Hi!
I’ve a question regarding the vertical motion. I’d like to avoid the free fall situation. For example, the slide holder will fall down due to gravity and free motion. If I supply power through motor to hold the position, will the motor burn, or is there better solution?
The design looks like it’s coming together! In all likelihood yes, the motor would probably burn. Can you add a counterweight?
The vertical slides are made of acrylic and will wight about 500 grams.
We can add counterweight, but may not have much room (1-1.5cm).
How about a counter balance, or a counter spring?
Alan KM6VV
Careful with a spring though because the force it exerts depends on the extension (i.e. not constant).
Changing the vertical slides box to this: i.imgur.com/b5A2Jua.png
I’m sure weight will be less than 250 grams.
Will the motor be able to hold whether on or off?
It should be able to hold, but keep in mind that all motors need time to cool off; so if it’s always working (to keep the traveller at a certain height), it will heat up, which will reduce its lifespan.
Hi!
I just cut the parts today and weighted them. It is going to be around ~250 grams.
I’m curious how would I be able to hold the position? By Keeping the motor on, or detent toruqe is enough? It is 2.2 N.cm. The motor for vertical motion would be always working, maybe 5 hrs a day although it may not be continuously, I’d like it to hold position for 1.5 hrs continuously.
canadarobotix.com/datasheets … GHM809.PDF
A bit of experimentation at this point, but a counterweight will always help. The motor will not last long if it’s in operation for 5 hours continuously.
Just experimented with the motor. It seems to be more than enough to hold the position when not in motion but now I am wondering if it is possible to hold the position while moving only in longitudinal direction. I agree counterweight should solve this.
Motor will not run 5 hrs continuously, 1.5 hrs continuously at the most.
Hi Coleman!
Can you help with this? The belt is slipping for vertical motion. I have tried to add smooth rod on one side to increase the tension but it still slipped.
img.ctrlv.in/img/14/08/11/53e8ed3e231ec.jpg
img.ctrlv.in/img/14/08/11/53e8ed5b8f2ef.jpg
img.ctrlv.in/img/14/08/11/53e8ed72e426b.png
Edit: I had removed belt clips before taking these pictures. That is why belt seems loose.
If the belt is slipping at any point, you need a belt tensioner which has teeth (and ideally a spring to provide force).
Hi Coleman,
Here’s the final version. The video size is bit large as I haven’t compressed it.
Thanks for your help. I’m controlling the motion with two switches.
Do you have any suggestions? The motors are little bit noisy due to improper mounting. I couldn’t find right screw length and haven’t cut the screw to avoid damaging it.
dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/444 … 1%20PM.mov
Thank you very much for your help. 
Could you upload the video to your YouTube page and make it public?
youtube.com/watch?v=OZEr6aPQrXg
I’ll make a better video later on. The stepper driver just fried this afternoon.
It seems to be working well actually - not sure what you need advice about?
Hi Coleman,
I purchased two stepper drivers from robotshop.
One of the stepper drivers is not powering at all. Could you please help??
Sincerely,
bluehawk
We need much more information in order to help you troubleshoot - as many details as possible.
Do you have another, identical stepper driver which is working correctly? If so, can you use this one in its place with identical connections and see if it works?
If it does work, then either your connections to the controller, the power or the code is not correct.
The other stepper is working just fine. I noticed voltage regulator is getting hot when I connect the power source.
Edit: I have motor disconnected for testing purpose. Only M+ and GND connected to 18V 2Amp power supply.
If you are using only one 2A power supply for everything, that may be one of the issues. Did you contact us via the support center too?
