SparkFun ProDriver Hookup Guide

Contributors: QCPete, santaimpersonator

Hardware Assembly

Power Connection

On the Prodriver, we recommend one of our wall adapter, power supplies to connect to the DC barrel jack. Otherwise, users can utilize the (VM and GND) PTH or latch pins to attach an external power supply. REMEMBER to disconnect the power before connecting/disconnecting your motor.

Input Control Pin Connections

The input control pins need to be connected to a microcontroller. To utilize the Arduino examples below, without modifying the code, we recommend using the SparkFun RedBoard (Qwiic) as the microcontroller. Use the table and image below to hookup the SparkFun RedBoard to the ProDriver with some jumper wires.

Motor Channel Output Connections

The output channels for the H-Bridges need to be connected to the stepper motor. Users need to hookup the wire pairs for each coil to individual channels. However, the polarity of the connections isn't very important as the direction of the motor rotation can be controlled in software. For the recommended stepper motor, use the table and image below to hookup the motor to the ProDriver.

Motor Coil Pairs

In order to determine the wire pairs for each coil on their stepper motor, users can refer to the datasheet for the stepper motor. Often, the relevant information is indicated as shown in the diagram below.

For a 4-wire motor, users can alternatively use a multimeter to determine the wire pairs for the coils. This is done by comparing the resistance of one wire and against each of the three remaining wires. Whichever wire shows the lowest resistance against the first wire is the pair mate. The remaining two wires should show similar resistance between the two of them.

Examples

Single ProDriver

Utilizing the instructions above, an example of the standard assembly used for most of the examples in the Arduino library, is shown below.

Multiple ProDrivers

For users interested in utilizing multiple ProDrivers, we have provided an additional Arduino example for hooking up two ProDrivers in parallel. Use the table and image below to hookup the SparkFun RedBoard to the two ProDrivers with some jumper wires.