Uno build w/ multiple steppers,12V solenoid, one power source

[tangoE3]

The Objective
My goal is to control 2 steppers and a water solenoid with an Arduino Uno. I need to actuate the normally closed solenoid for 900-2900ms, move stepper 'A' 90 degrees CCW, then move and hold stepper 'B' at ~35 degrees for a few ms then return to its previous position, then return stepper 'A' back 90 degrees CW. I don't want these actions to loop. I want all this to run only one time, every time the Uno powers up.

I want to use this build plugged into a free receptacle in a smart outlet I use because I can easily incorporate the receptacle into an already existing routine of mine. This means that the Uno would have power cut on and off all the time. I don't anticipate my code needing to be written to EEPROM or anything like that but please advise if this method is problematic.

Technical Experience
Just trying to paint a better picture of my understanding and shortcomings. This will be my first microcontroller project, and honestly, I don't totally know what I'm doing. My familiarity with coding is just a few useless courses in HTML/CSS. I'm more than competent at soldering. I've set up a rpi for use with 3d printers and maybe 4 conventional CNC boards but those were mostly plug-and-play operations. I have never really had any experience sourcing small components.

Hardware Talk - Help Needed
I haven't purchased any components as of yet; I wanted to get some input first and maybe catch a bad decision before I build around it in CAD.

I had the Arduino Uno R3 SMD on my buy list, but I held off because I saw a Kuman Uno R3 + CNC shield + A4988 drivers sort of bundle. Is this a good/viable option to achieve what I want to achieve? It looks decent to me, but I'll concede to yalls more experienced opinions if you've got 'em. (I don't want to run Grbl btw.)

I've seen people convert 28BYJ-48 steppers to work with A4988 drivers for use in a CNC shield, but I assume it's likely for a mini CNC, so please advise if this would not be ok for my objective. (I'm aware Vref needs to be adjusted on A4988 drivers)

If I go the CNC shield route, how can I also use a solenoid? Could I commandeer like the spot for a Z axis and use it for the solenoid? Or is it better to forgo the shield entirely?

I was hoping to use a 12v solenoid like this one because it has a pretty high-pressure rating. The solenoid being 1/4" tube compatible is mission critical.

Also, I would like to have just one physical plug for the whole build. Is this naive? Is there a breakout board of sorts that could give the Arduino, shield*/ steppers, and solenoid their power? I'm not dead set on using a shield, just I don't understand how I could go about conveniently and compactly powering a pair of ULN2003 drivers and steppers - please enlighten me if this is more possible or better than the shield.

Please advise. Many thanks in advance yall

[lastchancename]

You seem to be heading in the right direction.

The choices are many, but where you are can certainly work.

The biggest challenges will be organising power and ensuring the drivers can run the motors you choose.
The things to keep track of are voltage and current, so you have enough of both at the right place and time.

The code isn’t too hard for what you’ve stated, but is interesting enough to keep a beginner busy!
Before starting, draw out a block diagram to ensure you’ve covered everything, then a more detailed schematic, showing pins etc. that you can refer to while building and debugging.

With the software, just ease in slowly… make one thing work until you understand it, then progress into more functionality.

Remember, delay() is not your friend beyond a blinking LED. play with millis() to improve performance and responsiveness.

good luck!

[TomGeorge]

Hi, @tangoE3

What do the steppers operate?

What is the application?

Thanks Tom..

[tangoE3]

Thanks for the pointers and quick response! I'm particularly concerned with organizing power at the moment. Anything you could recommend about that?

[tangoE3]

The steppers move some parts in an assembly, and the solenoid will go plumbed into a carbon filter system, the assembly ultimately makes coffee. It's sort of a present to my Pops, so he can be able to make coffee on his way home completely unplanned, as opposed to a regular smart coffee machine where you have to keep water and coffee grounds and filters in the machine at all times.