To select the appropriate hardware for controlling multiple stepper motors

[guvenk]

Hello;
We have designed a system consisting of both 8 and 12 stepper motors. Our goal is to ensure that each motor can operate independently and simultaneously when necessary. We believe it's essential for these motors to communicate with each other to ensure compatibility between various scenarios, such as taking action or stopping when the first motor reaches the 15th step.(or not needed)

We have already successfully implemented a 4-motor system using simplest hardware (Arduino Nano). In the product we plan to develop in the second phase, we anticipate the need to scale each system consisting of 8 or 12 motors as required, potentially reaching configurations of 32, 64, 128, 256, and more motors.

We hope you can assist us in meeting these requirements. Could you please recommend the appropriate hardware for our needs?

For a better understanding of our requestand system, we have provided a link below.

DNA Xs at World Defense Show - Fractal Systems

[awneil]

@guvenk

We have already successfully implemented a 4-motor system

So what have you used to do that?

Can't you just scale that?

As this is a commercial product development, will you be compensating people doing this work for you?

[guvenk]

We initially used the simplest Arduino Nano for four units, but it turned out to be unsuitable. We want to avoid any future issues. We won't be able to pay assistance with device selection, but we are willing to pay for help with writing the code.

[awneil]

@guvenk

We initially used the simplest Arduino Nano for four units

So what, exactly, did you try?

@guvenk

it turned out to be unsuitable

And in what way(s), exactly, was it "unsuitable"?

Without telling us that, you'll likely get suggestions that will be equally unsuitable!

You also need to give a lot more details - especially mechanical details like size, weight, etc.

@guvenk

anticipate the need to scale each system consisting of 8 or 12 motors as required, potentially reaching configurations of 32, 64, 128, 256, and more motors.

The description in your video says:

individual vertical totems each consisting of 12 horizontal slides of LED

So you have a basic unit of 12, and then you need someway to interconnect multiple units to form a display?

@guvenk

We won't be able to pay assistance with device selection

That's a key part of the project! - it seems a bit unreasonable to get people to do your work for you for free?
Will you Open-Source the design?

[guvenk]

@awneil

So what, exactly, did you try?

Arduino Nano Klon CH340-Arduino Nano - Shield

[guvenk]

@awneil

And in what way(s), exactly, was it "unsuitable"?

i mean for future applications

[guvenk]

@awneil

You also need to give a lot more details - especially mechanical details like size, weight, etc.

totem size will be 25x50cm or 50x50cm, we use 4.5nm step motor with 1:10 reducer + 2,25 pulley. The system on the bearing and you can turn the system 8-9 times with 1kg force.

[guvenk]

@awneil

So you have a basic unit of 12, and then you need someway to interconnect multiple units to form a display?

this can be 2-3 phase not now, market has special softwares for this

[guvenk]

@awneil

Will you Open-Source the design?

yes

[cedarlakeinstruments]

@guvenk

have already successfully implemented a 4-motor system

Is there any reason you can't take this 4-motor system and build multiple units, using RS485 to communicate between them?

[guvenk]

The device is very simple (for trying), and we can't trust it when there is more than one column. We believe that we will face communication problems. I don't know if RS485 is sufficient for the system's needs.
Even one column we wonder if we need 32bit or so.

[xfpd]

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