So I'm attempting to construct a calcium imaging microscope at my workplace, and part of the microscope involves a galvonometer that my boss wants controlled using analog (voltage output). I am incredibly new to Arduino, so I'm not quite sure where to start software wise. I have an uno and protoshield ready to be loaded. For the code, would it be a good idea to start with the led fading code (which utilizes voltage output)? Could I modify that to work with a galvonometer? Thanks in advance.
Sure, the LED fading code is a good place to start concept-wise. You'll need to tell us more about the galvanometer. What kind of voltage input does it expect (range)? What current input is required? A link to a part number or datasheet would be most helpful.
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The Basic Motor Driver: simple, inexpensive motor driver for 1 stepper motor or 2 DC motors
You're not going to be able to control that galvo directly with the Arduino - you're going to need a driver of some sort; my advice would be to contact Cambridge Technology and talk to them about their servo drivers (for instance: http://www.camtech.com/products/servos/Servo%20Driver-677XX.html), meant to control these galvos. They are designed to work with their galvos specifically, and can supply the proper voltage and current (note you are going to need a fairly hefty power supply as well). The controllers themselves expect to take a position input as a voltage level (for the above driver, +/- 10 VDC); so, you will still need an additional h-bridge controller off the Arduino to be able to supply this voltage to indicate position (the output from the h-bridge will be PWM'd, so you can't use it directly though - heck, I'm not even sure an h-bridge is the right solution, but you need something to generate the +/- voltage range). Another question to investigate will be whether the PWM output of the Arduino has a high-enough resolution to give small enough voltage steps to use all of the resolution of the servo controller/galvo combo...
My co-worker is handling the hardware side of things, and had already planned to use an amplifier for the lack of voltage. He's an engineer, and seems to more or less know what to do. I just need to handle the coding side of things, but again, I haven't coded an arduino before. We'll probably be using a MicroMax Series 671 mirror positioning system for the amp. It uses a servo amplifier and a scanner.
Dear Sodabread,
This is a very old thread, so I am not sure I will get any response on it. But, it is the most relevant thread as far as my problem is concerned.
I also intend to use a camtech galvo for one of my application, but I am not sure how to give it's controller the fine voltage steps required for the fine control. The arduino pwm resolution is too less for the application, moreover pure dc voltage is required which is not directly possible with arduino.
If anyone has any idea please help.
Thanks.
Parveen