I would like to use an Arduino along with an accelerometer gyro to move a small piece of equipment into position. I would also be using jacks, or a similar lifting device to gain the height needed. Can this even be done? Clear as mud?
An accelerometer can be used to measure tilt angles, but not height or distance moved. Does that help?
I suggest some kind of movement measuring way. What kind of moving device do You use? Is it rotary or linear?
Thank you for the replies. I’ve attached a picture of the item in question. This device is rolled into position, leveled, then raised into position. We currently do this manually, I would like to simplify using an Arduino.
I am very new to this technology three months ago I had never heard of an Arduino! I don’t really know what it can and can’t do.
Can you describe, step by step, how you do the leveling and the raising into position? It looks like you have four or more motorized jacks and possibly some limit switches for height.
Tell us about the scissors jack attached to the framework. What controls it?
Arduino could possibly be interfaced with the controller.
Currently you manually use a push button to lower each corner jack individually. Once all for jacks are grounded you then can operate a push button that controls all four jacks at the same time. Sounds good in Theary, but our machine operators need something user friendly that doesn't take a lot of thought.
My goal is to have the jacks and machine levelling all controlled through an Arduino system.
So: "Press each jack button until the jack touches the floor."
So: "Press the All Jacks button until..." Until what?
This is how our controls engineer has designed the jack lifting system. Once this cart is initially indexed against the other machine you would manually adjust the jacks till you are level and at your needed height. Then you adjust your Prox to set the jacks.
My goal is to do all of this with the Arduino. I'm pretty certain that this is feasible. I also think it can be done with this widget.
Still learning about the Arduino and all it can do!!
That widget can be used for leveling, and it has been done many times. The search phrase "arduino self leveling platform" will find examples.
One can use limit switches to detect platform a full height, or any other position.
How do you detect "level"?
How do you detect "at your needed height"?
How do you "adjust your Prox"?
We use a level to determine how level. We adjust the prox switches by adjusting the flat washer between the nuts.
Thanks for everyone’s help!
So, once you have set the proximity sensors, you just turn on the jacks until they hit the limits and you are done? How would the Arduino improve on that?
The biggest reason is to eliminate as many exposed parts as possible. Our operators are extremely hard on our equipment. It will only be a matter of time till these are damaged.
My thought is that with using the Arduino I can streamline the entire process. This cart can also be used on other presses that have different elevations.
I will continue researching this. I do think I am on the right track though. Thanks
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