have alarmed when the motor choked out above 3600rpm?

[@FrancoCNC]

That is a great question. The drive will generate an alarm when the motor is physically not able to execute the commanded step/direction instructions received from the Centroid Motion Control Unit (MCU). In this case, what is happening is the MCU is sending instructions to the drive so quickly that the drive is unable to read them above 3600RPM. The Centroid Acorn is "talking" faster than the drive can "listen". Multiple step pulses begin sounding like a single step pulse. Before the drive can generate an alarm, it must first be able to understand the command. This is why it's important not to exceed the frequency at which the drive can reliably understand the commands coming from the MCU.

[@steamtech]

Hi Franco, great video and explanation. I'm using exact same drivers on my built but I'm littler confuse about the driver voltage, it say AC and on the manual say that is ok to use AC up to 80v and 110v on DC, is this correct should be vise versa, I want to use AC but can't find a 80v transformer to do so, is no info about this anyware including the manufactory site, Tia.

[@haryabdulrachman2763]

Hello franco, can i use arduino to control this motor driver?

[@michaelbrocato7535]

Just a quick question what are you using to power the step and direction and enable with on the driver?

[@GenePavlovsky]

I've opened up the USB interface box (StepperOnline calls it HISU = Handheld Intelligent Setting Unit) to see what's inside. It's a very simple device, carrying a CP2104 USB-to-UART converter chip and a few resistors/capacitors it needs. So it seems that the USB-B jack/connector on the Y-series drivers is not really USB, but serial, just with a USB-B physical connector. The setting unit box has a USB-B jack for connecting to a computer, and a 4-pin connector for serial communication, with a matching 4-pin to USB-B cable to connect to the Y series driver. If someone is contemplating buying this device from StepperOnline, you probably don't need to spend the money if you already have some USB-serial converter(s) (~$2 on eBay from China). All you need is a USB-B cable to plug into the driver, and then adapt the other end of the cable to connect to your USB-serial converter. Unless StepperOnline's PC software is somehow made to only work with CP2104 specifically (then again, there are $2 CP2104-based converters on eBay from China).

[@HypronVideos]

Hi there and thanks for posting this. Would you happen to have pictures of the insides of the USB interface box, or know the pinout of the "USB" jack on the motor driver? I did not realise that the port was not a real USB port and hence did not buy the interface box, and now I am stuck trying to communicate with the driver using a USB/serial adaptor. Thanks!

[@GenePavlovsky]

@@HypronVideos Hi I can check a few days later. Meanwhile you can try opening up your driver and check the PCB silkscreen for any clues.

[@GenePavlovsky]

@@HypronVideos Just checked the cable supplied with the USB interface box. Box side TDO GND TXD RXD correspond to the USB-B connector side + - D+ D-, respectively. TDO pin on the box is normally not connected (assuming the stepper driver has it's own power supply). The box has a 2-position DIP switch allowing to connect TDO to 3.3V or GND. I think you can just use a USB-to-serial converter, a USB-B cable, cut off the other end of the cable, then connect respectively cable's - D+ D- to GND TXD RXD of the USB-to-serial converter. On my USB cable these D+, D- and GND are respectively black, green and white wires. Get a USB-to-serial converter that can be configured for 3.3V operation (usually a switch or a jumper), I think it should be 3.3V - but this is not certain. If it doesn't work, try swapping RXD and TXD.

[@ericsandberg3167]

Franco....What do you use as a post out a CAD tool like F360 to feed into the Acorn and CNC12....do you send the file over via USB or sneaker net.

[@Benalr]

Having an encoder error so trying to use the debugger to troubleshoot, but it won't connect? Any suggestions? No instructions with cable

[@AustinGohs]

Where did you find theusb-232 box? Ive been struggling to use their sotfware because thats apparently not a USB port even though it says it is on the unit...

[@stevehudson7468]

just bought a kit through your link cheers steve

[@frosbite3dbh771]

hello franCO. I'm from Brazil, here in my country I got closed lopp motors.. NEMA24 DA rinteligent would like to use drives (HBS57, HBS86)question; can i use ?must use manufacturer's driver only.? what is your opinion Thank you in advance and stay with God.

