Hi all,
My first post:
I would like to set-up a (wired) remote control for my venetian blinds, that is; raise and lower, as well as control the angle of the blades, with two stepper motors.
Because I would only need to control the blinds a few times a day, I wonder if there is a way I can turn off the 2 stepper motors when not in use.
I was thinking of using a relay which could disconnect power immediately after execution of a blind-adjustment (but with continuous power to the arduino maintained at all times), and then, as soon as I move the pot or switch (which the Arduino would detect), the relay would restore power to the steppers. - Does this make sense, or would it be better to use servos?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated...
Thanks, and cheers from Australia
Rolfli
Perhaps you should tell us some details like which stepper motor,
which stepper motor driver, how they are powered, which library(s)
you are using (your code?)....
Most stepping motor drivers have an enable input so there would be no need for relays.
The only down size is that those is no torque when a motor is unpowered so it mist slip when you remove the power. Otherwise it is fine to do.
DC motors with a worm drive don't consume any power when not moving and the worm drive acts as a brake. Probably much cheaper than steppers as well.
...R
MarkT:
Perhaps you should tell us some details like which stepper motor,
which stepper motor driver, how they are powered, which library(s)
you are using (your code?)....
Thank you for the quick reply.
I have well over 100 "all sorts" stepper-motors (micro to very large, uni- and bi-polar). I haven't decided on a particular model yet. The same with regards to the library - that will probably depend on the motor(?). Power would be via dedicated regulated (12V) power-supply to motors, 6V regulated p/s to either the Arduino Uno or Mega (I might get a simpler version for this purpose). I would try and adjust the relevant code to include the necessary delays for the on/off relay, and of course, for the "pot/switch movement sensing-function".
I am aware that there are engage/disengage or attach/un-attach functions, but, I was told that they do NOT disconnect power to the stepper-motors, and that is my main issue.
Thanks again, and cheers...
Rolf
Rolfli:
I am aware that there are engage/disengage or attach/un-attach functions, but, I was told that they do NOT disconnect power to the stepper-motors, and that is my main issue.
If you already have the motors the quickest thing would be to write a short sketch and experiment. That is the essence of the Arduino system.
And please tell us the answer.
...R
, but, I was told that they do NOT disconnect power to the stepper-motors, and that is my main issue.
Who told you that rubbish? It might depend on how you define disconnect. But to me having no current draw is quite disconnected to me.