Selecting the right stepper motor - Torque test of Nema17 and geared Nema17

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  • Опубліковано 13 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 208

  • @bartevers1190
    @bartevers1190 5 років тому +254

    “The US is slowly moving towards de metric system. Inch by inch” 😂

    • @federicopinto5053
      @federicopinto5053 5 років тому +3

      Genius

    • @OBoss97
      @OBoss97 5 років тому +1

      😂😂😂😂😂

    • @starboy5935
      @starboy5935 4 роки тому +1

      Genius

    • @planktonfun1
      @planktonfun1 4 роки тому +1

      Remember the blunder where it cost a plane to crash because of the metric system? Probably not. Those who don't read history are bound to repeat it.

    • @rickybobbyracing9106
      @rickybobbyracing9106 4 роки тому +3

      I'm in the US and can't wait. Love America, but the imperial system is just a hassle. It's time for us to convert.

  • @raycodes7393
    @raycodes7393 6 років тому +57

    6:19 will forever stay in my heart.

    • @asquaregarden
      @asquaregarden 5 років тому +4

      I read the comment before and thought I was ready! Almost dropped my burger.Still laughing.

    • @joemulkerins5250
      @joemulkerins5250 4 роки тому +1

      😂

  • @kymcainday6677
    @kymcainday6677 2 роки тому +2

    I actually knew it was gonna happen, even before you put the weights, just by looking at the clamp, and I was thinking "what is this guy thinking, it was obvious it wasn't gonna hold the weight".. But that was a great demo. At least no foot was harmed.

  • @facuclop
    @facuclop 6 років тому +25

    Thanks, you make me laugh too much in a moment that i not spectate. Nice video. Thanks for share.

  • @ojatro
    @ojatro 6 років тому +21

    Great presentation, including the final fuck up, which added a nice touch to the video. Keep it up!

  • @marcus_w0
    @marcus_w0 5 років тому +17

    Wow! That was a ... nice(!?) video? You gotta have a look at your autofocus - use a fixed focus instead. Greetings from Germany - you just got a new subscription

  • @tllvllp
    @tllvllp 5 років тому +2

    Haha, great video! And actually the first useful one that I've found on the topic, thanks!

  • @Mike-lp4rs
    @Mike-lp4rs 4 роки тому

    6:18 sehr schön! xD
    Und direkt mal der Beweis, dass da einiges an Gewicht dran hängt.
    Und super Video!!

  • @easy_engineering_drawing
    @easy_engineering_drawing 4 роки тому

    Was searching this. Got this and understood clearly. Appreciate the Great work. Thanks a ton.

  • @zandervanderwatt3739
    @zandervanderwatt3739 2 роки тому

    Really great vid to demonstrate calculated concepts practically!

  • @diegogarrido6935
    @diegogarrido6935 5 років тому +8

    Awesome video! It would be interesting if u make some tests to analyse the Torque x RPM curve too

  • @andrewmagdaleno5417
    @andrewmagdaleno5417 5 років тому +2

    Loved the video!
    But yea, the autofocus was going crazy. I dont know how to fix that but i would love you to do more on motor reviews, part reviews and how to for diy projects! You earned another sub!

  • @truetech4158
    @truetech4158 6 років тому +22

    Lol, it was at this moment, that he realized, he fucked up.

  • @smilesmile787
    @smilesmile787 5 років тому +2

    Danke. where did you buy the 27:1 gearbox?

  • @flintindustries
    @flintindustries 3 роки тому

    This was great! Coming from a fellow beer fan lol. Earned yourself a sub!

  • @KlauV
    @KlauV 6 років тому +5

    That was awesome man! Made me laugh so hard! And thanks for the info!

  • @DIYMachines
    @DIYMachines 5 років тому

    Great video and information. Thank you.

  • @JohnJTraston
    @JohnJTraston 9 місяців тому

    That camera focus is wild

  • @vipulfpv
    @vipulfpv Рік тому

    Thanks for the best video every thing clear in 5 min
    Understand thanks again

  • @viyugunmj359
    @viyugunmj359 Рік тому

    Thank u for better practical explanation.

