I have built a camera tripod pan/tilt mechanism, remote controlled via Bluetooth from an Android app. Uno R3, HC-06 BT module, 2 x 28BYJ-48 stepper motors with ULN2003 controllers. I have a 4 way USB mains adapter with cables providing power to camera, Uno and each motor controller, and this will work from a couple of USB power banks. This all works fine but it's messy and I want to shrink it to the minimum, but I am confused by the amount of boards/breadboard option etc. Is there a way I could make this smaller/neater without soldering please?
I'm surpriced that the USB power is enough for the steppers. Maybe You have checked the need for current.
As the Arduino outputs does not handle currents larger than 20 mA drivers are needed.
Surely the big UNO can be replaced by another Arduino, maybe a Mini or Micro. (I use UNOs only so far)
Is there a way I could make this smaller/neater without soldering please?
You might want to take a look at an ESP32 development board with USB interface. The built in classic bluetooth will replace the HC06, and the board will be able to drive the ULN2003 controllers.
DavePreston:
without soldering please?
If you are capable of making something like that, this sounds a pretty unreasonable ask. So why don't you take a deep breath, bight the bullet, buy a soldering iron, and clean up this mess in a sensible manner? This will enable you to then simply replace the Uno you are currently using with a Pro Mini - at a cost of about $2. it is the same as a Uno but about 1/5 the size, i.e. slightly smaller than your HC-06. No changes to software required.
I believe you can use your Uno to programme a Pro Mini, or you can get a USB>TTL adapter - also $2.
Railroader:
I'm surpriced that the USB power is enough for the steppers. Maybe You have checked the need for current.
As the Arduino outputs does not handle currents larger than 20 mA drivers are needed.
Surely the big UNO can be replaced by another Arduino, maybe a Mini or Micro. (I use UNOs only so far)
Each motor driver has it's own USB power supply, which works fine. I am assuming I can replace it with a smaller board but was hoping someone may advise on which is best and maybe a better way of connecting them
cattledog:
You might want to take a look at an ESP32 development board with USB interface. The built in classic bluetooth will replace the HC06, and the board will be able to drive the ULN2003 controllers.
I's thought the ESP32 were just WiFi, and as the camera uses WiFi direct I don't think I can connect using WiFi That looks a good option, if there is a way of connecting without soldering?
Nick_Pyner:
If you are capable of making something like that, this sounds a pretty unreasonable ask. So why don't you take a deep breath, bight the bullet, buy a soldering iron, and clean up this mess in a sensible manner? This will enable you to then simply replace the Uno you are currently using with a Pro Mini - at a cost of about $2. it is the same as a Uno but about 1/5 the size, i.e. slightly smaller than your HC-06. No changes to software required.I believe you can use your Uno to programme a Pro Mini, or you can get a USB>TTL adapter - also $2.
Thank you, I was looking for a more compact and tidier way of achieving it, but this is a means to an end and my previous soldering attempts have not been good, which is why I asked about doing it another way.
Big Clive made a good video on learning to solder which may be of interest:
I think you will struggle without doing any soldering and so it's well worth having another try. The main thing is getting some decent solder and melting the solder on to the component you are soldering rather than on to the soldering iron.
Like any other skill, soldering takes a bit of practice. Surprisingly little practice, though, so keep at it.
Soldering is the only way to make circuits reliable. These prototyping PCBs are just about perfect for small Arduino projects.
Five phase stepper driver:
Good soldering iron makes a HUGE difference.
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