Contributors:
QCPete,
santaimpersonator Introduction
The SparkFun ProDriver and Mini Stepper Motor Driver utilize the latest TC78H670FTG stepper motor driver from Toshiba. With a full to 1/128 stepping resolution and two different methods for control (serial communication or clock-in stepping) this is a great option for your next project that requires precise motor control.
Out of stock
ROB-16836
The ProDriver makes it easy to start developing with the Toshiba TC78H670FTG bipolar stepper motor driver IC.
The advantage of the ProDriver is that it's solderless, out of the box. With the DC barrel jack and latch pins, the board can be easily powered and connected without any soldering. This is great for projects, where users want to easily swap out components in the event of a failure.
The primary disadvantage of this product is it's size. Users may face difficulties trying to squeeze this into smaller projects.
In stock
ROB-25167
The SparkFun Mini Stepper Motor Driver makes it easy to start developing with the TC78H670FTG bipolar stepper motor driver fr…
The advantage of the Mini Stepper Motor Driver is in its size. The small footprint of the board, allows users to squeeze it into smaller projects and the pin layout is breadboard compatible to simplify prototyping.
Its primary disadvantage, is that users may need to connect an electrolytic capacitor (>50µF is recommended), externally to its VM and GND pins.
Although both communication methods are included in the Arduino library, the serial command has some unique features. The serial communication allows users to precisely control the phase, torque, mixed decay ratio of each coil, and current limit while the motor is in motion. (In contrast, most stepper motor drivers need an external trimpot that is physically adjusted to control the current output limit.)
Required Materials
The SparkFun ProDriver and Mini Stepper Motor Driver require a few additional items for you to get started. At minimum, users will want an Arduino compatible microcontroller with a USB cable, a power supply, some hookup wire or jumper wires, and a stepper motor (*we recommend a 4-wire, bipolar stepper motor to begin with). You may already have a few of these items, including the USB cable, so feel free to modify your cart based on your needs. Additionally, there are also alternative part options that are available as well (click button below to toggle options).
Alternative Parts (Toggle)
Recommended Parts
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ProDriver
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ROB-16836
The ProDriver makes it easy to start developing with the Toshiba TC78H670FTG bipolar stepper motor driver IC.
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PRT-11709
Jumper wires are awesome. Just a little bit of stranded core wire with a nice solid pin connector on either end. They have th…
2
Mini Stepper Motor Driver
Note: For prototyping with the Mini Stepper Motor Driver on a breadboard, we have included some header options; however, it is up to the user to determine the most suitable connection for their project. It is also recommended that users connect an electrolytic capacitor (>50µF is recommended), externally to its VM and GND pins.
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PRT-10288
This adapter allows you to connect a barrel jack connector to bare wires. One end has screw terminals and the other has a 5.5…
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PRT-00116
A row of headers - break to fit. 40 pins that can be cut to any size. Used with custom PCBs or general custom headers.
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ROB-25167
The SparkFun Mini Stepper Motor Driver makes it easy to start developing with the TC78H670FTG bipolar stepper motor driver fr…
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PRT-09194
This is a SparkFun exclusive! These are 155mm long, 26 AWG jumper wires. Multiple jumpers can be installed next to one anothe…
4
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PRT-12043
This white Mini Breadboard is a great way to prototype your small projects! With 170 tie points there's just enough room to b…
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PRT-09279
This is a 8-pin female header, with extra long legs -- great for stacking Arduino shields.
Pins are spaced by 0.1".
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Microcontrollers
Here are a few other Arduino compatible microcontrollers. For a full list of options from our catalog, please visit the Arduino microcontroller product category.
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Wiring
Here are a few other wiring options. For a full list of options from our catalog, please visit the wire product category.
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PRT-12795
These are 6" long jumper wires with male connectors on both ends. Use these to jumper from any female header on any board, to…
2
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PRT-11367
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Only 8 left!
