Instrument Module Mini Stepper

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Instrument Module Mini StepperConnect stepper motor instruments to your flight sim.

  • Designed to drive small inexpensive stepper motors like those found in many automotive gauge panels
  • Supports stepper motors/instruments with limited or full rotation (See Cautions below)
  • Plug and play USB connectivity to the ACES Cockpit Software Suite
  • Connect up to 12 stepper motor instruments to a single Mini Stepper module
  • Connect multiple Mini Stepper modules for larger systems

Specifications

Supply Voltage:+6vdc
Supply Current:(1)750 mA
Power Supply Connector:2.1 mm barrel, positive center
PC Connector:USB Micro-B
Motor Type:Bipolar stepper
Number of Motors:12
Motor Connector:4-pin header, 0.1″ pitch
Motor Rated Voltage:5vdc
Motor Rated Current:20 mA / phase
Motor Resolution:(2)Up to 4,320 steps / revolution
Stepper Home Signal:Switch closure
Home Connector:2-pin header, 0.1″ pitch

Notes:

  1. If multiple modules will be connected to the same power supply, the power supply must have enough current capacity for all connected modules.
  2. Maximum resolution, including any integrated gear boxes.  (i.e. 24 step motor with a 180:1 gear box)

Mini Stepper Module front connectionsMini Stepper Module rear connectionsStepper Motor Connection

Each stepper motor connection consists of 4 pins.  Two pins for each phase (or coil) in the stepper motor.  The first two pins are for phase A.  The next two pins are for phase B.

Stepper Home Signal

For full rotation instruments, the home signal tells the module when the instrument pointer is at a known reference position.  The module uses this reference position as a basis for all instrument pointer movements.  The home position is signaled by a switch closure across the two home pins.

For instruments with limited rotation ability (the instrument has stops and will not rotate through 360 degrees), the home signal is not used.  (See Cautions.)

Stepper Motors

The Mini Stepper Instrument Module is designed to drive small stepper motors like those found in many automotive gauge panels.  These small stepper motors are inexpensive and just right for driving an indicator needle.  The Mini Stepper Instrument Module is designed to drive the motors described here.  It may drive other stepper motors as long as they comply with the specifications listed above and the Cautions.  Note that if you select a motor that does not have internal stops you will need to include a home switch in your instrument design.  A small magnet with a reed switch will work.

Switec/Juken Technology

Switec was sold to Juken Technology some time ago, but at least in hobbyist circles, the Switec name is still commonly used to refer to these motors.  These motors have a part number that starts with “X25” or “X27”.  They have a built in gear ratio of 180:1 and can be stepped at 1/12 degree rotation of the output shaft per step.  They offer models with full rotation and models with internal stops in the X27 series.  Both versions can be used with the ACES Mini Stepper Instrument Module.

VID

The VID company manufactures a similar line of motors.  The VID29 series is compatible with the ACES Mini Stepper Instrument Module.

MCR

The WUXI MCROT Motor Company also manufactures a range of mini stepper motors.  The MR11XX series of motors is compatible with the ACES Mini Stepper Instrument Module.

Cautions

Caution
Never connect or disconnect a motor with power applied to the module.  This may damage the module and/or the motor.
Caution
When connected to a motor/instrument with physical stops (the motor/instrument does not rotate through 360 degrees) the module finds the stops by attempting to rotate the instrument pointer past the stops.  The motor/instrument must withstand being driven into the stops without damage.  (The motors listed above are designed to be operated this way.)
Caution
Do not connect a motor rated for less than the minimum current requirement.  This may damage the motor.
Caution
Do not connect a motor rated for higher than the maximum voltage requirement.  The motor may not move consistently or reliably.