  • @MarkLee-z5j
    @MarkLee-z5j 11 днів тому

    TB6600 Torque... would the driver affect the torque output of the motor at all? We have an issue with a stepper motor application unable to drive an arm and I'm in the process of fitting a geared stepper motor instead. But supplier has said the TB6600 driver is not sufficient for the motor and we should be using a D652 driver instead. But my research shows D652 makes no difference to torque, it's all due to the current output regardless of the driver and that skipped steps (too fast) affects the motor too, again, regardless of the driver.

  • @travisgillespie2819
    @travisgillespie2819 5 років тому

    Thanks for the info. Great video. Loved your creativity + commentary 😂🤣😂

  • @CuddleStories
    @CuddleStories 5 років тому

    Bravo. Amazing explanation. Great for us beginners.

  • @joemulkerins5250
    @joemulkerins5250 4 роки тому

    😂 I f*n knew something was going to go! Was surprised at the motor power, well done, but my instincts told me something was guna happen. Funny one lads 😂

  • @mohamedghadi988
    @mohamedghadi988 2 роки тому

    Thank you for this presentation.

  • @MattSeals
    @MattSeals 5 років тому

    Sustain the great job and generating the crowd!

  • @prof.onkarsalavi7143
    @prof.onkarsalavi7143 3 роки тому

    good explanation of motor torque capacity. just can u make a video for holding torque once we switch of the power supply. NEMA 17 n NEMA 23

  • @DiscoverRajivVlogs
    @DiscoverRajivVlogs 5 років тому +1

    06:16 😉 this is why proper arrangement is necessary.

  • @probrosp
    @probrosp 5 років тому +5

    Nice video. I'm wondering how bad the backlash of the stepper with the gearbox is? This would drastically influence for example the precision of a robotic joint. Were you able to feel any backlash or did you measure it?

  • @SivanandaSaiChilukuri
    @SivanandaSaiChilukuri 4 роки тому +1

    Maybe if you'd sat a bit closer to the camera, the autofocus and the sound (low volume) would have both improved.

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  4 роки тому +1

      Hi, Thanks for your input! I am currently working on a better setup, so the next videos will be better :)

    • @SivanandaSaiChilukuri
      @SivanandaSaiChilukuri 4 роки тому +2

      @@labstream4122 👍🏼. I'm amazed you're still replying to comments on a two year old video. 😂

  • @exotime
    @exotime 3 роки тому

    Dude I almost choked on sushi , Twice , thanks to your dry ass humor. Well done.

  • @mckirkus
    @mckirkus 5 років тому +3

    Do you even manual focus Bro? Seriously though, great concept.

  • @TheCerberusInferno
    @TheCerberusInferno 5 років тому

    Thanks a lot for this video ! its very helpful my friend i understand now

  • @pratikbhagat1731
    @pratikbhagat1731 2 роки тому

    thanks for the testing video I need one help as i am unclear . I want to rotate the mechanical knob which need 5nm torque to rotate. which stepper motor i can use ? should i select the motor in accordance with the holding torque specification or something else. Kindly reply

  • @despicabledmitry
    @despicabledmitry Місяць тому

    What would hapen if motor is not powered. Or power breaks. Will the weight fall? As i understand powered motor keeps weight in place.

  • @romanovlogger5847
    @romanovlogger5847 4 роки тому +1

    Interesting experiment. However It would be also useful to measure the current draw by the motor to better assess the ability to lift within the rated current.

  • @sajivg3117
    @sajivg3117 10 місяців тому

    How did u make the lever that attaches to the shaft of the motor

  • @kyle_vr
    @kyle_vr 4 роки тому +1

    Hi there, does the distance of the string from the shaft make a difference to how much the motor can lift? I am interested in using a servo motor with a torque rating of 25 kg-cm to lift a mass of 450g, 20cm away. Could this work with a string or not?
    Thanks.

    • @deSpeyer
      @deSpeyer 4 роки тому +1

      As long as it hangs parallel to gravity it does not make a difference, the force 'pulling' on the shaft will be the Same regardless of the length. The motor you proposed seems fit for your application! May I ask what you plan on building?

    • @kyle_vr
      @kyle_vr 4 роки тому +1

      @@deSpeyer Hi there, I'm trying to make a device to pull someone's fingers open as they cannot do this themselves. Using the servo as a sort of precise winch I guess.
      Would it work horizontally?

    • @deSpeyer
      @deSpeyer 4 роки тому +1

      @@kyle_vr yes, this should work. Sounds like a very cool and important project! If I can be of any further help let me know (I am the guy from labstream, accidentally posted with my private account)

    • @kyle_vr
      @kyle_vr 4 роки тому

      @@deSpeyer Ok, thanks!

