Increase MULTISTEPPER_MAX_STEPPERS beyond 10?

[David McDaid]

Hi, 

It's clearly stated that there is an upper limit of MULTISTEPPER_MAX_STEPPERS = 10.

However, I'm opportunistic enough to ask this anyway; I'm wondering if there is some way to increase this number beyond 10? My assumption is it won't be as simple as just changing the #define...

I'm not quite at the stage of being able to test with more than 10 motors (supply issues). Just wondering if there is there some underlying hardware constraint which really limits the max steppers to 10? And if so is there anything that could be done to push it further?

For reference, I'm looking for simultaneous ~30 motor movements. 

Thanks,
David

[Mike McCauley]

Hello,

On Tuesday, 11 January 2022 04:33:16 AEST 'David McDaid' via accelstepper
wrote:

> Hi,
>
> It's clearly stated that there is an upper limit of
> MULTISTEPPER_MAX_STEPPERS = 10.
>
> However, I'm opportunistic enough to ask this anyway; I'm wondering if
> there is some way to increase this number beyond 10? My assumption is it
> won't be as simple as just changing the #define...
>
> I'm not quite at the stage of being able to test with more than 10 motors
> (supply issues). Just wondering if there is there some underlying hardware
> constraint which really limits the max steppers to 10? And if so is there
> anything that could be done to push it further?

The limit in the code is set by MULTISTEPPER_MAX_STEPPERS in MultiStepper.h,
so its as simple aschnaging that and recompiling. But 10 was selected as
probably an upper limit to what was practical, and to limit memory usage
(every instance in the array requires memory. This may or may not be relevant
to your application)

>
> For reference, I'm looking for simultaneous ~30 motor movements.

Practicality of that will depend on the CPU and the maxium stepping speed you
require.

>
> Thanks,
> David


--
Mike McCauley VK4AMM mi...@airspayce.com
Airspayce Pty Ltd 9 Bulbul Place Currumbin Waters QLD 4223 Australia
http://www.airspayce.com 5R3MRFM2+X6
Phone +61 7 5598-7474

[David McDaid]

Many thanks - speed not a major issue so will give it a try when possible. 

P.S. This library has been excellent!

Thanks,

David