Hi guysI am intended to build two or three Fsbus stepper modules with Atmel chip and would like to have respones and feadback form those ,already had buld that oneSo far , after searhing this forum ,very few postings on this subject Any inputs are welcomeTnx in advance

Did build first prototype but so far not working--wonder whyNobody suxsefully buided this one?

I have built 4 gauges using steppers. I use Microchip devices and control them via my own program. The gauges I have are Altimeter, vertical speed indicator, compass and airspeed indicator. I am using 400 steps per revolution steppers. Not using Fsbus so I am not sure how that program works.Dave

Yoss,I've just built my first stepper motor driven Directional Gyro Compass. My intention is to use FSBus to drive it. I emailed Dirk about it, and he didn't think there was any problem with the board.So I guess I will just have to build the board and see. I am still using the Classic Com board.Why has your's not worked yet, and what board are you using (Classic ro NG)David

Hi Dave ,tnx for replayCool, you could interface stepper with your own sotware, but mine programmings skils are close to none so i and using the user ready Fsbus sotware and hardware The big advantage of Fsbus is great user inteface alowing very easy setup and so far, all builded by me modules works greatNow i am trying to build motorised throttles--thats why i messing with steppersSeems i am pionering with this particular module, as nobody responded so far and still didnt gave upDavidI am using the classic set of modulesWith this particular stepper B module i didnt got no responce from motors at all--tryed two differnt typesThe pcb is crosschecked for shorts and disconnetions,Connected to Fscom module as single controller and Cid assighnet Atmel chip was flashed by my friend at his workplace with the hex sotware -they do have flasher for AtmelPerhaps be i will have to re_check the flash or even try to reflashthem by myself as cant see any other reasons why this module not functioning so far So here we are--plz update us about your progress with FstepperTnx for responce to both of youRegards

By the way, the new IOCards DC-motor module is a standalone USB thingy, which makes it possible to use regular electric motors as far as I understand, and since it doesnt require the whole iocards setup, it might be an option for also fsbus and other hardware users.I like the fact that iocards is moving away from the "master card" for connecting modules to it, and is using USB as the interface instead. Much nicer that way.Yoss, I hope you get yours working though! It's not fun when things do not behave like one wishes they did :-/ I know the feeling..//Tuomas

Yoss, just at the point of populating the board, but have had to sit down and work out the placement as the component layout doesn't note which resistor goes where etc.Hopefully I've done that but there is one component I can't account for.There seems to be a capacitor shown on the layout that isn't on the parts list. It sits aligned the the 2,4,6,8,10,12,14 pins of the L298chip but on the number 2 pin side. It goes from earth to the track running between the Vs pin to pin 4 of L298.Also, in order to wire a 5 or 6 wire unipolar, I can see where I can put pins for Output 1,2,3,4. but where do I get the GND. My logic tells me that it should come from the pad next to the pad for the diode running from pin 14 on the L29.My understanding of running stepper motors is that power should be running to the common tap on the motor, not ground. So connecting to this pad (if you understand which one I mean) should supply whatever voltage you have attached to the Vs pin direct to the motor centre tap.Is that clear as mud.RegardsDavid

Hi DavidAs far i can see the missing capasitor is the big one--1000mkf just located in the middle of pcb insted of another location prepared for him and not used --thats what you missingas to the common motor tap --has to be connected to the common point--D1, D4, D5, D8---thats means the common groundAt least thats what i think , lolRegards

Yoss,Took some time to do up a layout with the motor connections as I understand they should be. Also marked the one I can't find but you may be correct.Have a look through it and let me know if I got the layout of the components right.David

Ok, I'm confused. There is supposed to be a 2 x 10pin connector for the motor as in the A board. But on the B board, there isn't.Also, what is the ISP 6pin connector for?David

Isp connector allows to flash Atmel chip via Pony programmer on the stepper boardYou will have alsow assighn CID to Atmel chip from FscomTo do that connect only single controller you wont to assighn the CID forNow , David,you have to solder the motor wires to the pcb as no connectors availableHope that help and you will be the first i know ,to have this module operationalCrossing fingers

Thanks Yoss,I also just realised that the centre taps on a 6 wire unipolar have to go to ground, not to power as in all my previous stepper motor driver that I have build for my CNC machine.Where did you connect your centre tap/s to?David

Also, what hardware did you use to flash the micro-controller with?

Hi David1---Yes the center tap of stepper was conncted to the groundAs wel tryed bipolar 2--My Atmel was flashed by my friend at his working placethey have some pro flasher for Atmel thereAlsow the Pony prog simple adaptor published in the Dirks manualahould be good enoght for this jobMay be my prob is with the flash-but wosnt able to verify thatso far as didnt buid this one , and probably i should , even just to verify the flash

Thanks Yoss, I'll let you know how I go.I've made and populated the board, now the progam the chip.