[@sonkemartens6226]

Nice Video, thanks. Do you know, if the motor is water proofed? at least against splash-water? At least the connectors seem not to be.

[@FrancoCNC]

I'd say that as long as you do not submerge it, you will be fine. I can't imagine a few splashes doing any harm.

[@tylerdavenport8661]

Great video! I have decided to follow your method but am curious as to whether I need a separate power supply for each motor which the exact equipment you have there? If I do, would you do a video to show a three motor wiring setup please?

[@FrancoCNC]

Hi. You can use one big power supply to run multiple motors. That is actually a more efficient way to do it. With switching power supplies, it's best to make sure you total available amps are about 110% or 120% of the max load the motors can draw.

[@tylerdavenport8661]

@@FrancoCNC hi thankyou for the fast reply . Is the power supply in the video capable of running three of the 12 nm 34 motors ' in the video, or do I need a bigger power supply?

[@FrancoCNC]

@@tylerdavenport8661 you need a bigger one. Amps x volts = watts

[@joeylegaspi3515]

Is there a way to make the error signal go away without turning off the power to CL86Y?

[@antaniperdue3148]

Hi Franco, great video and explanation. I am in the middle of building a new cnc 6 axis and I was thinking to use exactly this step and drivers, but I have a few things that I have to look into. For example I don t know what sort of ramp to use to run 6 stepper of this kind and also the cut of the power supply in your video seems a bit small for the potential of the 12 Nm nema 34.

[@FrancoCNC]

Hi. I'm not sure if I understand what you are referring to when you say "ramp" and "cut".

[@C_Dana]

Hi Franco, Did you ever test this combo on the Z and A axes? I found out that a closed loop stepper does not work with the Acorn on those axes. A non-closed loop stepper motor works perfectly on those axes. Keep looking for an explanation from Centroid but haven't seen one. I have two Acorn boards and both do the same thing. Probably something I'm doing but if I take the closed loop steppers on the X and Y axes and move them to the Z and A axes (just a plugin change) I get nothing!. Same interface with conventional stepper works!

[@GeminiRacing]

Hi....I have same driver set and I have still 5 blink alarm, after restart I want move, it move and put alarm again....what is wrong ? Thanks

[@csxal]

Thanks for another great video Franco. I placed my order last week with stepperonline.. I wound up going with the same Nema 34 for my Z axis, but since the cost is minimal I went and got 2 Nema 34 1200 in oz for X & Y. I also picked up a toroidal 60v 1200W 20amp supply to power all 3 drives. Just curious what size control box you are planning to put your electronics in for your new build? Thanks, Al

[@FrancoCNC]

www.factorymation.com/EN-PCG-4050-B

[@csxal]

Thank you for the link

[@justinpuzak2558]

Can you teach them like a servo ?

[@TheHandyAndy]

Just as an FYI to all stepperonline has an amazon store front now.

[@tylerdavenport8661]

@Franco hi thankyou for the fast reply . Is the power supply in the video capable of running three of the 12 nm 34 motors ' in the video, or do I need a bigger power supply? Is there a power supply you would suggest using if it isnt usable?

[@tylerdavenport8661]

thanks for all the fast replies Franko, really appreciate it!

[@yonatanb.h5781]

hi....what kind of encoder in the motor??

[@csxal]

Franco, I have a quick question. What drive selection did you use in Acorn for this drive? Do you have to download a profile from Centroid's website? I tried configuring the drives last night and bench testing works but I cannot get steppers to turn, no matter which profile I selected in the menu. Any help would be great. Thanks, Al

[@CryoftheProphet]

Hey buddy, I just purchased the same exact pm728vt, I was thinking about clearpath servos and the masso controller, but Im obviously wanting to save as much money as possible, I have the pm conversion kit and all I need now is steppers/servos and the rest of the controllers/power. Can you recommend a setup friendly to a beginner like myself who has never built his own cnc before but is comfortable and quick learning? I just need something reliable and stable for my new pm mill. Thanks in advance, love your videos :)

