[Tommy]

Hi folks,
I was just wondering if anyone on this board works with stepper or servo motors?
Experience with their controllers would be good too.
As for Supra content,... I assure you it pertains to these cars!
Please let me know.
Thanks
Jamie

 

[supra_toy]

I tell you the good ones are not cheep. I looked into moterizing my amp rack and decided against it due to cost. What kind of project are you working on?

 

[Dave A.]

Ask any electronics engineer who works in the robotics industry. He or she could probably tell you anything that you want to know about both types of motors and their control systems. You might also try doing a search on the net for "stepper motor" or "servo motor" and/or visit the web site www.thewaythingswork.com. Both types of motors can vary in precision and cost, as can their control devices. Generally, the more precision the device, the higher the cost. Stepper motors rotate in incremented steps and are generally controlled (at least they used to be) by some form of computerized encoding and decoding devices (encoders and decoders) that work together to form a feedback loop. The encoder tracks or "records" the movement (rotation) of the motor shaft and sends a signal back to the computer which decodes that signal and uses it as a means of tracking the precise position of the rotating device. One simple example would be the stepper motor(s) used in printers to control the paper feed. The amount of rotational movement between increments or "steps" can vary greatly between motor design. The finer the increments, the more precise the motor, and the higher the cost. Servo motors work in a similar fashion as steppers but are a bit more precise. Servo motors are controlled by a variable frequency type drive device, or "servo driver". The variable frequency type drive or controller for servo motors allows for more precise movement and control of shaft rotation speeds, all of which unfortunately comes at a much higher price than stepper motor type devices.
HTH!

 

[Emohawk]

I know a guy who knows a guy. Could probably pass along any questions.

 

[dogstar]

depends what you need to know?

most steppers ive worked with use IC chips in simple circuits to control their movement, so its basic stuff, but who knows, sometimes simple solutions are the best.

im thinking about a motorized subfloor for the trunk, but 12" linear actuators are like 95 bucks from my source, so im trying to find some kind of gear drive and a stepper motor that would have enough torque, but still not weigh too much....
i have no joy so far.

 

[Dave A.]

What about using a power window motor? Those have a gear reduction built-in and take a fair amount of resistance to make them stall. Just a thought!

 

[DriftMe]

Just use one linear actuator and guide rails on the outside, like a kitchen counter drawer. A linear actuator would be so much nicer and deliver more power for $100 than a servo would. A linear actuator should be fairly quiet as well.

 

[dogstar]

a linear actuator may also fail sooner if im pushing it too hard, im not too sure yet of what limits they have, but i know if i get a 1hp 12v motor (yes, they exist, and i maybe able to get one for 40$) and a good strong gear drive, i can make my set up work just peachy.

just kind of in the planning stages right now, but how ever i do it, its gotta be able to lift up my subfloor, enclosure, and sub.

i figure thats gonna be a good 50 pounds, maybe a bit more, and im not sure whether its coming straight up, or hinging, so thats another thing to figure out.

 

[Dave A.]

If you decide to go with hinges then maybe you could use a couple of stout gas springs. Maybe two on each side. Just a thought!

 

[atdsupra]

I work with servo and steppers . .. servos are way too expensive and there are some steppers with integrated electronics(controller), this is attached to the stepper, and are programmable (just need any computer to do it) it also has few inputs/outputs for stand alone operations . . . you may only need a servo if you need position feedback . . .

but, ghostrider/jamie, what is it that you need to know . . . have any application to share . . . maybe I can help .

just let us know :wink:

 

[DKJones96]

these projects sound like my crazy one. no door locks and no ignition. just a keyforb i carry with me that unlocks the car automaticly when i come close and will only start and run while i'm next to it. i'm also trying to make that same keyfob open my trunk with a motorized open/shut/lock mechanism and remote start that will bypass the keyfob locator so you can start it on cold mornings and still have the car locked(not that my ignition holds the key anymore). and i also thought it would be cool to have a moon roof instead of a sunroof and power/heated front seats.

granted it'll take a 100zillion amp alternator and a badass optima battery to keep all this stuff going nice and sweet but it'd be super nice and high tech afterwards.