Hello All. (having a bit of trouble determining where to post this...)
Im fairly new to the 'Arduino revolution' and im excited to finally find a project to dive into. Im a pretty ok software developer, so the learning curve shouldnt be too steep.
Here's my project goal...
I need to create a simple paper feeder to feed me one 4x6 sheet(index card) at a time. Im trying to find the quickest/easiest way to make a feeder that I can load with as many paper cards as possible.
I read a suggestion in the forum for a similar project to simply hack a photo printer, which sounds ok to me. I would even build a simple rig with some toy wheels or rollers from an old printer, but Im afraid I wouldnt know how to limit the feed to just 1 card at a time, so maybe the photo printer is the best option.
So - If I want to hack a photo printer, I would simply need to trigger the 'Paper Eject' button each time I need a sheet.
Would you please advise me on how best to accomplish a simple trigger pressing of the eject button on a USB printer. Where would I start?
I am also open to other suggestions for making a paper feeder if you have any.
If your printer has a physical button for paper eject you can check the voltage and polarity across the button when the printer is on and the button is out. then select an opti-coupler that is good for your voltage (probably some thing common like 5v or 3v3) and install it in the proper direction then trigger it from the arduino through a resistor. The input side is really just an led so just use a current limiting resistor common for leds iv used many values with good results usually somewhere between 400 and 1000 ohm. The output side is just a transistor. See google for a diagram.
Just to clarify - when you mention that "The input side is really just an led" and "The output side is just a transistor." -- are you referring to the button circuit on the printer?
