A-MCB2 Series: Two-Axis Stepper Motor Controllers
Controls two axes of bipolar stepper motors
A-MCB2 Two-Axis Stepper
Motor Controllers
Product Description
The A-MCB2 controller is designed from the ground up
with powerful yet easy-to-use features. It can drive two
axes of bipolar stepper motors up to 2.5 A/phase (with
or without encoders), and it has isolated digital input and
output, as well as analog input for interfacing with the
physical world. Microstepping resolution of the drive can
be set at any value between 1 and 256 microsteps per
step, allowing both customizability and fine resolution
movement. An intuitive ASCII interface allows the user
to easily communicate with the device through the
Zaber Console (our free software), as well as third party
terminal programs. An event-driven trigger system allows
the device to be programmed for stand-alone operation
based on I/O, time, or movement stimuli. The A-MCB2
also has a backwards-compatible mode, which allows it
to work with all of Zabers existing T-Series and A-Series
products.
Installation
Set-up is a snap. Just connect the controller to a
computer via USB or a RS-232 serial port, and plug in
a compatible motor or actuator. Multiple devices can
be daisy-chained to a single port. Plug in a motor or
actuator and youre ready to go.
96 ZABER TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Controllers
or actuators up to 2.5 A/phase with high
resolution, customizable microstepping
Four isolated digital inputs, four isolated digital
outputs, and four analog inputs
Intuitive ASCII protocol simplifies complex
automation tasks
Designed for easy mounting to panels,
breadboards, lab benches, and enclosures
Computer Control
We provide free software so you can easily control
your Zaber devices. It automatically recognizes all your
devices and allows you to communicate with each one.
Simply select the device you want to move, select a
command (like move absolute), and enter the desired
position. After the move, the controller reports the
devices new position. You can also change a variety of
device settings, such as the running current and hold
current, to suit your applications needs. Built-in scripting
allows you to easily set up automated routines, and we
provide all of the source code, so programmers can
modify it for advanced customization.
Manual Control
The A-Series range of motion control products are
integrated with a depressible knob with 20 detents per
revolution, allowing devices to be controlled without the
use of a computer. There are two manual movement
modes available, velocity and displacement. Switch
between these modes by holding down the knob for 1
second, or by configuring the knob.mode (T:109) setting.
Upon power-up, the device will only travel toward the
motor from its start-up position until the home position
is reached. Once the device has been manually homed,
the full range of travel becomes available.
 www.zaber.com

A-MCB2 Dimensions
Measurements in millimetres (mm)

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A-MCB2 Specifications
Model Current Output Input Voltage Operating Communication Motor Manual Control Microstepping Encoder Input
per Phase (mA) (VDC) Temperature (C) Protocol Connector Range (microsteps
per step)
A-MCB2 2500 2448 050 ASCII, Binary D-sub 15 Indexed knob/ 1256 Quadrature
push switch
1. Additional specs available at www.zaber.com.

One of our primary goals at Zaber has always been to hire people who will enjoy their work. Our hobbies and
interests are reflected in the roles we play within the company, and many of us would be doing much the same work
whether we were being paid to or not. People who work happy work better, and that is reflected in the quality of our
products and customer service.

Rob Steves, President

97