First Post!  Considering Arduino for a Project

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
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Hello everyone! Seems like the Arduino has some amazing online support which is one of the primary reasons I would like to use it for my first project attempt.

I am a student and my team is tasked with building a clay pigeon launcher that can throw at pre-set trajectories, or throw them at random trajectories within pre-set limits.

I am mildly ignorant of what this will require. :-?

Our current concept will require a fairly high powered motor to load a spring that will do the throwing, and two lower powered actuators (DC motors, servos, or stepper motors?) to control the altitude and directional adjustments.

Would the Arduino be suited to this type of application? I'm guessing I could control the motors through transistors (possibly PWM?) no matter what the power or holding torque requirements turn out to be.

Thanks for your time, and any thoughts would be appreciated!

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The Arduino will just about perfect for this type of setup.
The arduino, and clones have quite a few PWM ports, and if you want you can add a LCD and some buttons to be able to controle the unit without a PC.
To power other stuff than low amp 5 volt things, you need to use relays and Mosfets, but thats not hard to do at all.

Best Regards