Hi, I am looking to create a stabilisation device for an object in water. So far I would like to use an IMU, I am aware I need a microcontroller and I want to control motors for correction of orientation. I’m trying to look into phidgets (I have access to a stepper controller) but I don’t fully understand where they come into play, does a phidget/PC replace a microcontroller? How would I connect this up to make a system and what programming would be required?
Thank you for any help!
Thank you for your response! So does this mean if I can connect my IMU to a computer (is this possible via USB? I’ve seen accelerometers that do…) then the data can be processed on perhaps Labview and a Phidgets motor controller (also connected via USB) will use the determined output value to control the motor?
The IMU would be connected to a microcontroller or computer which you would program to read these values, perform the necessary calculations to find the actual orientation. Once it knows the current orientation and the “desired” orientation, it would take action and send the appropriate signal to a motor controller (servo or stepper) to move the object to the desired orientation. A Phidgets motor controller does not replace a microcontroller - it’s intended to be connected via USB (usually) to a laptop or computer which does all the calculations.
A stepper is good because it can do continuous rotation, though if you move the shaft by hand, or remove power to the system, you will need a way of zeroing it. Servos are another option, but limit you to 180 degrees of motion.
Correct. You can use your computer to interface between the IMU (certain models only such as the one from Phidgets, or else you need an interface) and the stepper controller.