[@skateracks5228]

Hello Franco, I purchased this set up plus the Centroid Acorn for my Cam Tech 4x8 rebuild. And I am running into problems at every part. My wife super computer smart can not get it to run g code either withoutcodes, Acorn always shows a code for every step . After watching your videos everything just works( Marty confuses me in his videos) . My wife been watching all the videos also. Now all she wants for her birthday is to pay centroid fo help, so hopefully I can get it fixed till the next issue I have with controller.. The Acorn controller is not for dummies… like me ……. Is there a easier controller out there I can get to start using my machine instead of looking at this large paperweight. My wife continues to tell me I should I should have purchased the x-carve, as I been looking defeated the last 2 months . Thanks and have a great day

[@postiemania]

Yes the 12nM nema 34 has enough torque to break bones and router bits.

[@csxal]

Hi Franco, I had another question for you. On your PM-25 you had added a spindle encoder. In a different video you used a KBSI240D board to get spindle I put to acorn board. I am guessing your new PM-728VT is similar to the PM-30 as far as spindle control. Do you know how you are going to connect the spindle feedback to acorn for your new mill? I would like your feedback on this. Thanks, Al

[@bradfrancola8485]

Hi. I have a good idea of how I'm going to mount an encoder on the new Mill. Stay tuned for a video on that subject.

[@richardmorton1310]

Franco, so I made the plunge today and bought some stuff from stepper online using your link above. Small payment to you for all the help you videos have given me. Still clueless and expect lots of challenges cnc my PM 728 but it's a good start. Could you respond with the breakout board breadboard that you use? Thanks

[@FrancoCNC]

Hi. Thanks for your support. I'm glad you find the videos helpful. A little bit of confusion in the beginning is normal, remember you are building a CNC machine. But, lots of people do it and I'm always impressed with the amazing things that I see people do. As far as a CNC control system goes I prefer to use the centroid acorn system. It is a combination of hardware and software. I feel it's better performing and easier to set up than most any other option out there. I have lots of videos on my channel about their products. Let me know if you'd like me to recommend a place for you to start with that. Thanks

[@richardmorton1310]

@@FrancoCNC Thanks for the encouragement. I already have gone down the rabbit hole. In fact, my centroid acorn board and assorted other its arrived from them today. I have stepperdrivers, power supplies, motors, on order from stepperonline. I'm totally non-original and just "stole" all of your parts that you are assembling for your PM 728. I figure being a complete virgin when it comes to stuff, why reinvent what you have already done. One part I have not heard you reference is your breakout board - there seems to be a gillon of them! It would be helpful to narrow down the choices. So, could you post the model you have? Thanks.

[@FrancoCNC]

@@richardmorton1310 are you talking about this little guy that plugs into the DB25 connector:. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXXGgKx6jb15opo

[@richardmorton1310]

@@FrancoCNC Yes, thank you. grabbed your 3d standoff as well.

[@tonyt8807]

I went from nema17/DM542T to Nema 34 closed and CL86Y. 50v Power to AC/AC. Motor is wired the same as this video. I have 4.85v from BOB to PU+, DR+. P16 to Pu- and P17 to DR-. No power to motor- the shaft is still free when I power on. Dip switches off/off/on/on/on/off. Does the encoder have to be hooked up?

[@FrancoCNC]

Hi. You must have the encoder cable coming from the motor connected to the driver. The motor will not move if you do not make that connection. Also, be sure to check the logic of the MF (enable) connections. If it is wrong, you will disable the motor when you power up your CNC control.

[@tonyt8807]

@@FrancoCNC Can I jump the encoder ports(EB+ EB- etc.) I am pulling data from the encoder wires Black/red/blue/yellow on arduino. It worked with the DM542T and a closed nema17. Please assist me what I need to do, a different driver?

