Is there anyone here that is well adept in designing and assembling small circuits, especially in the areas with encoder/stepper motor drives? If so speak up. Even if you only know a little tidbit of info, as long as it’s accurate post in here. I’m good with electronics but have very little knowledge in encoder circuits/drives and need to speak with someone who does. I have some businesses on card that can easily do this, but I’m always one to source privateers and keep money as close to small/home “businesses” as possible.
Here’s the deal. I need to have a circuit developed and built for a side project here. As I don’t know much about these drives, I will lay out the specifics/details that I do require:
-Three channel
-DC voltage, between 12-24v(preferable 12-18v max)
-Must fit within a 4x4x1" space(may be able to work around that)
-Channel one will be an momentary activated circuit, meaning it should have the servo/stepper motor move from a stop to a predetermined location and stop/stay. Upon activation again, it should return to it’s original position.
-The channel 2+3 input, however you deem it should work, will need to be on a 1:1 ratio and continuously active ONLY when the channel one has been activated. If it’s possible to have them reset to a neutral position when channel one is return to the previous state that would be a nice addition. I do not know what you would use as an input device for these channels(encoder wheel, resistance/rheostat type plates, IR pickup, etc, etc) but whatever you decide I need to know the parameters to work into the design aspect. The smaller the input device/control the better. If I can use an IR emmiter/detector on these channels vs a larger encoder drive regardless of cost I’d go that route.
-Programmable encoders to limit the function of all channels wouls be a benefit.
Essentially this is like a small CNC type encoder drive, but on a MUCH smaller scale, low DC voltage, and subject to direct outside input rather than running off machine code.
I am going to source the required servos or stepper motors to suit the drive, the rest though would require your knowledge on what I need to buy and get to you.
Post info, links, knowledge on the subject here. Discuss as usual.
I’d like to do this but just dont see having the time, and I’d have to refresh my mind on the coding necessary as it’s been a while.
But let me understand what you are trying to do here…
-Three output channels controlling three motors?
-What kind of environment is this in?
-What kind of precision is required?
-I’d use stepper motors over encoder wheels, all that you’ll need than will be limit/home switches.
-You are probably looking at having 6-7 input channels for position feedback and some type of push-button control switch.
-Yes three outputs controlling three separate motors. Channel one doesn’t even necessarily have to be a stepper circuit. Could just be a reversible DC current driver for a 12-18v motor, limited by aforementioned limit/home switches and activated by a momentary switch. channels 2+3 however would have to be stepper.
-The controller would be subject to ambient temp+dry, but if possibly to pot the circuit and use an external finned thermal sink to make it water resistant… again another benefit.
-Precision…If you mean precision by increments of movement, then i’d say 1/16th" is more than acceptable for the application. This doesn’t require .001" accuracy.
-Stepper motors would be ideal, as I can get fully sealed units that would be possibly subject to some moisture.
-This is your realm, if you say 6-7 inputs then 6-7 inputs it is
This is not something I’m in a rush for. I’m looking to find someone who may be able to build it over the next 3-6 months now, rather than waiting until I do require the piece.
what I really need right now is to know what type of stepper motor i should use or be looking for use on the 2/3 outputs, as I need to purchased/CAD those two things so I can continue the CAD work on the remainder of the project. Recommendation such as brand type, etc, etc are all I need. I could work out the rest of what I need now from that info, and then work on getting the circuit drive made up later in the upcoming months.
Steve, if you would like to discuss the information about this project off-forum for more specific details for the circuit we can talk via PM or email, as long as it stays between us for the time being.
