Phidgets Forums

Hi there!
I've got a question. I'm using a stepper motor. This motor gets quite hot, even if you don't use it. In my case it only does a few rotations and then waits for a few seconds (10-15 sec). But it gets really hot, as already mentioned. I use this motor for driving a belt drive. Also it is alley getting quite hot, even if you don't use it and only power is supplied to the controllerboard. Is the an normal behavior?
Thanks in advance for your answers.

Stepper motors tend to heat up when they have a lot of current going through them (and there is still current going through the coils even if the motor is stationary, as long as it's engaged). Check the data sheet for your motor to determine the rated current, and ensure that your current limit is set to that value or lower. You can also disengage the motor when it's not in use if you don't need it to hold position and resist external forces.

All right. Thank you for this quick answer.