Abstract: A method of sequentially moving a stepper through a plurality of positions (steps) and current states associated with each of these positions from an initial step to a final step. When the direction of sequential movement is in a first direction, the number of steps is incremented before the current state associated with the final step is reapplied to the stepper motor. In a preferred embodiment, a shortened period of time is allowed immediately before the current state associated with the final step is applied to the stepper motor. The method diminishes the magnetic hysteresis by always electrically and magnetically approaching the final position (step) from the same direction whether or not the stepper motor physically approaches the final position from the same direction.

Abstract: An initialization apparatus for a signal reproducing apparatus having a transducer scanning a plurality of record tracks on a record medium where the position of the transducer is controlled by a stepper motor having fewer steps than the number of record tracks required to be covered. A physical stop is provided the transducer near a selected "home" record track at one edge of the plurality of record tracks. A current selector supplies the phase windings of the stepper motor with a reduced amplitude current during an initialization position. This enables a transducer controller to stop the stepper through a sequence of steps under reduced current to the phase windings of the stepper until the physical stop is contacted, thus ensuring knowledge of the initialization of the transducer at the "home" record track.