Hi
I am trying to figure out how to connect parts to a stepper motor. The shaft of the motor I have seems to have a standard head with teeth. Is there some kind of standard bolt or clamp that makes it possible to connect other parts to these motors? I am trying to create a lazy Susan spinning table and I need to figure out how to connect the motor to the ball Bering assembly of the table.
I think these motors are pretty standard but you can see them here:
Thanks,
Fred
I answered my own question. I found what is called a 'metal servo horn' with a standard Servo Erector Set hole pattern.
That sounds perfect. I figure I can connect the motor to the horn and then connect the horn to the ball bearing assembly.
?? Isn't the little gear supposed to drive the teeth on larger gear mounted horizontally next to it, to make the larger one spin slowly or incrementally as the small one turns for example?
Here's some pictures as an example, these are RC related, but it shows the concept.
I answered my own question. I found what is called a 'metal servo horn' with a standard Servo Erector Set hole pattern.
So what makes you think that a servo horn tooth pattern and size will fit the stepper shaft gear? There are actually two servo tooth patterns.
Hmmmm. Good question Zoomcat. I will need to look at the datasheet for the motor and then find the correct horn. At least now I know the term 'horn'. Or am I totally off base. Any other ideas?
CrossRoads:
?? Isn't the little gear supposed to drive the teeth on larger gear mounted horizontally next to it, to make the larger one spin slowly or incrementally as the small one turns for example?Here's some pictures as an example, these are RC related, but it shows the concept.
Thanks Crossroads. It would figure that it is not as simple as just connecting the shaft to the part that needs to rotate. Any thoughts on what I would Google to learn about these gear assemblies?
CrossRoads:
Here's some pictures as an example, these are RC related, but it shows the concept.
How can I see the pictures Crossroads.
freddyk:
CrossRoads:
?? Isn't the little gear supposed to drive the teeth on larger gear mounted horizontally next to it, to make the larger one spin slowly or incrementally as the small one turns for example?Here's some pictures as an example, these are RC related, but it shows the concept.
Thanks Crossroads. It would figure that it is not as simple as just connecting the shaft to the part that needs to rotate. Any thoughts on what I would Google to learn about these gear assemblies?
Umm - they're gears; you're going to need to know a bit of information in order to find matching gears that will mate with the one on the motor (mainly pitch - see Gear - Wikipedia). That's assuming it's a standard pinion spur, and not something custom made for the manufacturer for an OEM part or some such strangeness...
You'd probably be better off purchasing (or building) a miniature gear-puller to remove the gear on the shaft, then using a small shaft-coupler (which may have to be machined to fit) to connect it to whatever you want to actuate. Believe me, you aren't anywhere near ready to build a geared drive-train for that motor.
Another possible option would be to remove the gear (once again, using a small gear puller) and brazing (or maybe - maybe - epoxying - but brazing would be better) a custom "control horn" or other control arm made from sheet brass (or brass rod) to the gear (assuming the gear is brass, which it looks to be). You might even be able to solder it, but you'll want to use some high-temp solder for a stronger bond (brazing would be better, though).
You might also look into using miniature timing belts and sprockets; such components are easier to build with in some cases...
Finally - for the gears, shaft couplers, sprockets, etc - you might be able to find something at the following places:
http://www.smallparts.com/
http://www.sdp-si.com/index.asp
There are also places online to find custom-made as well as standard gears - look up "gear and sprocket manufacturer" and "gear and sprocket vendor"; just be aware that such gears won't be cheap (and to get them cheap - or sometimes to get them at all - you must order a minimum quantity; typically 25 to 50 units). The only other possibility is to start scrounging gears from cast-off devices like printers and copiers, or search the surplus market and hope you find something that matches...
cr0sh:
Umm - they're gears;
Thanks so much cr0sh. It is clear that I have a lot to figure out (most of it in fact) but you just gave me a ton of hints. Sometimes it is just a matter of knowing what you are looking for. Thanks for taking the time to give me some leeds.
Fred
Sorry, I forgot to paste in the link to what I had found:
http://servocity.com/html/spg425a-4_3_360o_rotation.html
Lot of neat stuff at this site, think I got a little distracted!
I am trying to create a lazy Susan spinning table and I need to figure out how to connect the motor to the ball Bering assembly of the table.
If the motor is to sit directly under the center of the lazy susan and drive it from there, you probably can make a shaft adapter. I'd look for soft rubber or plastic tubing that can be snugly pushed over the gear. The other end of the tubing can be attached to a disk or similar that attaches to the bottom of the lazy susan. Don't pull the gear off the shaft as it is difficult to get something else to grip on the small shaft. An adapter might also be made from a small dowell section and heat shrink tubing to grip to the gear.
Thanks zoomkat. I had hoped for a solution along those lines. The plastic tubing idea might be perfect. I will let you know what I come up with.
CrossRoads:
Sorry, I forgot to paste in the link to what I had found:http://servocity.com/html/spg425a-4_3_360o_rotation.html
Lot of neat stuff at this site, think I got a little distracted!
Thanks CrossRoads. Nice looking stuff. I hope to keep this current project a little simpler than that but when the inevitable over engineering starts up I will know where to start.
How big and how heavy of a lazy susan disk are you turning?
Direct drive from the servo you showed may not be possible, a geared down solution may be required.
It is going to be a wooden disk that will have to hold around 7 pounds. I will be using use an Arduino to control it. I need to do some more research and see if I can find some projects online that are similar.
MAybe some parts here
http://servocity.com/html/mechanicals___accessories.html
Or maybe mount the servo so the gear sits under the egde of the disk and uses a wheel
http://servocity.com/html/servo_wheels__direct_mount_.html
to make the disk spin.
Thanks for the ideas CrossRoads!