PRT-10897
These are 26 AWG jumper wires terminated as male to male. Use these to jumper from any female header on any board, to any oth…
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PRT-11709
Jumper wires are awesome. Just a little bit of stranded core wire with a nice solid pin connector on either end. They have th…
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PRT-11026
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PRT-08022
Standard 22 AWG solid Black hook up wire. Use this with your bread board or any project in which you need sturdy wire. Comes …
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PRT-08023
Standard 22 AWG solid Red hook up wire. Use this with your bread board or any project in which you need sturdy wire. Comes in…
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PRT-08024
Standard 22 AWG solid Yellow hook up wire. Use this with your bread board or any project in which you need sturdy wire. Comes…
Headers
While most users may only need headers for the Mini Stepper Motor Driver, they can also be used with the ProDriver.
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PRT-00116
A row of headers - break to fit. 40 pins that can be cut to any size. Used with custom PCBs or general custom headers.
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PRT-11376
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PRT-09279
This is a 8-pin female header, with extra long legs -- great for stacking Arduino shields.
Pins are spaced by 0.1".
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PRT-11896
These are standard 0.1" spaced header pins that can be through-hole mounted. This header connects perfectly with most 10-pin …
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PRT-11895
These are standard 0.1" spaced header pins that can be through-hole mounted. This header connects perfectly with most 8-pin m…
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PRT-22893
These are standard 0.1" spaced header pins that can be through-hole mounted.
Stepper Motors
Here are a few other stepper motor options. For a full list of options from our catalog, please visit the stepper motor product category.
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Power Supply
Here are a few other power supply options. For a full list of options from our catalog, please visit the power supply and wall adapter product categories.
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PRT-09835
This is a simple 4 cell AA battery holder. The 5 inch cable is terminated with a standard 5.5x2.1mm, center positive barrel j…
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TOL-19898
This adjustable wall adapter features a rotary switch on the enclosure that allows you to select the voltage.
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TOL-15313
This is a high quality AC to DC 'wall wart' which produces a regulated output of 12VDC at up to 600mA.
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TOL-15314
This is a high quality switching 'wall wart' AC to DC 9V 650mA wall power supply manufactured specifically for SparkFun Elect…
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TOL-15352
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Power Accessories
Users may find these accessories useful for the Mini Stepper Motor Driver.
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PRT-10288
This adapter allows you to connect a barrel jack connector to bare wires. One end has screw terminals and the other has a 5.5…
1
In stock
COM-00096
Electrolytic decoupling capacitors 100uF/25V. These capacitors are great transient/surge suppressors. Attach one between the …
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COM-08982
Electrolytic decoupling capacitors 1000uF/25V. These capacitors are great transient/surge suppressors and work well in high-v…
1
Soldering Accessories
While the ProDriver is intended to be solderless, users will need soldering equipment to attach wires and/or headers to the Mini Stepper Motor Driver. Additionally, to modify the jumpers on the Prodriver, users will need a hobby knife.
16 available
KIT-24063
The PINECIL Soldering Iron Kit provides a compact powerhouse and everything you need to ignite your DIY dream.
3
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TOL-22265
This assortment of tools is great for those who need a solid set of tools to start your workbench on the right foot!
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TOL-14579
This 10mL no-clean flux pen from Chip Quik is great for all of your solder, de-solder, rework, and reflow purposes!
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Suggested Reading
We will skip over the more fundamental tutorials like Ohm's Law and What is Electricity?. However, below are a few fundamental tutorials that may help users familiarize themselves with various aspects of this board.
Serial Communication
Asynchronous serial communication concepts: packets, signal levels, baud rates, UARTs and more!
Installing an Arduino Library
How do I install a custom Arduino library? It's easy! This tutorial will go over how to install an Arduino library using the Arduino Library Manager. For libraries not linked with the Arduino IDE, we will also go over manually installing an Arduino library.
Installing Arduino IDE
A step-by-step guide to installing and testing the Arduino software on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Logic Levels
Learn the difference between 3.3V and 5V devices and logic levels.
