Using board and steppers from kit bought in V1 Shop. X and Y steppers emit a high pitched sound when powered on, regardless of whether or not the belts are present. The pitch actually changes each 1mm with a cycle 4 steps long, but the Z axis works just fine.
Other threads suggest reverting to an older firmware, would my board have the issue if purchased in early April this year?
That’s normal, all stepper motors whine to some extent.
Here’s a video, see if you can hear it. My 3D printer doesn’t make this noise, or if it does, it’s nowhere near as loud.
whine.mp4 (5.17 MB)
I agree, this is normal. It’s not very loud, gauging by the comparison to when steppers are moving.
I have heard that trinamic drivers are super quiet, but I’ve never used them myself. I assume this applies to holding stationary and not just the sound when moving.
Maybe my hearing’s just too sensitive. Should I try new steppers or new drivers?
Sounds normal to me, as well. If you want to quantify the level, I recommend any of the free sound level apps. Some even have RTA features (let’s you know the frequency as the levels of sound).
Could be hyper sensitivity to the pitch (pulse frequency of the steppers). The whine of high voltage flyback circuits in the old CRT monitors and TVs used to bother some friends of mine.
Your router or spindle will be MUCH louder than your steppers… if you’re cutting that is (sorry if I missed the end use for your MPCNC). I didn’t put mine in a booth like some folks, so I wear hearing protection. Is it really worth the time, effort and $$ to “fix” something that may be overcome by router/spindle noise?
Yes, I doubt it will be of concern when using the spindle, but if I were to use a silent tool such as a vinyl cutter, it would be an issue.
I wouldn’t. That sounds perfectly normal.