Just putting this here in case it might help anyone else:
I was curious about this statement in the manual that is given with no explanation:
“The motor power supply should not be connected without first connecting the +5V for logic.”
I looked around and found a concise explanation from an embedded systems book:
“Typically, the logic that controls motor H-bridge or analog amplifier operates from 5V or 3.3V. The motor power supply may be 12V, 24V, or even 50V. If the motor power supply comes up first, the inputs to the H-bridge or amplifier may be in an invalid state and the motor may jerk momentarily. In a system with a limited range of motion, such as a robotic arm, the motor may slam up against whatever limits the travel. This can be hard on the mechanical components and gears connected to the motor shaft.”
Personally, I don’t foresee any problems with the jerking so now I know I don’t have to worry about this :)