Your sketch is actually called a schematic.  A sketch is the code you upload to the Arduino.

I have to say that your schematic is a mess.  Where does the 'IN5' go from pin 11?  Attach the sch file.

The reason why the Arduino is resetting is probably because you are pulling too much current through it.

flush() doesn't do what you think, http://arduino.cc/en/Serial/Flush

Try, stream.flush(), http://arduino.cc/en/Reference/StreamFlush

Please use code tags when posting code.  Click Modify on your post, highlight code, click # button, and save.

After the last few days, all I have to say is WOW!  The forum is fast!  Click a link and in less than a second, the page loads. 

Awesome job!

Oops, knew I would get something wrong..  Thanks Terry.

You can drive the winch from a TIP120A.  When you drive the Arduino pin HIGH, the winch (Load) will turn on.

You would have to calibrate it to know when it's outside.  There is a tremendous difference in light when your outside then, when your inside a building.  Being human and using our eyesight to realize we're outside is how we would interpret this. 

There was a video of a guy who made automatic sunglasses.  When you would outside, the sunglasses would flip down.  In the video, he would be standing right inside a house with the door open and soon as he stepped out, the glasses would flip down.  Walk in one step, and they would flip up.  Granted, he didn't walk around outside under shade, but in the video, he wasn't ever in direct sunlight.  So, I really think the idea of using photosensors would work with the right algorithm. 

I will search for the vid and if I find it, I will post it here.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/08/ben-heck-builds-arduino-based-automatic-sunglasses/

Thanks eried, I had your Enhanced IDE installed for a while now, but I kept the original IDE installed for those 'quick lookups'. 

I am still in the novice stage of programming, but I may have out-grown the Arduino IDE. 

I also want to say, thanks Eried for the work you have put into your IDE.  I read your IDE thread when ever there is a new post and commend you for trying to implement every suggestion that members have.

You use photocell sensors to look for sunlight or darkness under cover.

6 pins, but 4 wires coming out.  I am guessing that the unwired pins are the commons.

PIN1= B-
PIN2= B Common (no wire)
PIN3= B
PIN4= A
PIN5= A Common (no wire)
PIN6= A-

This is the first time playing with steppers.  I am probably just going to get the BigEasyDriver board from Sparkfun just to get the code and steppers working.  I may have damaged the A4982 IC on my board..

Can't give any more help until you can say what the current is..

Well, there's 2 places you can install them:

In your sketchbook:  C:\Users\[your computer name]\Documents\Arduino\libraries
Arduino Install:  C:\[install path]\arduino-1.5.2\libraries

I totally agree Docedison.  It saddens me to see our society like this: Please do everything for me.. 

And those ABC cards are fabulous.  Pighixxx has done an amazing job with the cards.

Thanks for replying Mark.

I didn't realize anyone responded as the forum is being buggy and didn't receive any notifications.  But, I have to admit the forum is running lightning fast now.

I fixed the 317 overheating issue.  It was a bad solder joint one of the resistors.

I am getting 24V @10mA to the LM317 and 5.2V to the driver IC.
At the stepper I am getting 24V @75mA, Which is obviously too low.

Other info I should have included:

• Type 17PM-J034-P2VS
• Minebea Co. LTD.
• Part# FH5-1043
• 1.8 deg  200 steps/rev when full-stepping
• 2 Phase @ 2A per phase

Datasheet for the 17PM-J series.

When I first bought these motors and started digging for information, I concluded these were bi-polar, now I am beginning to think they are uni-polar..

Any feedback is very much appreciative.

It really depends on how much current is flowing through the 12V wires. If it's logic level (<40mA) then a simple voltage divider would work.  But if it's anymore, you would use transistors.  The type of transistor would be determined by current as well.