Hi, I need to order parts for a computer modding project and I have no clue what to order. Was hoping for expert help.
Basically I want to mount one or a number of stepper engines to drive a panel (roof of the computer) that is connected to a switch button. Preferably I would like to power this from the computer PSU so I don't have to mount a 2nd PSU just for the stepper.
Is that possible? (Molex or USB?)
Mechanically I guess I could sort this in a number of ways, a vertically mounted led screw, push a "leaver" in a servo manner and other. It is a rather large pannel (170x500mm) so will require lift in each corner.
My idea was to make a program in Arduino with that is connected to a button (power switch). When the button is pressed the Arduino start and push the panel 30mm straight up, when the button is pressed a second time it reverse and close the panel. That is basically it.
Can I power this from my computer PSU, Molex, USB?
What type of stepper will be needed, 17 or 23, normal or high torque?
Will I need more than one engine?
Will a CNC Shield V3+UNO R3+ DRV8825 driver be a good choice?
Any hep with a mechanical working concept would be greatly appreciated, but need to put in an order asap to have the items in time to start the project.
My idea for the mechanical solution
I was thinking having 2 engines, flat profile, one in the middle of each short side (the 170mm side) with a lead screw attached to the engine with a 170mm alu profile with a center hole for the lead screw. Only problem is clearance issues as I need to be able to open the panel 20-30mm and the total room under the panel is about 60mm. Making me having to mount the engine with the shaft horizontally.
Hoping this was clear enough and relevant enough for getting a nudge in the right direction
You certainly cannot power stepper motors from a USB connection.
You need to identify the torque required before you can choose a stepper motor.
Whether you need more than one motor depends on your mechanical design. A diagram to illustrate what you have in mind seems essential if you want some ideas.
You can only determine a suitable type of stepper driver when you have identified a suitable motor.
To my mind, if all you want to do is raise and lower something it would probably be far simpler using simple DC motors and micro-switches to turn off the power at the upper and lower limits. Indeed there may be no need for any microprocessor.
You will need some microswitches with stepper motors so the Arduino can figure out where the motor is.
If this "panel" is already on the computer, post a picture of it. If it is not already there, post a picture of the computer and a drawing of what the end result will look like.
With a scissor jack you only need 1 motor. It can raise a frame with the lid on top.
You can get motor-driver boards pretty cheap on eBay.
You can pull some Watts off a PSU but take care how much. Find a plug-on splitter, cut one end off and splice to that. IIRC yellow is 12V, red is 5V and black is GND.
Robin2:
To my mind, if all you want to do is raise and lower something it would probably be far simpler using simple DC motors and micro-switches to turn off the power at the upper and lower limits. Indeed there may be no need for any microprocessor.
It's still an aluminum panel with 5mm of acrylic on top, aluminum frame (for the lift aspect), a filter mesh the edges of the raised box, It also has to have power enough to close the frame firmly in it's lower position.
Paul_KD7HB:
If this "panel" is already on the computer, post a picture of it. If it is not already there, post a picture of the computer and a drawing of what the end result will look like.
Paul
I will create the entire top part of the computer, so basically have freedom to create it as I like, but did a quick render (original post updated) to illustrate the concept (but will not be a flat sheet once done).
My main concern isn't the mechanical, I feel it is something just to sort, but I have no clue what I should get for the engine, controller and how to power it (preferably from the PSU of the computer)
To my mind, if all you want to do is raise and lower something it would probably be far simpler using simple DC motors and micro-switches to turn off the power at the upper and lower limits. Indeed there may be no need for any microprocessor.
It's still an aluminum panel with 5mm of acrylic on top, aluminum frame (for the lift aspect), a filter mesh the edges of the raised box, It also has to have power enough to close the frame firmly in it's lower position.
Your reply does not make sense as a response to my comment - it is what is called a non-sequitur. Regardless of what the panel is made from, or how big or heavy it is, my comment is relevant. Of course that does not mean that you are required to do it the simple way.
My main concern isn't the mechanical, I feel it is something just to sort, but I have no clue what I should get for the engine, controller and how to power it (preferably from the PSU of the computer)
The motor and the mechanics are inextricably intertwined. Design a suitable mechanical system first. Then you will have the information needed to select a motor and to determine what power supply is required.
A scissor-jack mechanism has been suggested. That sort of system usually works well with a low powered motor. But maybe there is no space for the mechanism. That's why the mechanical design must come first.
Robin2:
It's still an aluminum panel with 5mm of acrylic on top, aluminum frame (for the lift aspect), a filter mesh the edges of the raised box, It also has to have power enough to close the frame firmly in it's lower position.
Your reply does not make sense as a response to my comment - it is what is called a non-sequitur. Regardless of what the panel is made from, or how big or heavy it is, my comment is relevant. Of course that does not mean that you are required to do it the simple way.