  • @HebertTema
    @HebertTema 6 років тому +1

    Great video...informative

  • @abdullahjhatial2614
    @abdullahjhatial2614 2 роки тому

    my stepper not lifting load having 10 cm link but roatate load if i place it on stepper shaft ? so why stepper is doing this

  • @nusermane1076
    @nusermane1076 2 роки тому

    Thank you for this good video!!!
    I have a motor with a holding torque of 4Nm here, according to your calculations this should lift 40kg at 1cm, correct?

  • @natalioramirez6240
    @natalioramirez6240 5 років тому

    So, if he had placed the weights at 1cm from the shaft; will the motor have no problem lifting the weight?

  • @piecheeseboy2222
    @piecheeseboy2222 2 роки тому

    Hi, does anyone know where that datasheet he referenced is located?

  • @SaeedAcronia
    @SaeedAcronia 4 роки тому

    Thanks but where do I get that black arm?

  • @harishrajamani4922
    @harishrajamani4922 5 років тому

    hi i need help , i have designed a door n weight is aprox 4Kg and i have installed 12.5kg stepper motor n its unable to open or close ????

  • @reamer59
    @reamer59 4 роки тому

    Nice work, thanks.

  • @bjornemmy
    @bjornemmy 4 роки тому

    Intresting video, I'm doing some research for a project and could use some help. I wanna use a stepper but the only way to get power to it would be a battery pack charge by solar or something like that. The torque of the 17 looks good but I might go for the 23 just to be sure... But I want to know... What kind of battery pack would I need to move 4 linear meters on full torque (worst case).

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  4 роки тому

      Hi Bjorn, that sounds interesting! Could you write an email to me, I can look it up tomorrow?

  • @abdulqadeer5012
    @abdulqadeer5012 4 роки тому

    Can you please answer this,
    If the stepper motor had lifted load to almost 90 deg and we lose the power will the motor rotates back to its 0 deg. position due to the gravity or it holds its position upon power loss.
    I want to use a non geared stepper motor in one of my project and i want a fail safe design which returns to its initial position upon power loss.
    Thanks in advance

    • @deSpeyer
      @deSpeyer 4 роки тому

      Hi Abdul, sadly, if the power is cut, the weight will pull down the lever again. You would need an additional mechanism to keep it in the 90 deg position on power-loss.

  • @ravindukathriarachchie5851
    @ravindukathriarachchie5851 5 років тому

    Appreciate your video, I am making a crane using a stepper motor. It works up and down perfectly. But I cannot pause in a position in between with A4988 driver, will this driver will do the task

  • @danielmalinici4111
    @danielmalinici4111 4 роки тому

    Thank you for the movie, I was hopping to see if the nema 17 kan lift up to 4kg? The movie sound is to low, if this kan help you in the future :-).

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  4 роки тому

      Hi, thanks a lot for your input! That depends on the NM it is able to produce. 0.4Nm of torque means it can move 4kg attached to a lever that is up to 1cm away from the shaft. However, for long-term operation it has to be checked how much radial load the motor can take. It might have to be decoupled from the load. I am currently looking for ideas for new videos. If you can provide more input on your specific usecase and its requirements, I can try to test it and make a video from it if you are interested?

  • @davidsirmons
    @davidsirmons 6 років тому

    I'm looking for peak torque from start, which steppers don't do, but servos will. Do you have any suggestions or places where I might find one making at least 4500rpm and at least 1lb-ft of torque? Any higher numbers of either one are preferred, but that is the absolute lowest I can allow. Please let me know if you can.

  • @WarlockSRB
    @WarlockSRB 3 роки тому

    ...love the meme :) nice video...
    Looking into stepper motors to make my cars tailgate automatic lift/close, still deciding between Nema17/23...
    Would like to see how much torque can stepper produce over the shaft?

  • @subhadas5922
    @subhadas5922 5 років тому

    Sir please reply me, I'm making a college project, CNC EDM , a screw have to rotate very small rpm , and it's lifting a weight 15+ kg which is attached with the nut , which type stepper motor is preferable in low budget...

  • @quangvannguyen9476
    @quangvannguyen9476 Рік тому

    you use votage 24 V? Please sent me to know

  • @imrekiss9534
    @imrekiss9534 4 роки тому

    It would be very good to know how much voltage was set in you power supply and how much current was set in your BL-TB6600-V1.2 driver?

