Custom printer build
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Hi guys I'm working on a custom build and am exited to use a duet board. First off I have little experience with these electronics but what better way to learn. I am planing on using 2 stepper motors to control my Z-axis and I want to use 2 for my X-axis too (large print volume printer). I know there are ports for the 2 z motors but for the X axis could I use 2 stepper drivers the original X port and the E0 port and configure them in a way to be in sync?
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Short answer: Yes.
Which duet board are you planning to use?
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I plan on using duet 2 wifi board
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Yes. And on the Duet2, there are two physical Z plugs on one driver, in series. You can run this way, or you can choose to run each Z on a separate driver.
X could also run in series (with an off-board series wiring harness) or on separate drivers.
Pro for series: Saves drivers for other uses.
Con for series: Splits current between motors, and requires manual alignment.Pro for separate: Full driver current to each motor and can auto-align if set up with separate homing switches and configured correctly.
Con for separate: Uses lots-o-drivers. You can easily run out. In fact, I believe there are not enough on a D 2 for separate X and Z and all the other drivers you need. You'd need an expansion, or a Duet 3. -
To use both dual X and dual Z motors, as Duet 2 has only 5 stepper drivers (unless you add expansion), you will need to connect one pair of motors in series or parallel to one driver. The two Z outputs provided are connected in series.
Two motors connected to one driver will occasionally get out of sync by 4 full steps when you power the machine down and up again.