The motor and the mechanics are inextricably intertwined. Design a suitable mechanical system first. Then you will have the information needed to select a motor and to determine what power supply is required.
A scissor-jack mechanism has been suggested. That sort of system usually works well with low powered motor. But maybe here is no space for the mechanism. That's why the mechanical design must come first.
...R
I understand, thx m8.
My worry is the electrics, if I can't power it by the computer PSU I will not make the mod at all, hence then no need for either mechanics or engines...
Engineering and solution wise probably totally backwards, but I need to draw power from the PSU or the entire concept fails.
I corrected my earlier Reply while you were responding to it.
My worry is the electrics, if I can't power it by the computer PSU I will not make the mod at all, hence then no need for either mechanics or engines...
Engineering and solution wise probably totally backwards, but I need to draw power from the PSU or the entire concept fails.
I understand that your project depends on being able to power it from the PC's PSU. But we cannot wave a magic wand and say YES or NO based on the information that you have provided. You have not even told us how much power (volts and amps) is available from the PSU. My wild guess is that a PSU could power a suitable motor - but don't go spending any money based on my guess.
There will be people here who have a good idea of what might be suitable if (but only if) you can provide a clear idea of the mechanism you plan to implement and the sizes and weights involved. Figuring out a mechanism will not cost you anything except time, some paper and some pencil lead.
Robin2:
I corrected my earlier Reply while you were responding to it.
I understand that your project depends on being able to power it from the PC's PSU. But we cannot wave a magic wand and say YES or NO based on the information that you have provided. You have not even told us how much power (volts and amps) is available from the PSU. My wild guess is that a PSU could power a suitable motor - but don't go spending any money based on my guess.
There will be people here who have a good idea of what might be suitable if (but only if) you can provide a clear idea of the mechanism you plan to implement and the sizes and weights involved. Figuring out a mechanism will not cost you anything except time, some paper and some pencil lead.
...R
I have understood that these forums are not for beginners like my self. I thank you for your answers.
Zeuligan:
I have understood that these forums are not for beginners like my self. I thank you for your answers.
These forums are very much for beginners. Folks here are telling you that you have your cart in front of the horse.
Do a sketch of what you invision your concept to be. Pencil on paper works. Take a pic of it if you can't scan it. Post it. THEN the folks here can give you an idea of what motor you'll need. And with that, if it can be powered by your power supply.
DangerToMyself:
These forums are very much for beginners. Folks here are telling you that you have your cart in front of the horse.
Not. Have the cart before you even choose a pony, horse or horses is more to the point.
Scissor jacks don't have to take much room when they don't have to lift a car or other heavy weight. They do not require a lead gear, anything that can pull two outer hinged points together will do. Put a string between em and wind it around a shaft in the middle to extend, unwind to retract, put a spring in there if need be to tighten the retract motion and be sure to have scissor pairs (one each side or end below the frame that holds the top.
Appologize if I don't understand what to ask. I have no knowledge about electronics or motors.
For me this turned so quickly into mechanics rather than the base question, possible to drive a motor from a computer PSU (without risking the computer components)?
I have made a sketch that more in detail show the piece I want to lift and I found a small linear actuator for 5v that maybe works?
My lid that I need to be able to raise about 30mm exactly vertical. The Lid is 170x470x40mm in 3mm aluminum.
Specs for engines
Nidec 3V-6V DC 2 phase 4 wire Micro stepper motor with slider dia15MM Rod 50MM Step angle 18 degrees
Motor type: 2 phase 4 wire system
Drive voltage: 4-6V / 500mA
Screw length: 50mm
Effective stroke:50MM-11MM=39MM
Slider stroke: 38mm
Motor diameter: 15mm
Screw diameter: 3mm
Screw pitch: 3mm
Step angle: 18 degrees
If my input still is to none specific, just tell me what you need. As I have no clue about electronics or engines and by definition don't know the solution (or I wouldn't ask for help) I can't know what I need to ask... so to speak.
My thought was with 4 engines in each corner (you see the dual holes for the holder in my sketch) it would be enough to guide. If not, I will construct a guide.
Still don't know if / how the electronic setup will be. Need to figure out that firs
I don't think you've said how fast you want this to operate.
If you want it to zoom up by 30mm in less than a second, you will need some larger motors than if you wanted it to slowly rise up over, say, 10 seconds or so.
If it's a slow rise you're after, I've used this type of mini motor and gearbox: Mini-DC-Metal-Gear-Motor - nice and cheap! 4 of these at 300RPM driving lengths of M6 threaded rod would drive the nuts up 30mm in about 6 seconds.
In any case, you can power an Arduino from 5V taken from the PC power supply - that's no problem.
Those small motors from 12V would be no problem. If you wanted, for example, 4 servos or steppers that take 0.5A each at 6V, then you could fit a switching regulator and take 12V from the PSU ( a couple of amps will be no problem).
If you want larger (higher current) motors, you'd have to add everything up a bit more carefully.
