SparkFun ProDriver Hookup Guide

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Contributors: QCPete, santaimpersonator
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Introduction

The SparkFun ProDriver utilizes 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.

SparkFun ProDriver - Stepper Motor Driver (TC78H670FTG)

SparkFun ProDriver - Stepper Motor Driver (TC78H670FTG)

ROB-16836
$21.50

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 does need 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 that are available as well (click button below to toggle options).

Recommended Parts
SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

DEV-15123
$21.50
19
Stepper Motor - 68 oz.in (400 steps/rev)

Stepper Motor - 68 oz.in (400 steps/rev)

ROB-10846
$19.50
17
USB Micro-B Cable - 6 Foot

USB Micro-B Cable - 6 Foot

CAB-10215
$5.50
15
Wall Adapter Power Supply - 5VDC, 2A (Barrel Jack)

Wall Adapter Power Supply - 5VDC, 2A (Barrel Jack)

TOL-15312
$6.50
2
SparkFun ProDriver - Stepper Motor Driver (TC78H670FTG)

SparkFun ProDriver - Stepper Motor Driver (TC78H670FTG)

ROB-16836
$21.50
Jumper Wires Premium 6" M/M Pack of 10

Jumper Wires Premium 6" M/M Pack of 10

PRT-08431
$4.50
2
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.

Arduino Pro Mini 328 - 5V/16MHz

Arduino Pro Mini 328 - 5V/16MHz

DEV-11113
$10.95
140
Pro Micro - 5V/16MHz

Pro Micro - 5V/16MHz

DEV-12640
$19.50
81
Arduino Pro Mini 328 - 3.3V/8MHz

Arduino Pro Mini 328 - 3.3V/8MHz

DEV-11114
$10.95
54
SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

SparkFun RedBoard Qwiic

DEV-15123
$21.50
19
SparkFun Qwiic Pro Micro - USB-C (ATmega32U4)

SparkFun Qwiic Pro Micro - USB-C (ATmega32U4)

DEV-15795
$21.50
10
Arduino Uno - R3

Arduino Uno - R3

DEV-11021
$27.60
138
SparkFun RedBoard - Programmed with Arduino

SparkFun RedBoard - Programmed with Arduino

DEV-13975
$21.50
49
SparkFun SAMD21 Mini Breakout

SparkFun SAMD21 Mini Breakout

DEV-13664
$22.50
18
Wiring

Here are a few other wiring options. For a full list of options from our catalog, please visit the wire product category.

Jumper Wires - Connected 6" (M/M, 20 pack)

Jumper Wires - Connected 6" (M/M, 20 pack)

PRT-12795
$2.10
2
Hook-Up Wire - Assortment (Solid Core, 22 AWG)

Hook-Up Wire - Assortment (Solid Core, 22 AWG)

PRT-11367
$21.50
37
Jumper Wires Premium 6" M/M Pack of 100

Jumper Wires Premium 6" M/M Pack of 100

PRT-10897
$26.95
6
Jumper Wires Standard 7" M/M - 30 AWG (30 Pack)

Jumper Wires Standard 7" M/M - 30 AWG (30 Pack)

PRT-11026
$2.45
20
Jumper Wires Premium 6" M/M - 20 AWG (10 Pack)

Jumper Wires Premium 6" M/M - 20 AWG (10 Pack)

PRT-11709
$6.50
2
Hook-up Wire - Black (22 AWG)

Hook-up Wire - Black (22 AWG)

PRT-08022
$2.95
1
Hook-up Wire - Red (22 AWG)

Hook-up Wire - Red (22 AWG)

PRT-08023
$2.95
1
Hook-up Wire - Yellow (22 AWG)

Hook-up Wire - Yellow (22 AWG)

PRT-08024
$2.95
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.

Three Phase Brushless Gimbal Stabilizer Motor

Three Phase Brushless Gimbal Stabilizer Motor

ROB-20441
$29.95
Stepper Motor with Cable

Stepper Motor with Cable

ROB-09238
$17.50
21
SparkFun IoT Brushless Motor Driver (ESP32 WROOM, TMC6300)

SparkFun IoT Brushless Motor Driver (ESP32 WROOM, TMC6300)

ROB-22132
$89.95
2
Stepper Motor - 68 oz.in (400 steps/rev)

Stepper Motor - 68 oz.in (400 steps/rev)

ROB-10846
$19.50
17
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.

Wall Adapter Power Supply - 12VDC, 600mA (Barrel Jack)

Wall Adapter Power Supply - 12VDC, 600mA (Barrel Jack)

TOL-15313
$6.50
Wall Adapter Power Supply - 9VDC, 650mA (Barrel Jack)

Wall Adapter Power Supply - 9VDC, 650mA (Barrel Jack)

TOL-15314
$6.50
1
Power Supply - 5V, 4A

Power Supply - 5V, 4A

TOL-15352
$13.95

SparkFun ATX Power Connector Breakout Kit - 12V/5V (4-pin)

KIT-15701
6 Retired

Mean Well LED Switching Power Supply - 5VDC, 5A

TOL-14601
Retired
Mean Well Switching Power Supply - 12VDC, 12.5A

Mean Well Switching Power Supply - 12VDC, 12.5A

TOL-16266
Retired

Power Supply - 60W, 12V

TOL-14934
2 Retired
Mean Well Slim Wall-Mounted Power Adapter 54W - 12V, 4.5A

Mean Well Slim Wall-Mounted Power Adapter 54W - 12V, 4.5A

TOL-15340
Retired

Soldering Accessories

Although the ProDriver is intended to be solderless, if you would like to modify the jumpers or solder the wiring, you will need soldering equipment and/or a hobby knife.

Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool

Solder Lead Free - 100-gram Spool

TOL-09325
$9.95
8
Chip Quik No-Clean Flux Pen  - 10mL

Chip Quik No-Clean Flux Pen - 10mL

TOL-14579
$7.95
4
Hobby Knife

Hobby Knife

TOL-09200
$3.50
2

Weller WLC100 Soldering Station

TOL-14228
2 Retired

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.

How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering

This tutorial covers everything you need to know about through-hole soldering.

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.

How to Power a Project

A tutorial to help figure out the power requirements of your project.

Working with Wire

How to strip, crimp, and work with wire.

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.

Motors and Selecting the Right One

Learn all about different kinds of motors and how they operate.