Hello everyone. I will start of with stating that I know so little that I hardly know how to formulate a correct question. I have in vain tried to fix this on my own for a couple of weeks but without luck. Tried other forums but only get answers that are condescending and unhelpful. Then I found this place and hope that my totally beginner state will be met with joy rather than irritation.
I’m looking for (from my point of view) a simple answer. Is there a way to control a motor from a computer and a computers PSU (for example molex or SATA power)?
Reason for the question is that I’m a computer modder and I want to create a mod with a panel in the top of the computer raisable. About 20-30mm exactly vertically motion up and down when hitting a button (as an example).
I do understand that the question by itself isn’t detailed enough (learned that from all the harsh answers elsewhere) but I don’t want to spend time drawing an exact blueprint or find the exact specs from a specific engine as I don’t even know what engine to use… It’s a catch22 so need help to first find (if possible) engines and controllers that can be hooked up to a computer without additional PSUs - without risking of frying computer components for 5000€ and then work from there.
Again, apologize if the question is dumb or unspecific, just need to find out if it’s even possible before investing weeks of time and then start to outline more and more details until I have a working solution.
The weight of the panel might be as low as 500g and as high as 1500g and I’m thinking of either a scissor solution (to have only one engine) or 4 mini lead screws and cogs.
Hi,
Welcome to the RobotShop’s forum https://www.robotshop.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif All questions related to robotics are permitted here, from very beginner to very advanced https://www.robotshop.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif
What you are trying to accomplish is doable but some considerations should be clarified :
]First, you will need to clarify how and for what your motor will be used. This would give you an idea on the torque needed for your application and based on this information, you can choose the motor that fits. We do offer a large selection of Brushed DC Motors and Geared Motors. This DC Motors comparison table might be helpful when choosing a motor based on its different attributes./:m]
]Then, it should be pointed that computer PSUs have different voltage power rails : 3.3V, 5V, 12V with different output current values. Therefore, you will need to know what voltage your DC Motor is rated for and how much current it needs under rated load. These information can be found on the datasheet of the motor./:m]
]The third consideration would be the controlling method. As you will need a motor driver to control the motor’s direction and speed, different controlling methods are possible : Analog (from an analog input like a potentiometer), TTL (serial from a microcontroller for example), RC (from an RC Receiver), USB (from a PC), etc. DC Motor controllers have different controlling methods and can have more than one on-board. You can take a look at our DC Motor Controllers category and we encourage you to take a look at this link that provides useful information on motor controllers and how to choose one for your application. Voltage and current ratings are also very important when choosing a motor driver. Also, controllers can have more than one channel to control multiple motors simultaneously. As you are most probably want to control your motor through your computer, you can choose one with USB control. Here are some examples : Phidgets Motor Control HC USB Dual 14A 6V-15V Motor Controller, Pololu Jrk 3A 8-28V USB Motor Controller with Feedback, RoboClaw 2x15A, 6-34VDC Regenerative Motor Controller/:m]
Hope this gives you some ideas and help you starting you project.
