Stepper motor tester

[newtekuser]

I purchased a stepper motor driver controller to test my NEMA17 motors for torque and was disappointed to see that the "self-locking" mode does not work and not holding torque when motor is stopped. Can anyone recommend a similar device that supports this capability?
The manual claims that this controller supports self-locking which is the default operation (P1-F3), so either they're lying or this device is broken.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1HNS9L2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[StarLight]

In order to reduce power loss, the phase current is generally set to half or less of the rated value in LOCK mode, you can try turning off this function.

[betocool]

https://www.pololu.com/product/3764

I've used this one recently, in fact, using the chip right now.

You need to keep the current at a certain level to keep the torque, no current, no torque to hold the motor unfortunately. I think physics has something to do with it... 

These are dead simple to use, set the hold current via potentiometer, drive with a pulse, set direction with a pulse. Mode lets you select 1x or 256x steps (that is, 1 pulse is one 256th of a step).

I'm not sure the motor is broken, I just think the holding torque might be just weak.

Cheers,

Alberto

[aliarifat794]

You can consider A4988 driver alternatively.