CONTROLLING A STEPPER MOTOR POSITION W/ ANALOG VOLTAGE INPUT

Other Hardware Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
1

Is it possible to use voltage instead of the potentiometer in the Motor Knob exercise. I am very new to this and I am trying to setup a test stand. I have the ability to input voltage or a 4-20 ma current. Is there anyway I can use these inputs to control position. Thanks a bunch for any help.

2

Is it possible to use voltage instead of the potentiometer in the Motor Knob exercise.

Yes all the pot does is to give you a voltage that varies over the range 0 to 5V. Any voltage source over that range can be used.

3

Thanks Grumpy_Mike,
Is there a controller already made to do this. I just dont want to have to reinvent the wheel. It would be nice to be able to take a controller and hook up my motor, which i have yet to buy, and run it with my National Instrument device.

Thanks again

4

Is there a controller already made to do this.

I have no idea what you mean sorry.

What is your input? A pot is a controller turning a physical rotation into a voltage.

5

Sorry Grumpy_Mike,

I see how to build the circuitry on the Arduino tutorial site. I was just wondering if they sold a controller that already had all the circuitry and all you had to do was hook up the motor, your analog input, and then input the code to run the motor. The circuitry that is on the site shows the arduino controller and a SN754410 IC, and that is wired to the motor. Just wondering if they make something that already has that done.

Thanks again

6

Do you mean this:-

There are many other motor shields about as well.

You don't mean a controller, that is what had me confused, the correct word is a motor driver.