    • @deSpeyer
      @deSpeyer 4 роки тому

      I do realize that, and I am already working on the next video, have also built a new and better contraption to test different motors, and will definitely use your feedback! If you can think of anything else that would be interesting please share and I will try my best to consider that in the next video!

    • @imrekiss9534
      @imrekiss9534 4 роки тому

      @@deSpeyer Thank you for your answer, I am really looking forward to watch the video.

  • @szulewsk
    @szulewsk 2 роки тому

    ...slowly moving towards the metric system... inch by inch :-)

  • @jerryocrow1
    @jerryocrow1 4 роки тому

    Unanswered questions (1): Was the slippage due to mechanical failure of the motor shaft to lever connection? (2) Was the slippage due to the motor being unable to lift (e.g. failed to maintain lift)? (3) Was the motor able to "hold" the weight? (4) What demonstrates the failure of the motor? (5) how to calculate which motor to choose for which weight.

  • @Brazzquez
    @Brazzquez 2 роки тому

    I would like you to give me the code to control the motor with the joystick

  • @menan2336
    @menan2336 5 років тому +1

    Hi Sir, I was planning to build a DIY 3DOF full motion for my flight simulator, the weight payload is about 150-200kls. Would you suggest what type of gear motor that fit my plan? Your comments are really much appreciated. Thanks in advance :)

  • @AJ-mw4nb
    @AJ-mw4nb 4 роки тому

    I want to use two stepper motors to power a wheelchair for a friend. He weights 90kg. Do you think the shaft of these motors can handle that amount of weight? Also I'm thinking of going for a Nema 34 just to be safe with the min. torque required for the job.

    • @deSpeyer
      @deSpeyer 4 роки тому

      Most probably not. I'd suggest to put the axle with the weels in bearings which can hold the weight and drive this axle using a belt or a chain

  • @tommytomtomtomestini3894
    @tommytomtomtomestini3894 3 роки тому

    BRO! Do you even level the audio?

  • @naveenreddy1010
    @naveenreddy1010 4 роки тому

    Nice Presentation

  •  4 роки тому

    Which brand did you test?

  • @nararguerrero9839
    @nararguerrero9839 3 роки тому

    Hi! Were they tested at full step?

  • @adi-dd4hz
    @adi-dd4hz 4 роки тому

    What stepper motor under 10$ will be good for robotic arm

  • @chethann1117
    @chethann1117 6 років тому

    MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAN IT LIFT
    PLEASE SUJEST ME TO USE A BEST STEPPER MOTAR FOR LIFT 30KG OF LOAD

  • @pablosqy
    @pablosqy 4 роки тому

    jajaja I think everybody lol at 6:19 thanks for the vid

  • @bo7047
    @bo7047 3 роки тому

    I would like to adjust the engine revs using various buttons, does anyone know if this is feasible?

  • @politicallyincorrect8121
    @politicallyincorrect8121 5 років тому

    so i need to lift 10cm 4kg , which means that the arm will be 5 cm long ... lol so nema 17 is not the good choice .. wth motor i need ? could you help ? If i calculated it right i need 1.96 Nm . so nema 23 which has 2.2 Nm should be ok ???

  • @proges
    @proges 4 роки тому

    I'm here because I'm asking myself a question, is it really necessary to have nema 23 for a CNC?
    taking into account that they only have to move an engine on axles made of aluminum ...
    can nema 17 have enough strength to mill brass, copper, aluminum etc in complete tranquility?

  • @PeTi1201
    @PeTi1201 5 років тому

    I use a NEMA17 with 0,59Nm and when I mount a simple RC wheel the motor slips. No force to move my robot car :(
    I use the A4988 Driver. In so many projects the steppers looks so strong.

  • @3DPrintedEngineer
    @3DPrintedEngineer 2 роки тому

    how much power does a typical nema 17 stepper motor require?

  • @Scratchy8644
    @Scratchy8644 6 років тому

    How strong would be a nema 23 56mm with 10:1 gearbox? Im wondering if its strong enough for my project

  • @calvinbarajas5144
    @calvinbarajas5144 5 років тому

    Sehr gut, vielen Dank!!

