Analyzing the stepper motor

Although we were able to pass enough current to the stepper motor to make it move, we were unable to make it continuously turn in a single direction (it kept turning clockwise, then jumping to counter clockwise, and so forth). So, today's mission was to find any potential wiring problems that may have caused this error. And after a bit of trial and error, we have managed to fix the stepper motor so that it will rotate in the counter-clockwise direction.

However, we have discovered a potential flaw: our stepper motor driver may potentially be hindering the usefulness of our stepper motors. The stepper motors we have purchased have the potential to take 1.8 degree steps; but the stepper motor driver seems to have a 11.8 degree step minimum. As such, unless we are able to somehow circumvent this, our stepper motors will be forced to take such large steps each time to move. This will make our project less accurate than hoped for.

Another issue that has arisen is that to be able to power four stepper motors with enough current each, we would have to go out and buy three more power supplies (we already own one). They cost about $10 each, and as we are already past our set budget, this may prove to be a hindrance to us.

Lastly, we have discussed how to create on which to connect the stepper motor and the webcam. We are thinking of finding some sort of durable material that is both strong enough to hold both the stepper motor and the webcam without snapping, but at the same time light enough so as not to give the bottom stepper motor more weight to move. One potential material is the material which circuit boards are made of.