[@CNCPRINTBLOGSPOT]

Hi franco, big thx for this Video. Maybe you could share the standard config file for the factory settings for the stepper driver software, so that we could import it? I think my factory settings arent working correctly. The motor oscillates. Best regards cncprint

[@noorkishta6344]

Hey Franco, I bought the same stepper motor for a university project and I watched your video to understand how to plug the motor's RS 232 cable but I couldn't follow that cable. Did you connect it to the servo driver or to the centroid?

[@FrancoCNC]

Hi. The cable connects to the servo driver.

[@alid1310]

What are you chose for driver in Wizard?Leadshine?

[@Fozz84]

can you plug 4 drives into a computer at the same time and select between them?

[@Fozz84]

using the rs232 connector.

[@csxal]

Franco, I’m curious if the db9 connector between stepper cable and extension cable of the stepperonline servos is a water tight connection. I’m concerned the X & Y axis connections might be an issue with flood coolant use. What is your thought?

[@bradfrancola8485]

Hi. I would not consider it any more water-tight than a standard cable you'd find on any computer. However, I'm sure you could use heat shrink tubing or something like that to seal it up. Perhaps even a little silicone if you don't plan on disconnecting it anytime soon.

[@ponydowncnc8365]

Love the videos. Keep them coming.

[@Z-add]

When you are dealing with multiple power requirements like 5,12,24V etc. Do you buy a seperate ACDC supply for each dc voltage requirement or do you buy one ACDC and then use seperate DCDC converters for the required power voltages.

[@FrancoCNC]

The Acorn comes with a dual voltage 5v 24v power supply and that is good to power the board and sensors. But for the power supplies, I generally buy switching type and they are usually a single voltage. You could buy a large multiple voltage power supply but my guess is that will cost more than individual switching types.

[@rusticagenerica]

Your test convinced ;e to buy their 12N.m motor ! And controller.

[@jamesreed5226]

I have really enjoyed your videos and because of you I ordered my PM 25 and receive it next week. My question is... Since I don't have access to a cnc mill to make the parts for the conversion. Do you sell a kit? I just need the mechanicals ball screws, motor mounts, bearing blocks, etc I have already purchased closed loop leadshine motors, controllers, power supplies, etc I am starting all this late in life and want to have it all going before I turn 60. Thank you in advance. James Reed

[@FrancoCNC]

Hi. Thanks for watching my videos. It's never too late to start a new adventure. My father got into computers when he was in his 50's and by the time he was in his 60's he had a pretty nice consulting business going on selling point of sale software/hardware. Right now, the best place to buy a kit is here: www.arizonacnckits.com/ In upcoming weeks/months there may be another good source for kits designed for the PM machines, but right now that's the best I can do. Have fun with your build. Post some videos when you get it up and running!

[@jamesreed5226]

@@FrancoCNC thank you for responding so quickly. I'm really looking forward to getting this going. I'm on a limited income and this will fulfill my hobby needs. I absolutely will post videos and most certainly give you the credit for helping make this dream a reality. I have watched your videos over and over to be sure I am fully understanding all this. I have read some of the other comments and have to wonder if you realize how much you are helping others. Thanks again James Reed [e-mail]

[@jamesreed5226]

I tried the Arizonacnc website and when I click on the PM25 it has a error. I know that you can't help with that and I will keep trying. But in the coming weeks or so you said you may have another source. So keep me in mind if you will and update me. As for now I will just continue to watch your channel as I await my mill arrival. Thanks again Franco

[@makosharkcnc7730]

One thing about the nema 34 I got from steppersonline not a big deal but I wished the cable was little longer

[@Whathappenedtothiscountry]

I purchased a nema 24 and have the same complaint. It's the only one I have though that motor runs great. I plan on getting another for my other axis.

[@GaryBrown-uz4in]

@@Whathappenedtothiscountry StepperOnLine has extension cables that you can buy www.omc-stepperonline.com/cable-and-connector/

[@GaryBrown-uz4in]

MakoShark StepperOnLine has extension cables that you can buy www.omc-stepperonline.com/cable-and-connector/

[@jamesreed5226]

@@GaryBrown-uz4in thanks for the tip. The prices are reasonable too.

