| Software Support > Automated Projects |
| Actuator Project ( Was MRotate4) |
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| DaOld Man:
Yes that might be a challenge, but I think it could be done. Any ideas? |
| darthpaul:
This is something I would use if I get the OK to build a cabinet for work and I would be using a CRT monitor because it's free, what are your plans for the motor drive? |
| DaOld Man:
--- Quote from: darthpaul on April 12, 2012, 06:55:16 pm ---This is something I would use if I get the OK to build a cabinet for work and I would be using a CRT monitor because it's free, what are your plans for the motor drive? --- End quote --- Im glad you asked about the motor drive. I plan to build one using two relays, two NPN transistors, and a few diodes and resistors. Will be controlled via serial (com) port. I got in from work tonight (working afternoon shift this week), and some parts I ordered for the drive were in the mailbox! I ordered them from allelectronics.com, shipping is high (7 bucks for the parts a I ordered), but they got here super quick. Here are the parts. I ordered 2 extra relays and a whole bunch of 1 amp 400 V diodes (my junk box was running low.) Also got some extra transistors. Although not a real necessity, you gotta love the terminal strips. So now I need to breadboard it and make sure it will work, then it's off to Radio Shack to pick up one of those neat little copper clad pre-drilled PC boards. More pics and schematics to come. |
| darthpaul:
Will MRotate4 only work with your motor driver or will it also work with a more conventional Pololu drive like the one I'm currently using with Mrotate and CPRotate? |
| DaOld Man:
Mrotate4 will control the serial port, so it is very possible to use the serial port to control your drive if it is currently being controlled by the printer port. The big difference between using MRotate3 with the printer port and MRotate4 with the serial port is the limited number of available inputs and outputs with Mrotate4. Printer port has 8 outputs and 5 inputs that are very easy to interface with. The serial port, in the way MRotate4 will access it, has only 2 outputs and 2 inputs. So, if your drive only needs two signals to run (forward and reverse) and you only need two signals back to the PC (limit switches), then this new setup will do nicely. I do plan to incorporate optional speed control, dynamic braking and sounds in MRotate4. But monitor on/off control, degaussing, parking brake control, optional stop input and parking brake released input will not be available in MRotate4, simply due to unavailable inputs and outputs. Since you already have your rig set up with the printer port, i suggest you do not go the route of the serial port. I am creating MRotate4 for simplicity, to encourage others to get on the rotating bandwagon. When I am finished with this project I plan (no, I promise) to pick up the MRotateUSB project again (May be renamed MRotate5) . Now this will open up the USB port for a combination of 16 points of access (8 outs 8 ins, 5 outs 11 ins, etc) It will just not be as simple or cheap to implement as its predecessors. |
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