I'm looking to start playing with stepper (and other) motors, and want to try building a semi-useful project. I'm not sure how complex this one would be - I'm not even sure how to succinctly describe the physical movements to a human.
If you look at http://www.orgasmatron.com.au/shop/orgasmatron-original -- the device I'm thinking of using is a small handle with some plastic-tipped stiff copper wires. Usual range of motion involves moving the handle maybe 20-30cm in two directions (up, down, left, right) but always orientated around a quarter-sphere, as it were.
There's a requirement for moving towards and away from the centre of that logical sphere by maybe 5-10cm.
A slight rotational (not full, just maybe 15-30 degrees) option would be good for bonus points.
As I say, I think the design of the holder needs to ensure the handle always orientates towards the centre of the (logical) spheroid that it's moving around, but I have no idea what kinds of components would be required, what kind of rig could be fabricated to facilitate these motions, etc.
I'd love some pointers on any existing projects that may provide some of this functionality, motor types I should be exploring, whether this is just too many dimensions to try on an initial motor-based project, words of encouragement, etc.
sounds feasible, you need at least 3 positioning motors, and quite a bit of (gonio) math to get the movements right
I would start with getting one motor operational. and if that is smooth add a second dimension etc
robtillaart:
sounds feasible, you need at least 3 positioning motors, and quite a bit of (gonio) math to get the movements right
I would start with getting one motor operational. and if that is smooth add a second dimension etc
Thanks Rob - some good search words to start from there Not least 'gonio' ... I had thought briefly about the math / logic involved, but was mostly putting that off until (much) later. I thought a slightly random algorithm, with a preference to continuing in the same direction as current motion (in all dimensions) until reaching an 'edge' would be a good place to start.
I'm totally new to motors - I thought stepper motors wouldn't be appropriate here (partly the range of motion, partly the jagged nature) ... could you recommend even just an example, say on ebay, of a positional motor that you think would be appropriate to this type of motion, and distance of travel? There'd be close to no force against its movement in any given direction, which I had hoped would mean I can get away with much quieter, and lower-powered motors.
