Electonic Engineers - Small (low) remote controlled electonic motor

[Chrono_Wanderer]

which reminds me, i was doing a "storage showcase" few days ago, and i needed to take apart one of those old 5.25s....

unfortunately the stepper motor was quite hard to take out....

from my local semi-con parts store, stepper motors are very expensive... (like 30 canadian)

[Umfriend]

30 Canadian? Man, I'd willingly put USD 200,- on the table for a device built to my spec...... Course, that includes all electronics and assembly..... I'll find the rubber myself

Also, I would be willing to try and advetise such a product to other owners of my line of amps....I am positive some would like it as well.

I have been thinking, the receiver/controller and motor would not have to be battery operated, I have power plugs nearby, so I can use anything for that. I still need to check out a number of the sites you guys gave me...

[Umfriend]

Although I have to admit I am now also wondering whether it should control the source selector. Three issues with that:
1. It is a real heavy switch (it goes "CLICK" or "CLUNK", you have to apply force and then not overshoot (which I *guess* requires something sprecial in electronics)).
2. When swithcing source, it should first turn volume down, then switch and only then restore volume to it's previous level or, if that is hard (due to having to snese what level it was at) to a default level
3. I will not tamper with the Amp itslef, it HAS to be an add-on completely working on the outside of the Amp....

[gt40]

Originally posted by Chrono_Wanderer
from my local semi-con parts store, stepper motors are very expensive... (like 30 canadian)

try Sayal - Dixie & Matheson - I've seen steppers there from 5 to 20 cndn

[Umfriend]

OK, I've been looking a bit further.... www.velleman.be has two kits that seem interesting to me:
MK161 2-channel remote receiver, euro 15
K8051 - 15-chanell transmitter, euro 20

The only two problems I would have left are:
1. Providing 12VDC to the receiver, but I think I'll have a 220V AC/12DC transformator with appropriate plug lying around somewhere
2. Getting a motor, that I could use at 24 AC (or DC, I'm not sure yet, must be DC AFAICS). I am thinking of http://www.arsape.ch/arsape_uk/produ.../eADM0620.pdf. I *think* the only real issue I would have is connecting the 6V motor to the 24V feed?

The 15 channel transmitter simply looks nice, and if it works I can start anouther 2-chanell project for the source selector....

I am actually considering NOT to put the reciever in a box at all, but just keep it on the wooden shelf below the amp (Maybe attach it to the amp with the kind of tape that sticks on two ends?).

[gt40]

you will have to use a DC motor, so you can change direction by reversing the polarity. since you are going to have to provide 12v for the receiver, try to find a low rpm 12v motor.
the other option is a stepper motor as mentioned ealier - this gives you the option of adjusting the speed. I have seen stepper motor drivers for 10-20 cndn. you can then just salvage the motor from a dead hard drive.

[Umfriend]

OK< but changing the polarity is by using one of the two channels on the controller/receiver, no? And they send out 24V on both channels, as far as I understand it.

W.r.t. motor, it needs to be small. I have found small DC stepper motors (8 or 6 mm diameter), but they run at 3 to 6V. Any easy way to change voltage? Do I need a, uhm, "transformator" for that?

Umf is starting to feel it may not be that hard after all (but will prolly come out dissapointed after all).

[Greebe]

It doesn't have to be a DC motor. An AC synchronous motor/controller can be used, but that's far too expensive for the need.

[Greebe]

Umf you can tap off of the existing power supply for the required voltages in most cases or add a small tranfromer/linear supply to give you whats needed to power the controller/stepper (or DC motor if that's your choice

[gt40]

Umf,
the 2 channel receiver you have looked at has two relays, one for each channel. You can use this to control any voltage you supply (not neccesarily 24V)with up to 10 amps of current. all you will need to drive the stepper motors is a stepper motor controller like this:
http://www.qkits.com/serv/qkits/diy/pages/QK179.asp .

[Liquid Snake]

OK it's silly question time. What's the difference between "regular" motors, stepper motors and servo motors?

[Umfriend]

But gt40, can't I simply attach a normal motor (with all the high RPM, gearing and what not problems) directly to the relays? As I see it, the relays themselves provide 24VDC / 1A...whcih should be more than I would ever need....

What the heck is a Toggle/Pulse selection btw... Do I still need to program the EEPROM.....?

Liquid Snake: Thank you. Good question and one I was afraid to ask......

[DC]

regular motors are just spinning with "high" RPM and the speed is contolled via the Input Voltage (ex. the motor in a fan)
servo motors are pulse driven geard motors where you can set an angle from 0° to 270° depending on the Pulselength you provide. so you can very simple do "180° rotation"
stepper motors "is a mix of both" you have to provide the motor with a pulse and the motor just takes a step of ex. 4° with each pulse. so you san simply do "180 steps" an the motor will do 180 steps of 4° -> 720° -> 2 complete rounds.

this is just a very simple explanation just for showing the main differences between the 3 motortypes. the whole truth is, that it is a "little bit " more complex.

DC

[Umfriend]

OK, so I am being ignorant here.....

Have taken a look at the diagram of the receiver and realised that of course, it does not give any current at all...it is a rellay.... :

On the other hand, it makes things easier, just connect the + of a battery to the + of the motor, the - of the motor to the relay and the other pole of the relay to the - of the battery and I am done.

Errrm, right?

Not talking stepper here, just a normal motor whose RPM I hope I can control by either lowering voltage and/or putting a resistor in the circuit as well....

[Umfriend]

shit, them kits are available as of May....