I'm designing a system using two stepper motors that will need to be controlled independently as each motor performs a separate function. I have some prior experience using DC motors and ESCs but I'm new to using stepper motors and drivers. we plan to use an Arduino as the controller.
Please see the sketch of the system and components selected.
Controller Arduino
Motor 1 AZM46 AOC LPE40 GEARED STEPPER MOTOR
Motor 2 AZM14AK, 0.79 in. (20mm) Stepper Motor with Absolute Mechanical Encoder
Driver AZD AEP AZ SERIES ETHERNET STEPPER MOTOR DRIVER
Motor 1 needs to be controlled as one function (red arrows) and move the load to a position on the linear track set by the proximity sensor. Motor 2 needs to be controlled as a second function (blue arrows) and moves to a position set by an inclinometer.
For example user selects function 1 = motor 1 moves to proximity sensor. User selects function 2 = motor 2 moves to position determined by inclinometer
My question is can both motors be controlled by one driver? or does each motor/function require a driver?
Thanks for your reply much appreciated. So each motor needs a driver and both drivers are controlled via the Arduino. Is that correct? A diagram on the motor supplier site shows a controller and a programable controller. I'm guessing the programable controller is the Arduino so is an additional controller required?
Yes I've had a look at the documents which are mostly about mounting etc. From my understanding each motor has one driver a controller sends a signal to the drivers.
Basically what we want is a system whereby a handheld remote can control function one and function two independently with separate buttons.
The truth is you will not get an answer from anyone on the Arduino forum because there is no available documentation on how the devices communicate or are controlled. So, if the company will NOT provide the information and you are determined to proceed, you will have to purchase the equipment and get it running using the factory equipment. Only then can you begin to research the way the factory equipment interfaces and see if you can duplicate that with an Arduino.
Good luck with the project. Have you approached the company for help?
Thanks again, I'll try contact the company however they are not easy to reach. the product documentation has this diagram for DC operation. Looking at this I get the impression it is intended to be used with a buildings network and be controlled via a fixed terminal or PC.
This wouldn't be suitable for out application as we need a portable system controlled via a remote. Perhaps I'm wrong would be interested to hear peoples opinion.
From my understanding I my circuit should be as follows.
Arduino(or similar controller) + motor driver + stepper motor
One of the motors you have selected is AC and the other is DC. So you will need to completely different drivers for each motor and a DC power supply for the DC motor.
Is there a reason why you chose one AC and the other DC?
Sorry that's a mistake on my part the correct motor is DC Input AZ Series 1.65 in., Stepper Motor with Absolute Encoders, AZM46AK-PS5. both motors are DC.
So from my understanding each motor needs a driver and a programable logic controller? then these are both controlled through the Arduino which itself would be ultimately controlled via the remote control by the user
I suspect we have an X-Y situation here. You are selecting components that are typically used in fixed installation industrial controls. It would help if you described the application in more detail. You appear to be guessing what components are suitable, and we are guessing what your application might be.
What does "portable" mean here, and how does that affect the solution?
What does "remote" mean here, and how does that affect the solution?
An Arduino can control motors, do you even need the PLC?
Yes sure, it is a portable hoist system composed of two rails. The diagram shows one rail (both are identical). Each rail will have one motor to drive a jackscrew that will be used to auto level the system (blue arrows on my diagram) then a linear drive system to move a load to a predetermined point (red arrows on my diagram). The system isn't a fixed install its a set up/pack away portable device. We would like it to be controlled via a wireless remote control.
This I the first time I've used stepper motors so I'm a little unsure as to what components I require. I know each motor needs a driver and possibly a PLC. Both rails must be controlled together via a hand held remote control for example a simple remote with 4 buttons one for Y axis auto level function, one for X axis final position and two for manual fine adjustment in either direction on X axis. hope that clears up the overall system. I'm unable to share any detailed CAD or drawings.
Thanks for the advice. So as I understand it if I use lets say the AZD-K driver then the controller is the Arduino. I know each motor would have its own driver but would one Arduino be able to control both functions like this sketch? Thanks again for the help
Thanks a lot that's really helpful, much appreciated. The remote is still under consideration although it will most likely be some kind of off the shelf industrial transmitter/receiver system for cranes like from this site.
I think I'll be visiting some suppliers for the remote control but that is to be detailed at a later date. Of course, so far the plan is to use a battery back for the power supply. Thanks again for all the help. I'm sure I'll be back on the forum later with more questions
There are two stepper motors for the X axis (one on each rail) These must by in sync. The Y axis motors do not need to be in sync as each one is to level its rail only as is independent of the other rail.
My understanding was the controller will send a number of pulses to each motor driver and that will determine the amount of steps and therefore the distance travelled. Which would be the same for both X axis motors.
This is actually another point I was going to ask about. Would we require some type of sensor to feedback the position of the load to the drivers/Arduino to ensure they remain in sync?
