Arduino Software and Hardware Project Series
Details
This Meeting: (Arduino)
Lesson 5: Review what we learned in lesson 5. Investigate the operation of our cheap servo motor. Start on Lesson 6.
Notes from Wiki ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servomotor )
The first servomotors were developed with synchros (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchro) as their encoders.[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servomotor#cite_note-3) Much work was done with these systems in the development ofradar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar) and anti-aircraft artillery (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-aircraft_artillery) during World War II (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II).
Simple servomotors may use resistive potentiometers as their position encoder. These are only used at the very simplest and cheapest level, and are in close competition with stepper motors. They suffer from wear and electrical noise in the potentiometer track. Although it would be possible to electrically differentiate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differentiator) their position signal to obtain a speed signal, PID controllers that can make use of such a speed signal generally warrant a more precise encoder.
"simplest and cheapest" certainly describes our fearless GPB.
Last Meeting:
Lesson 5: Completed servo control circuit wiring and software. Worked on hardware checkout. Implemented variations in software and review the results vs. expected results.
Our objective is to be a resource for people that enjoy technology. Today there is an amazing amount of information available. We want to facilitate/mentor those that have a thirst for knowledge (and enjoy the process).
Membership is open to all and free. Members are offered our entire library of learning materials. We have a broad series of subjects we have had fun with including Op-amps, (We built our own 3 mode controller), NE555 circuits (timers, drives etc), stepper motor controls (built our own controller), drives (Built our own DC drive), transistor theory, Electricity and more.
We encourage questions about any subject and help direct members to appropriate materials or training. We regularly encourage/supplement self training and seek facilitators.