Hello, I am trying to create a simple 3D clinostat that will rotate at 2-3 RPM and have the ability to change directions at random intervals. The unit will consist of two servos rotating brackets that are perpendicular to each other in order to simulate micro-gravity for petri dish samples. I have never worked with robotics, so easy to work with servo controllers are ideal for me. Any recommendations will help a lot. Thanks!
The motors in this picture seem to be stepper motors rather than servos. Just to be sure, can you give me their part numbers?
I need their specification in order to suggest you a controller powerful enough!
Hi, thanks for replying! I don’t know anything about the motors since I pulled the image off of Google. From what I can find, these small stepper motors draw between 2 and 3 amps, if that’s any help.
Hey!
In this case I suggest that you start by taking a look at this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyqwLiowZiU
It explains pretty well how a stepper motor works.
You will have to chose a resolution for your motors: it’s how many degrees your motor will move for each steps.
In your case, you can afford to have a pretty high resolution and high torque through a geared down motor since you only need 2 or 3 rpm.
Currently, I don’t feel confortable suggesting you a motor if you don’t have the required torque. I don’t want to suggest you an expensive motor which would be too powerful for your needs and I don’t want to suggest you a cheaper motor which won’t be able to move the structure. If you find the required torque, tell me and i’ll find you something.
The primary motor will need enough torque to rotate 8-12 lbs smoothly. The secondary motor will only need to rotate 3 lbs or so. I am unsure whether a unipolar or bipolar motor would be best for my application. A bipolar motor can generate higher torque, but a unipolar motor requires less coding for my application. I’ve read that it is easier to program rotational direction changes on a unipolar motor because there is no voltage reversal required.