# Stepper setup for Solenoid **URL:** \ **Category:** Uncategorized\ **Created:** [12 July 2020 13:06 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/stepper-setup-for-solenoid/7995 "2020-07-12T13:06:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sam129085](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Sam129085](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Sam129085)\ **Post date:** [12 July 2020 13:06 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/stepper-setup-for-solenoid/7995/1 "2020-07-12T13:06:23Z")
Hi everyone, I am super new to this sort of stuff, as in had an idea for a project this afternoon and did some googling, hopefully have ended up in the right place, but a bit stuck in my understanding. (Note; have found codes online for Arduino boards fitting my needs) I’ve found the ‘Controlling a Solenoid with an Arduino’, link; [https://core-electronics.com.au/tutorials/solenoid-control-with-arduino.html](https://core-electronics.com.au/tutorials/solenoid-control-with-arduino.html) on here and believe I understand the requirements and steps. I am also wanting to create something that will rotate the object which I have researched I will need a stepper motor. I’m struggling to find instructions on how to set this up and was wondering if I can follow the same method of the above solenoid motor but sub the stepper motor in? For reference; I am creating some props for a kids Harry Potter party, wanting to use the solenoid/s for the bludger balls within a quidditch trunk and a stepper to spin a Monster Book of Monsters (have found a code that will allow the motor to spin opposite directions). Any suggestions on better ways to do this or with my above question is very much appreciated!! Thanks!! ---
**Author:** ![Oliver](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/oliver/32/3315_2.png) [@Oliver](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Oliver)\ **Post date:** [13 July 2020 06:23 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/stepper-setup-for-solenoid/7995/2 "2020-07-13T06:23:00Z")
Hi Sam, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you! We’ve got a really good tutorial on [controlling stepper motors with an Arduino](https://core-electronics.com.au/tutorials/controlling-steppers-with-arduino.html). However, steppers can be pricier than plain DC motors. If you don’t need very precise control you’re probably better off with a brushed DC motor - we also [have a good tutorial on these](https://core-electronics.com.au/tutorials/dc-motors-with-arduino.html). Something like this would probably do you well. > **[ModMyPi 6V 30 RPM Mini Metal Gear Motor](https://core-electronics.com.au/modmypi-6v-30-rpm-mini-metal-gear-motor.html)** > > A mini, metal geared, 6V 30RPM motor for small robotics projects! Draws round 17mA free running, and around 50mA under load. And this is a great little motor shield you could use with an Arduino: > **[Freetronics N-Drive Shield](https://core-electronics.com.au/freetronics-n-drive-shield.html)** > > Directly control up to 6 separate high-power loads such as high-intensity LEDs, lamps, motors, and relays. Incorporates 6 N-channel MOSFETs, each capable of switching .. read more Regards, Oliver Support | Core Electronics ---
**Author:** ![Sam129085](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Sam129085](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Sam129085)\ **Post date:** [13 July 2020 10:51 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/stepper-setup-for-solenoid/7995/3 "2020-07-13T10:51:53Z")
Oh awesome, thanks! That brushed DC tutorial looks easy to follow. Another question, can I connect two solenoid’s to the one breadboard/Arduino? Thanks!! ---
**Author:** ![Oliver](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/oliver/32/3315_2.png) [@Oliver](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Oliver)\ **Post date:** [14 July 2020 08:57 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/stepper-setup-for-solenoid/7995/4 "2020-07-14T08:57:27Z")
Hi Sam, You definitely can. You just need to be mindful of the maximum current limits on the Arduino’s pins. This is 20mA per pin (but it will handle momentary spikes up to 40mA per pin) and a combined total of 200mA. As per the solenoid tutorial you’ll need to use some kind of power handling component (a relay or transistor) to actualy handle the current to the solenoid, and just control your ‘switch’ with the Arduino. Regards, Oliver Support | Core Electronics