Software Support > Automated Projects
Actuator Project ( Was MRotate4)
DaOld Man:
--- Quote from: BadMouth on May 01, 2012, 03:21:13 pm ---....can mrotate work without any input from limit switches?
BTW, I ordered the $7 motor driver from India that you linked to in another thread.
--- End quote ---
Mrotate can do it without limit switches, just set the time limits and turn off the pop up message option. MRotate4 will be able to do the same, if you are planning on going with the serial port.
I have not tried that driver, I have so far built my own, but it looks like a real good price, let me know how you like it.
BadMouth:
I plan to use the parallel port version. (even though I'm posting in the mrotate4 thread :-[ )
Continuing off topic discussion:
--- Quote from: BadMouth on May 01, 2012, 03:21:13 pm ---I've been planning on using the crank length to adjust the speed. I picture a square on the back of the monitor and I need to move one corner to the position of the next corner to get 90 degrees rotation. My actuator is lighter duty and rated at 1.5"/second, so I'd need a 4.5" square if I wanted the rotation to be 3 seconds. (slightly longer since the actuator isn't travelling a straight line, but close enough) ......at least in theory.
--- End quote ---
To expand on this.... to get the length of the crank needed, you'd use the Pythagorean Theorem.
where both a and b are the sides of your square (the distance between the starting and stopping point of your actuator) and the midpoint of c is the center.
So half of c is the length of crank needed.
Using my 4.5" square as an example (both a and b=4.5)
and popping it into an online calcuator:
http://www.basic-mathematics.com/pythagorean-theorem-calculator.html
c is 6.36.
So my crank would need to measure 3.18" from the center of both pivot points to get the result I want.
To use the full 6" stroke of the actuator, I'd need a 4.25" crank.
DaOld Man, don't be afraid to tell me to get off of your lawn! ;)
ataruzzolo:
I used Pythagorean Theorem myself this morning to find the lenght of the crank!
I'm doing a little alteration (again) to my rotating setup and a little actuator is coming in use.
First edition was the classical friction solution, one month after I remaked the mechanism and the motion was transmitted by gear, now is time for the linear actuator...
I'll post some photo...
DaOld Man:
--- Quote from: BadMouth on May 01, 2012, 03:58:59 pm ---I plan to use the parallel port version. (even though I'm posting in the mrotate4 thread :-[ )
Continuing off topic discussion:
--- Quote from: BadMouth on May 01, 2012, 03:21:13 pm ---I've been planning on using the crank length to adjust the speed. I picture a square on the back of the monitor and I need to move one corner to the position of the next corner to get 90 degrees rotation. My actuator is lighter duty and rated at 1.5"/second, so I'd need a 4.5" square if I wanted the rotation to be 3 seconds. (slightly longer since the actuator isn't travelling a straight line, but close enough) ......at least in theory.
--- End quote ---
To expand on this.... to get the length of the crank needed, you'd use the Pythagorean Theorem.
where both a and b are the sides of your square (the distance between the starting and stopping point of your actuator) and the midpoint of c is the center.
So half of c is the length of crank needed.
Using my 4.5" square as an example (both a and b=4.5)
and popping it into an online calcuator:
http://www.basic-mathematics.com/pythagorean-theorem-calculator.html
c is 6.36.
So my crank would need to measure 3.18" from the center of both pivot points to get the result I want.
To use the full 6" stroke of the actuator, I'd need a 4.25" crank.
DaOld Man, don't be afraid to tell me to get off of your lawn! ;)
--- End quote ---
Cool, thanks for the theorem.. The stroke of the actuator Im using is approx 4.5".
I went to the hardware store today and I couldnt find anything to use for a stop. I did find some pins that fir pretty snug in the hole on the end of the threaded screw, so I think I will use that for the horizontal (retracted) mechanical stop.
Now I got to figure out how to mount the limit switches, I want to be able to adjust the position of them or the striker to get monitor dead on horizontal and vertical.
I like your actuator with the built in switches, thats going to make it a lot easier.
I though about building a small circuit that monitors the current on the motor, then use the mechanical stops to stop the monitor in correct positions. When the circuit senses the current going up, it will signal the drive to turn off. But I dont think I like the idea of straining the motor every time it moves. Sooner or later something will give.
I will get some more pics soon, looking forward to seeing your project in action.
And go ahead and walk across the lawn, just step around the crab grass. LOL
DaOld Man:
--- Quote from: ataruzzolo on May 01, 2012, 04:50:50 pm ---I used Pythagorean Theorem myself this morning to find the lenght of the crank!
I'm doing a little alteration (again) to my rotating setup and a little actuator is coming in use.
First edition was the classical friction solution, one month after I remaked the mechanism and the motion was transmitted by gear, now is time for the linear actuator...
I'll post some photo...
--- End quote ---
Alright, looks like the actuator idea is catching on! Looking forward to seeing your progress.
I wonder if these actuators would turn a CRT? I am thinking if it has the correct bearings the one i have would.
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