Stepper motor with lead screw to open and close

Projects General Guidance
1

I have a project in mind that will fold and unfold a small solar array using a steppermotor,lead screw and some limit switches. I know basic coding for arduino...real basic. The concept is very easy for me to visualize but I have no clue were to start with the hardware and programming. I assume I need a stepper driver or something of the sorts. All i want is the stepper motor to do is spin 1 way hit a limit switch stop and then spin the other way hit a limit switch and stop. In the long run I would like to have a photo sensor start the motion open when it receives light and trigger the close motion when there is no light. In words its easy but I'm not adept enough with the hardware or programming to complete this task. Please point me in the right direction. Thank you. DJ

2

DJSterrett:
I have a project in mind that will fold and unfold a small solar array using a steppermotor,lead screw and some limit switches. I know basic coding for arduino...real basic. The concept is very easy for me to visualize but I have no clue were to start with the hardware and programming. I assume I need a stepper driver or something of the sorts. All i want is the stepper motor to do is spin 1 way hit a limit switch stop and then spin the other way hit a limit switch and stop. In the long run I would like to have a photo sensor start the motion open when it receives light and trigger the close motion when there is no light. In words its easy but I'm not adept enough with the hardware or programming to complete this task. Please point me in the right direction. Thank you. DJ

If all you want it to do is open fully to hit a limit switch and to close fully and hit a second limit switch, then a reversible DC motor connected to your lead screw is easiest. A lead screw is also overkill for this project. A simple threaded rod will do the job. Either will need a nut on the screw. A lead screw would need a nut with the correct shaped thread, but a threaded rod will use a common threaded nut.

If the mechanism is out in the weather, stainless steel is best. The threaded rod or lead screw will need occasional greasing that will not wash off.

Perhaps a drawing of what you are planning would help us both.

Paul

3

You are describing a "linear actuator", which are available commercially, but are easy to make from a D.C. motor, a nut and a piece of cheap threaded rod.

I normally don't recommend Instructables, but here is a pretty decent DIY article showing the details.