How to Use Adafruit Gear-Reduced Stepper Motor (small): Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Adafruit Gear-Reduced Stepper Motor is a compact and robust stepper motor equipped with a gear reduction mechanism. This motor is designed to offer precise control over rotational motion, making it an ideal choice for applications in robotics, 3D printers, CNC machines, and other projects that require accurate positioning and motion control. The gear reduction increases the torque output and provides finer control over the motor's position, which is essential for tasks that demand high precision.

• Motor Type: Bipolar Stepper
• Gear Ratio: Typically around 1:64 reduction
• Step Angle: 5.625°/64 (due to gear reduction)
• Voltage Rating: 5-12V DC
• Current Rating: Varies with voltage (see datasheet for details)
• Holding Torque: Specified in N·m (Newton-meters) in the datasheet
• Number of Leads: 4
• Shaft Diameter: Typically 5mm

Note: Always refer to the manufacturer's datasheet for the most accurate pinout and color coding.

To use the Adafruit Gear-Reduced Stepper Motor with an Arduino UNO, you will need a stepper motor driver, such as the Adafruit Motor/Stepper/Servo Shield or a dedicated driver like the A4988. The driver is necessary to control the current in each coil and to protect the Arduino from the high current that the motor can draw.

1. Connect the motor's leads to the motor driver according to the driver's pinout.
2. Connect the motor driver to the Arduino UNO by following the driver's wiring diagram.
3. Supply the motor driver with an appropriate external power source (5-12V DC) for the motor.

• Do not connect the motor directly to the Arduino pins, as this can damage the board.
• Use an external power supply to provide sufficient current for the motor.
• Ensure that the motor driver is compatible with the motor's voltage and current requirements.
• Always double-check wiring before powering up the system to prevent damage.

#include <Stepper.h>

// Change these values based on your motor's specifications
const int stepsPerRevolution = 2048; // steps per revolution (5.625°/64)
const int motorSpeed = 60; // RPM (revolutions per minute)

// Initialize the stepper library on pins 8 through 11:
Stepper myStepper(stepsPerRevolution, 8, 10, 9, 11);

void setup() {
  // Set the motor speed (RPM):
  myStepper.setSpeed(motorSpeed);
  // Begin Serial communication for debugging:
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  // Step one revolution in one direction:
  Serial.println("Clockwise");
  myStepper.step(stepsPerRevolution);
  delay(500);

  // Step one revolution in the other direction:
  Serial.println("Counterclockwise");
  myStepper.step(-stepsPerRevolution);
  delay(500);
}

Note: The pin numbers (8, 10, 9, 11) are placeholders and should be replaced with the actual pins used to connect the motor driver to the Arduino.

• Motor does not turn: Check the wiring and ensure that the motor driver is properly connected and configured.
• Motor stalls or misses steps: This could be due to insufficient current or voltage. Check the power supply and adjust the driver settings.
• Motor overheats: Ensure that the current settings on the motor driver are not too high for the motor.

• Double-check all connections and ensure they are secure.
• Refer to the motor driver's documentation for proper configuration and current settings.
• Use a multimeter to verify the voltage at the motor and the current draw.
• If using a shield or module, ensure that it is seated correctly on the Arduino.

Q: Can I run this motor at a higher voltage than rated? A: Running the motor at a higher voltage than specified can lead to overheating and damage. Always adhere to the manufacturer's specifications.

Q: How do I reverse the direction of the motor? A: To reverse the direction, you can reverse the sequence of control signals to the motor or simply call the step() function with a negative number of steps.

Q: What is the maximum speed of the motor? A: The maximum speed depends on the voltage and the load on the motor. Check the datasheet for the maximum rated speed, and ensure that your application does not exceed this limit.

Note: This documentation is for informational purposes only. Always consult the manufacturer's datasheet and resources for the most accurate and detailed information on your specific motor model.