A4988 act as dead when connected to the Minimal wiring diam

Support Motor controllers/drivers and motors
1

Hello.

I am trying the “Minimal wiring diagram” and control the stepper motor with a Arduino.

I fail to get any readings or any sign of life on the motor controller pins: 1a,1b, 2a and 2b.

This is the setup:
//jumper reset and sleep together
//connect VDD to Arduino 5v
//connect GND to Arduino GND (GND near VDD)
//connect 1A and 1B to stepper coil 1
//connect 2A and 2B to stepper coil 2
//connect VMOT to power source (12v)
//connect GRD to power source (12v)

This is the sketch:
gist.github.com/niftydevelopmen … 1d1afb7be3

Photo of the setup:
dropbox.com/s/30q397tbk7jcu … 0.jpg?dl=0

Video of me trying to explain:
dropbox.com/s/m3bspggb43b1c … 2.mp4?dl=0

By the way: awesome video on the A4988 by Claire. That and very god information page on the product makes this problem even more frustrating :confused:

Tnx in advance :smiley:

2

I solved it!

What I did wrong:

  • I had switched negative and positive for the logic power.
  • I used 5v for the motor power. The data sheet specify 8-35v. This is a bit tricky. If using 5V (too low) the driver does not react at all, not a buzz, no sign of life nothing.

In the process I also fried one driver, luckily I bought tree :slight_smile:

3

Thanks for letting us know what the problem was. I am glad you were able to solve it.