Page 202 - Making things move_ DIY mechanisms for inventors, hobbyists, and artists
P. 202
180 Making Things Move
Created 2010.06.01
By Ben Leduc-Mills and Dustyn Roberts
*/
#include <Stepper.h> //import stepper library
#define STEPS 200 //this should equal the number of steps our
//motor is rated for
Stepper stepper(STEPS, 8, 9); //goes to Arduino digital pins 8
//(DIR) and 9 (STEP)
void setup()
{
stepper.setSpeed(200); //set speed of stepper in RPM
}
void loop()
{
stepper.step(6400); //turn one full rotation
delay(100); //wait 1/10th of a second
stepper.step(-6400); //turn one full rotation the other way
delay(100); //wait 1/10th of a second
}
10. Your motor should now rotate back and forth! Try putting a little flag of tape
on the motor to help you see what’s going on.
Linear Motor Control
Linear motors are essentially DC motors that interact with a power screw assembly to
make a plunger go in and out, so you can control them in the same way that you
control DC motors. Just apply a voltage across the two wires within the stated
operating range, and you’re set.
The total distance the plunger travels from out to in (or in to out) is called the stroke
distance. You may want to use the Arduino and/or switches to limit the stroke
distance to create whatever movement you want. Most linear motors come with
integrated switches and/or a potentiometer to help you control the speed and
position.
Solenoid Control
A solenoid is controlled like a DC toy or gearhead motor, in that all you need to do is
apply the correct voltage with enough current across the two connections, and it will
move. Pull-type solenoids pull the plunger into the housing, and push-type solenoids
push the plunger out.