Stepper Motor Cable – 6 Pin 4 Wire

Stepper Motor Cable – 6 Pin / 4 Wire

What it is and why it matters for your projects

If you're using a stepper motor for your 3D printer, CNC machine, or robotics project, you’ve probably come across a motor that has 6 pins but only 4 wires connected. Don’t worry, this is totally normal—and useful too!

What does 6 pin 4 wire mean?

This type of motor is originally designed as a unipolar stepper motor with 6 pins. But when only 4 wires are connected, it works in bipolar mode, which is actually more powerful and preferred in most DIY and maker projects.

You're simply not using the center tap wires (usually the 2 extra pins), and just driving each coil from end to end.

Why should you care?

• It’s fully compatible with popular control boards like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and most 3D printer boards.

• You can use it with bipolar stepper drivers like A4988, DRV8825, or TMC2209—no special setup needed.

• Gives you stronger torque compared to the standard unipolar configuration.

• It’s a reliable choice for beginners and advanced users alike.

Common Use Cases:

• 3D Printers (like Ender, Prusa, or custom builds)

• CNC routers and laser engravers

• Robot arms and sliders

• DIY automation projects

• Linear actuators and camera sliders

Not sure which wire is which?

Use a multimeter and check for continuity. Find the two wire pairs with resistance between them—that’s your two coils. The other two pins are just center taps and can be ignored.