I am planning to build a project where a motor holding up a piece of rock weighing about 5-10KG is controlled using an arduino. I want to be able to rotate it from 0 to 360 degrees at a relatively slow speed. Kind of like a robotic arm and I also need to be able to read the position of the motor. Kind of like what you expect when you see kinetic art.
I know how to work with an arduino but my knowledge lacks in terms of what type of motor to choose and and type of motor driver to use which can interface with the arduino. Can you guide me please on how and where to start with the hardware selection.
Please tell us how fast you want the rotation and how quickly to stop at the desired location. Will the load always be balanced about the rotation axis? Will the load have bearings at either end to support the load? In other words, a drawing of the device, PLEASE!
Your motor driver will depend on your motor. I mean, you could always interface an Arduino with a 12V Jeep winch on a turntable...
Edit - maybe not a Jeep winch. A geared RC crawler motor would be a better choice.
If that was the design I had selected, I would choose the Dimension Engineering 2x60 motor controller. I recommend it often because it's the one I have some experience with. I have accumulated quite a lot of experience with it because, frankly, it delivers on its promise, thus, I have not had to try other makes and models once I discovered this one. https://www.dimensionengineering.com/products/sabertooth2x60
Thank for replying the rotation speed is approximately 30 RPM and yes the load is balanced. I am still inside how to mount it probably a normal bearing on the axle which has screw holes that can hold a block of marble.
Perhaps consider a circular tray, as in a microwave, with four small wheels riding on the fixed mount? Maybe another small 'tyre' on the perimeter could even provide the rotation, with a much lower powered motor?
Those are clearly related. The mechanical rigidity and power of the motor are key factors influencing the choice of type, as well as the only one you've mentioned (rpm ==> full rotation in about 2 s).
Other factors are the angle of rotation required and the precision (unless it's for continuous rotation).
Figure out the mounting first. Do not mount your tray/table directly to the motor shaft and bearing. The motor is there to turn the tray/table, not support it.