Having a problem is driving 2 Z motors? Hello out there! I am having some real difficulties driving 2 "Z" motors on my upgraded "mendelmax-ish" 3d printer. The motors seem to be under powered and do not move. I have built similar machines and they all print just fine. This one has me a bit perplexed. There is no weight that the motors are caring, just 4 V-Wheels and an aluminum plate. What I have attempted so far. Hooked it up to a new RAMPS board = same problem Hooked up new microsteppers = same problem Hooked up new motors = same problem Turned up trimpot = same problem Changed e-stops= same problem just more noise + When running 1 motor it works just fine ++ When 2 motors are not attached to the coupler it works just fine The setup is as follows: RAMPS 1.4 w/ A4988? microstepper driver Marlin firmware 3/8" Acme rod (Heat-Treated 4140 Alloy Steel) Dumpster CNC 3/8 anti backlash nut + coupler Power Supply 400W 12V 33A Nema 17 Stepper Motor 59Ncm(84oz.in) 2A Vwheel+ Vrail from inventables Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420035#msg-420035 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:59:07 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,423761#msg-423761 Re: Having a problem is driving 2 Z motors? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,423761#msg-423761
I am also a bit concerned when it comes to adjusting the trim pots on the microstepper. Is there any way that could be contributing to the problem?

Also, not sure how much this matters, but my "Z" estops are 1588]]> coreformula RAMPS Electronics Fri, 24 Oct 2014 01:21:59 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420269#msg-420269 Re: Having a problem is driving 2 Z motors? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420269#msg-420269
Quote
coreformula
They are running in parallel—I think.

To clarify, is this "Z" diagram in series?

[reprap.org]

And this "Z" diagram parallel?

[forums.reprap.org]

I also have to keep E1 open for a second extruder.

To wire them in series (Reduces the total current required) see Z Axis series wiring

HTH

Doug]]> dougal1957 RAMPS Electronics Thu, 16 Oct 2014 09:29:03 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420266#msg-420266 Re: Having a problem is driving 2 Z motors? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420266#msg-420266
Running the steppers in parallel requires 2x the current from the driver, so your drivers may not be able to power them at full power. A4988-based drivers like stepsticks and pololus top out at 2A with active cooling (less with passive) before they overheat. You may need to switch drivers or rewire for series.]]> cdru RAMPS Electronics Thu, 16 Oct 2014 09:16:21 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420263#msg-420263 Re: Having a problem is driving 2 Z motors? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420263#msg-420263
Quote
coreformula
They are running in parallel—I think.

To clarify, is this "Z" diagram in series?

[reprap.org]

And this "Z" diagram parallel?

[forums.reprap.org]

I also have to keep E1 open for a second extruder.

Both those diagrams show them in Parallel]]> dougal1957 RAMPS Electronics Thu, 16 Oct 2014 09:01:21 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420253#msg-420253 Re: Having a problem is driving 2 Z motors? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420253#msg-420253
To clarify, is this "Z" diagram in series?

[reprap.org]

And this "Z" diagram parallel?

[forums.reprap.org]

I also have to keep E1 open for a second extruder.]]> coreformula RAMPS Electronics Thu, 16 Oct 2014 08:21:32 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420246#msg-420246 Re: Having a problem is driving 2 Z motors? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420246#msg-420246 cdru RAMPS Electronics Thu, 16 Oct 2014 08:12:20 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420035#msg-420035 Having a problem is driving 2 Z motors? https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?219,420035,420035#msg-420035
I am having some real difficulties driving 2 "Z" motors on my upgraded "mendelmax-ish" 3d printer. The motors seem to be under powered and do not move. I have built similar machines and they all print just fine. This one has me a bit perplexed. There is no weight that the motors are caring, just 4 V-Wheels and an aluminum plate.

What I have attempted so far.

Hooked it up to a new RAMPS board = same problem
Hooked up new microsteppers = same problem
Hooked up new motors = same problem
Turned up trimpot = same problem
Changed e-stops= same problem just more noise
+ When running 1 motor it works just fine
++ When 2 motors are not attached to the coupler it works just fine


The setup is as follows:

RAMPS 1.4 w/ A4988? microstepper driver
Marlin firmware
3/8" Acme rod (Heat-Treated 4140 Alloy Steel)
Dumpster CNC 3/8 anti backlash nut + coupler
Power Supply 400W 12V 33A
Nema 17 Stepper Motor 59Ncm(84oz.in) 2A
Vwheel+ Vrail from inventables

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks]]> coreformula RAMPS Electronics Wed, 15 Oct 2014 21:13:22 -0400