[@kyforge]

I cannot get my CL86Y to operate , blinks 6 red blinks over and over, the manual does not explain this problem. I have 48vdc, nena23 stepper wired up. Never been able to make motor rotate. Any suggestions ?

[@GenePavlovsky]

With a closed loop stepper, the phases must be connected with the correct polarity. If one of the phases has it's polarity reversed, when driver gets some pulses, it will try to move motor in one direction, but the motor would try to turn the wrong direction. The driver would immediately detect this condition and error out, thus the motor just won't turn. You might have miswired the motor or encoder connections, double check the wire colors, refer to the motor datasheet. It's also possible that the wires at the motor itself, or at the extension cable plugs, are miswired, in that case you can connect everything according to the datasheet but the connections would be wrong. Simple thing to start with is to first check the motor phases. Measure with a multimeter, you should have a low resistance on both phases (see phase resistance in the datasheet). If you see open circuit, the motor is miswired or damaged. If everything is fine so far, connect the motor and try sending it some pulses. If it doesn't turn, swap the two wires of one phase and try again. Try various configurations. Hopefully the encoder is wired right because there are more wires there... If it doesn't work any way, you may have a malfunctioned motor or drive, in that case contact stepperonline and ask them to step in. But in a lot of cases it's just wrong connections.

[@CornelioRhodas]

Franco thanks for your videos, they really help ppl like us. I am planning on running my avid cnc w/CL86Y / 34HE36 x4, with Acorn board in a FactoryMation enclosure. I recently noticed that the stepperonline kit includes an E series motor, which I believe stands for Economic (?). Anyways they also sell more expensive TS and TP series closed loop kits with different drivers, but the only substantial documentation in their website for comparisons is torque sheets, general specs and a little description. Are you familiar with the TS and TP series, are they worth the extra money?

[@FrancoCNC]

Great question. My understanding is the orange drivers are the latest and greatest product. You'll notice the orange drivers have a USB connection while the black ones have an RS232 connection (which is older technology). So, as far as I know, you are better off buying the orange ones.

[@GenePavlovsky]

@@FrancoCNC I also bought a couple of Y kits, and just noticed that they recently switched all their kits to the T drivers (black). StepperOnline has an FAQ with this topic. Q: What's the difference between T, Y, S and N series digital drivers? You can find this easily with google. In short, T is "Produced by Chinese TOP1 stepper driver manufacturer", Y is "TOP3" and is a bit cheaper. So, in theory T is supposed to be their best offering. But Y looks much nicer. Although I'd say the color is (orange-ish) red. They also have this question in the FAQ: Q: What the differences between HE HS HP motors? Economy, Standard, Professional. But yeah, just comparing the torque specs, some standard motors look overall better than a comparable but more expensive professional one. Some torque curves don't make much sense, e.g. a 8.0 Nm motor and 12.0 Nm motor in the same series have practically the same curve, probably an error on their side. It's a bit of a crap-shoot trusting these torque curves, I think!

[@bordaantonio07]

Hello Franco, A quick question I am converting a BF20 Optimum Milling Machine I would like some advice from you for the motors of the Stepperonline brand which you advise me for the Z -Y-X axis a big thank you. from Geneva Switzerland.

[@hamidfazli5184]

Hi Mate, I am going to carry a steel pallet (overall weight of 700 kg) over rollers with 2 stepper motors on each sides, do you reckon "Nema 42 CNC Stepper Motor Bipolar 30Nm" is enough for this application?

[@FrancoCNC]

As long as you are able to adjust how quickly you accelerate and decelerate the pallet, then I think you will be fine.

[@FrancoCNC]

And when you mount your motors, be sure to allow for proper ventilation. If you build up too much heat in the motor, they will fail.

[@rpgallagher7628]

Hello, I got the same kit. How do I find the pulse to set the dip switches? Thank you

[@FrancoCNC]

Hi. The chart printed on the driver will tell you how to set the dip switches (on side of the driver). You need to make this setting match what you are using in your CNC Control Software. I'm not sure what you are using (Centroid, Mach3, GRBL) but you will need to figure that out. Otherwise, you'll tell the axis to move an inch but it won't physically match what you commanded.

