How to Control a Stepper Motor with ESP32 Using the 28BYJ-48 and ULN2003 Driver

J. Ahnee

Stepper motors are a great choice for precise control in various DIY electronics and robotics projects. In this guide, we will explore how to control a stepper motor using the ESP32 microcontroller along with the 28BYJ-48 stepper motor and the ULN2003 motor driver. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a working setup that you can adapt for your projects.

What You Need to Get Started

Before diving into the setup, ensure you have the following components:

  • ESP32 microcontroller board
  • 28BYJ-48 stepper motor
  • ULN2003 motor driver board
  • Jumper wires
  • USB cable for programming the ESP32
  • Breadboard (optional)

Understanding the Components

1. ESP32 Microcontroller:

The ESP32 is a powerful microcontroller with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, making it ideal for IoT projects. It offers multiple GPIO pins, which can be used to control various peripherals, including stepper motors.

2. 28BYJ-48 Stepper Motor:

The 28BYJ-48 is a popular stepper motor known for its small size and high torque. It operates on 5V, making it suitable for low-power applications.

3. ULN2003 Motor Driver:

The ULN2003 driver is a Darlington transistor array that is used to drive the stepper motor. It allows the microcontroller to control the high current required by the motor.

Wiring the Components

Follow these steps to connect your components:

  1. Connect the ESP32 to the ULN2003 driver board:

    • ESP32 GPIO pins to ULN2003 IN pins:
      • GPIO 14 to IN1
      • GPIO 27 to IN2
      • GPIO 26 to IN3
      • GPIO 25 to IN4

  2. Connect the 28BYJ-48 stepper motor to the ULN2003 driver:

    • Plug the motor connector into the motor driver socket.

  3. Power connections:

    • Connect the 5V pin on the ESP32 to the VCC pin on the ULN2003.
    • Connect the GND pin on the ESP32 to the GND pin on the ULN2003.

Programming the ESP32

To control the stepper motor, we will use the Arduino IDE with the appropriate libraries for the ESP32.

1. Install the ESP32 Board in Arduino IDE:

  • Go to File > Preferences.
  • In the “Additional Board Manager URLs” field, add:
    https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json
  • Open the Boards Manager from Tools > Board and install the “esp32” package.

2. Install the Stepper Motor Library:

  • Go to Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries.
  • Search for “Stepper” and install it.

3. Write the Code:

Here’s a simple code to control the stepper motor:

 
#include <Stepper.h> const int stepsPerRevolution = 2048; // Number of steps per revolution for 28BYJ-48 Stepper myStepper(stepsPerRevolution, 14, 27, 26, 25); // Initialize the stepper library void setup() { myStepper.setSpeed(15); // Set the speed in RPM } void loop() { myStepper.step(stepsPerRevolution); // Move one revolution clockwise delay(1000); myStepper.step(-stepsPerRevolution); // Move one revolution counterclockwise delay(1000); }

4. Upload the Code:

  • Connect your ESP32 to your computer using the USB cable.
  • Select the correct port and board from the Tools menu in Arduino IDE.
  • Click the Upload button to upload the code.

Testing Your Setup

Once the code is uploaded, your stepper motor should start rotating one full revolution clockwise and then counterclockwise, pausing for a second in between. You can adjust the speed and the number of steps per revolution by modifying the values in the code.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Check Connections:

    Ensure all wires are connected correctly and securely.

  • Power Supply:

    Make sure the motor driver and the ESP32 are receiving adequate power.

  • Library Issues:

    Ensure the correct libraries are installed and included in the code.

Controlling a stepper motor with an ESP32 is a straightforward task that opens up many possibilities for DIY projects and robotics. With the flexibility of the ESP32 and the reliability of the 28BYJ-48 motor and ULN2003 driver, you can create precise motion control applications. Experiment with different speeds and step counts to see what works best for your project.

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