LabVIEW to Control a Stepper Motor/Driver

[NZ14]

Hi, I am working on a project where I will need to control a stepper motor using LabVIEW with analog outputs. I am using a NEMA 23 motor with the M542T driver and I have the NI 9264 voltage module and the NI 9265 current module available for me to use. I am newish to LabVIEW (I have been working through some of the tutorials) but am brand new to controlling stepper motors, although I have been researching them online to understand how they work. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for learning materials for the LabVIEW code blocks that I will need to specifically use or any general tips/tricks when programming stepper motors. 

Any help will be appreciated and I attached the spec sheets for the motor/driver.

[Bob_Lacovara]

1. First off, this looks like a workable controller/motor pair, provided that the mechanical load does not require more power than the stepper motor can supply.
2. You must decide what mode you wish to operate the controller in, single or double pulse. If you are using this in a (electrically) quiet system, it probably doesn't matter. Again, read the manual.
3. The interface requirements are relaxed, but still important. If you are using a voltage output card you are probably best off with Figure 3 of driver manual. Be warned that the series resistor in the interface is important. However, you can control the voltage output from the '9264 and limit it to +5 v / 0 v. You don't want to swing negative.
4. You could also use a digital output card: this might be a less expensive solution. The '9265 is a good card, but is intended to interface to industrial 4/20 ma loops. Probably not needed, but you could use it. However, there are only only 4 channels and your controller could need all of them, unless this is a uni-directional application.
5. Decide whether to emphasize speed or torque. Then read section 6. There are power supply trade-offs that depend on your particular requirements. An undersized power supply will give you troubles. Ditto for an undersized stepper motor. The NEMA-23 motor (on the McMaster-Carr website) shows that it is capable of 23 in-oz at 2250 RPM. From that, you can calculate wattage or horsepower.

Good luck. These interfaces can be fun. One last suggestion: if you feel the need, wire the controller up to mechanical switches, and make sure it does what you want when operated manually. It can save a lot of time.