[@rpgallagher7628]

Franco thank you for the reply. im using Mach 3. I have the dip switches set at 5000, what’s yours set at? I have a cnc already but this is my first time building my own.

[@rpgallagher7628]

Franco im still trying to figure out the concept of how the tuning and calibrating works. I got the motor turning correctly but it’s very slow

[@FrancoCNC]

@@rpgallagher7628 I suspect there is a setting in Mach3 that you need to look at. I don't think the drivers are your problem. As long as you know how many pulses per rev the drivers are set to, then you should be able to make them turn as fast or slow as you want.

[@tylerdavenport8661]

Hi Franco, Thankyou for this video it has helped me start my project! I do have two questions and was hoping you could help me. I am using the same motors and drives but I noticed that the cable attached to the motors is not insulated with metal, does this matter? I've watched a video in the past and they said the signals could damage the drives, is this true?

[@FrancoCNC]

I suppose anything is possible...BUT I've used a lot of different closed loop stepper driver/motors and I've never seen any that have metal insulated cables for the "big" cable that feeds power from the driver to the motor. I've seen the encoder cables be insulated because they operate at low voltages that are subject to electrical interference. But, most any time you are at or above 24v electrical interference isn't a problem. I don't think you are going to have any issues.

[@tylerdavenport8661]

@@FrancoCNC ok thankyou for the reply really appreciate it. I've got to lay everything out neat now in my box the only thing I was thinking is, does my acorn board need screwing to a metal container for earth or could I screw it to plastic/wood. If you could give me your opinion on whether it matters as it should be earthed through wiring already right, Would really appreciate your opinion please.

[@FrancoCNC]

@@tylerdavenport8661 I think this may answer your question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXXGgKx6jb15opo

[@TheFabricator03]

Great video.

[@paulbaird1351]

Do you prefer this setup over your clearpath setup? My constraints are mostly budget, and these seem like a good alternative to the clearpaths

[@bradfrancola8485]

From a pure performance point of view, Clearpath servos are the best. But, as you can see, I'm putting these closed loop steppers on my brand new machine. I guess I can say I prefer them over the servos because the level of performance they provide is sufficient (actually exceeds) my expectations and the price is very reasonable. And, they are very easy to configure. I hope that helps.

[@alexandersteipe2003]

Thank you for the video. I ordered the programming device but it came without any description or software. Can you tell me how you got the software. Thanks.

[@FrancoCNC]

You should be able to download it from their website. Let me check...

[@FrancoCNC]

I don't see it on their site but if you send them an email I'm sure they will help you. They are good like that.

[@martinchabot_FR]

You can download it from the CL86Y driver page

[@GenePavlovsky]

@@martinchabot_FR What would be even better if there was more detailed documentation for the exact meaning of various settings! I wish someone would figure this out and make a doc

[@rosspower7514]

Hello Franco, thanks for all the great videos and info. I have a PM25 with an ArizonaVideo conversion kit installed. I purchased CL86Y driver and 1699 oz/in combo from Stepperonline. I also grabbed the same power supply from them that you are using (S-350-48). Now, here is the issue that I am having, I am getting stuttering and driver failures with speeds anything faster than 140 IPM in the up direction of z. I have adjusted the alignment of the ball screw every which way that I can to no avail. Sometimes, it appears to move quite nicely at even as high as 180, then 2 minutes later, that same "binding" stutter and driver failure. I thought that this motor and driver combo would be sooo much more than I needed but I cant get it to do it. I have the Acorn CNC board as well. Can you shed some insight? Thank you in advance.

[@FrancoCNC]

Hi. That is a 6 amp motor. The power supply should be able to deliver 7.3 amps. This should be enough current to cover the needs of that motor/driver. It is possible you may have a bad power supply - I've experienced this and it causes very strange problems that seem to make no sense. Where do you have the micro-stepping set for that motor? As you increase micro-stepping, you decrease torque.

