Want to master the NEMA 17 stepper motor with your Arduino? In this Arduino tutorial, I’ll walk you through all the wiring, code, and everything you need to know to get that stepper motor spinning with precision—no magic smoke included!
First, we’ll tackle the wiring: how to hook up your NEMA 17 to the A4988 motor driver without frying anything (because who likes the smell of toasted electronics?). Then, we’ll set the current limit properly—because keeping your motor from overheating is kind of important if you want it to last longer than your coffee break.
Once we’ve got the hardware dialed in, it’s time for the fun part—code! I’ll guide you through multiple examples to control speed, direction, and even choreograph smooth rotation sequences like a robotic stepper ballet.
By the end, you’ll have a rock-solid understanding of how to get precision motion control out of your stepper motor—and maybe even some ideas for your next robotics or prop-making project.
? Full Tutorial & Code: https://racheldebarros.com/arduino-projects/control-nema17-with-a4988-arduino-wiring-and-code-guide/
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? VIDEO CHAPTERS: Control a NEMA 17 with A4988 and Arduino
0:00 Welcome
0:39 Why You Need a Motor Driver for Stepper Motors
1:03 How to Choose a Motor Driver for Your Stepper Motor
1:14 4988 Stepper Motor Driver Specs
1:57 Different Types of NEMA 17 Stepper Motors
2:47 Installing a Heatsink on the A4988 Driver
4:01 A4988 Motor Driver Pinout
6:13 How to Power the A4988 from the Arduino
7:41 How to Set the Current Limit on a 4988 Driver
11:31 How to Wire the A4988 Driver to Arduino
12:11 How to Power the Stepper Motor
14:01 How to Wire a NEMA 17 Stepper Motor to a A4988 Driver
18:37 Arduino Code: Spin the Stepper Motor at Different Speeds & Direction
22:36 Arduino Code: How to Use Microstepping for NEMA 17
25:18 Arduino Code: Create Rotation Sequences
30:21 Join my Community for Live Events & More Code!
? Have any questions or want to share your own experiences, tips and advice about using a NEMA 17 and A4988 with Arduino? Drop a comment below – I love hearing from you!
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