Homebrew PCBs

that's a decent solution but I hate the L298's pin arrangement - makes
prototyping a PITA.   Prototyping with mosfets is pretty easy as long
as you get the drivers right.

By the way, I'm a big fan of using SPICE to figure out what this stuff
does.  I can read theory till I'm blue and not get it but fiddling
with a SPICE emulation gives me a real feel for how the theory
relates.  Highly recommended, in some way, better than putting
together real components - a LOT cheaper, changes are fast and you can
see how current and voltage interrelate in your circuit.   It helped
demystify mosfets for me.  Wish I knew how to simulate BEMF, though.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <alienrelics@y...> > 
> Would it be easier to just use the L297/L298 combo? Together they do
> PWM limited current and half-stepping. They are bipolar internally,
> but it's all inside the package.
> 
> Steve Greenfield