[@rosspower7514]

@@FrancoCNC thanks for the response. I thought that as well about the micro-stepping, I dropped it down from the 4000 to the 2000. I may try to drop it some more. I did, last night find some runout in the motor coupling that looks like it is about .005 out. If I unbolt the motor mounts it sure does want to move around. I ordered a new coupling and will see if that helps. Also, I noticed that when the driver throws a fault, the alarm led does not blink like the smaller drivers do. any thoughts?

[@FrancoCNC]

@@rosspower7514 It sure does sound like a Power Supply issue to me. But, unfortunately, the only way you will know for sure is to eliminate variable one by one. Have you contacted Stepperonline? It may be good to give them an opportunity to help you solve this.

[@rosspower7514]

@@FrancoCNC I also noticed that when the driver throws an alarm, the alarm light does not turn on like the CL57Y driver does. So I took a chance and purchased a new one from them. I have also reached out to them via the contact us on their website and have not heard back yet. I may also try to test run the axis with the 400W 36V 11A power supply that I am using for the x and Y axis drivers. It is less voltage, but that should be able to tell me something. What do you think?

[@FrancoCNC]

@@rosspower7514 That is a good plan.

[@Benalr]

Can these run without wiring to the enable or is that necessary?

[@instaboiidsg2117]

You need enable. But in case you can't use enable just jump it to positive or negative. Im not sure but a jump will fix that

[@Benalr]

@@instaboiidsg2117 thanks!

[@ficklecycler]

Thanks for the vid! Would a closed loop stepper like this make a good spindle drive I wonder? I know they have similarities to servos but I haven't seen people use them in this way yet. EDIT: shoot I saw you addressed this in the video later. LOL!

[@mostafaamin5707]

thank you

[@TheDaumen]

How have these drives and motors worked out for you Franco? Have they been reliable?

[@FrancoCNC]

They seem to be of good quality. Stepperonline has a good reputation.

[@tjuggernaut29]

Hi Franco. On stepper online they have this motor and driver (SKU: 1-CL86Y-34HE59) but they also have the same spec-ed (SKU: 1-CL86T-P120). Emailing them they said that the P120 was made by a more reputable manufacturer (leadshine). Do you think it is worth the extra $? I am thinking of going nema 34 on all axis, so it does add up. Thanks

[@codearachnid]

@tjuggernaut29 I am in the same boat as to which to get 1-CL86Y-34HE59 vs 1-CL86T-P120. Did you ever come to a resolution as to which kit to get? The specs looked similar on the datasheets from Stepper Online. They said difference is manufacturer and that P is "more high quality".

[@redshiftcnc]

Great video! thanks. was very helpful setting up my drivers and motors. i have the same ones.

[@stockholm-tech]

The CL86Y can be powered with a higher voltage power supply or even with up to 80V A/C from a toroidal transformer for better performance, have you talked to Stepperonline for performance recommendations? Or have you already tried that yet? Ref: Input Voltage: 20~80VAC/30~110VDC (Typical 48/60VDC) Taken from the mentioned distributor. Kind regards/Stefan stockholmviews.com

[@FrancoCNC]

Hi. I generally try to avoid using more voltage than necessary as this causes the motors to generate more heat. I generally end up using about 75% of the max voltage rating of the drive. I always use switching power supplies. It is very important that your power supplies can keep up with the current draw - otherwise the drives can do strange things.

[@RobytheFlorentine]

super helpfull, thanks

[@rusticagenerica]

I deeply thank you again, as thanks to your video, I managed to get the servo cable wires connection to the controller right !

[@Z-add]

Please post a circuit diagram

[@hinrigardehes3253]

Hello, what is the difference between a hybrid stepper motor running at 3 phase alternating current and a hybrid stepper motor operating at 2 phase DC, please help and thank you very much

[@pixiepaws99]

Do you know what the difference is between the CL86Y and CL86T? One of the reviews somewhere commented something about the T model cogging at low speed, but can't be too sure about that. Just FYI, at 1,000 RPM, the torque drops off to less than 20% of its rated holding torque.