  • @masoudkuwait
    @masoudkuwait 5 років тому

    Thank you. Really good vedio ⚘

  • @garudakurt5166
    @garudakurt5166 3 роки тому

    is this capable of controlling this using arduino or raspberry pi microcontroller

  • @dimitristripakis7364
    @dimitristripakis7364 3 роки тому

    Could the stepper motor be "inversed" into an input device ? Meaning you turn the motor manually and read the position (angle) from a computer program. (This could be useful to build an "input puppet", posed manually. Then the pose will be duplicated into a larger/stronger device).

    • @zedmeinhardt3404
      @zedmeinhardt3404 Рік тому

      For anyone reading this question 2 years later, you can just use potentiometers in the input joints to get analog readouts, run-through arduino and get your angle.

  • @2asd1asd2
    @2asd1asd2 5 років тому

    The higher the gear ratio the higher the torque? If I switch from a nema17 with a 10:1 to a 20:1 does the torque double? And if I choose a 100:1, is it 10 times higher?

    • @Odd_Taxi_epi04
      @Odd_Taxi_epi04 5 років тому

      Theoretically yes at the slowest speed. But due to the higher rpm necessary for rotating at the same speed at 100:1 reduction, and the drop in torque for stepper motors as you go higher rpm, it will probably not be so linear for many applications. You also need to check the maximum torque the gears itself can sustain before breaking.

  • @fatherboard1252
    @fatherboard1252 3 роки тому

    The disclaimer at the end: No motors or microcontrollers has been harmed during taking of this movie... You made me laugh a lot.
    I am also curious what voltage did you supply to the driver for achieving this, is it 12v, 24v, 36 or something else?

  • @wayneflint8077
    @wayneflint8077 6 років тому +1

    So what could I lift with a ratio of 50:1? Building an auger.

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  6 років тому +1

      I found a 50:1 Nema17 online, it's datasheet states 15Nm -> 1500 N-cm -> nearly 153 kg-cm.

    • @wayneflint8077
      @wayneflint8077 6 років тому

      Thank you that is good starting point. That is more than I thought!

  • @obe22099
    @obe22099 3 роки тому

    6:20 That's my default brain setting. I'm more likey to break something than fix it.

  • @rkaid7
    @rkaid7 6 років тому +1

    What kinda of secret tech is that nano? redaction attempts at 3:38 ?!!?!? ;)

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  6 років тому

      Haha, I did not notice that during the final edit :) This is another failed attempt of Pinnacle at tracking an object to have text beside it :)

  • @GaneshHosur97
    @GaneshHosur97 6 років тому

    How do you distinguish between geared and non geared version of this motor just by looking at it?

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  6 років тому +1

      The gears have their own housing (gearbox), which is usually placed between the motor itself and the output shaft. These housings add additional height and usually look different than the stepper-housing itself. If you look in 0:30 at the lower left, you can see two stepper motors. The left-most is the only geared version in this video.

    • @GaneshHosur97
      @GaneshHosur97 6 років тому +1

      @@labstream4122 oh wow got it! Thank you so much!!! 👍👍👍

  • @pamelamunoz3320
    @pamelamunoz3320 5 років тому

    hello, could you tell me were to find the programming code for the stepp motor?

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  5 років тому

      Hi, the arduino-code is here: github.com/Labstream/episode_torque/blob/master/tb6600_joystick.ino. I have been using a joystick to control the stepper, but of course you can customize it to your needs.

  • @sabinocruz9954
    @sabinocruz9954 4 роки тому

    Hi could you share the arduino program?

  • @Mazen_mo
    @Mazen_mo 8 місяців тому

    what is the 0.36 Nm?

  • @shanukajothirathne4267
    @shanukajothirathne4267 4 роки тому

    hey can you help me to find motor for my project, i need motor which can push the car break paddle need 4kg to start to push it and need 8kg to push completly can you suggest matching motor for this

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  4 роки тому +1

      This sounds like an interesting project :) I can try to help! How would you want to move the pedal? With a lever? How long does it need to be? How deep does the pedal need to be pressed?

    • @shanukajothirathne4267
      @shanukajothirathne4267 4 роки тому

      @@labstream4122 4.5cm it will move to applying fully break , this the length move ,

    • @shanukajothirathne4267
      @shanukajothirathne4267 4 роки тому

      @@labstream4122 i try to use flexible connection (like cable or wire ) between motor and paddle , because it free to if driver need also he can manual control the break paddle push .. this connection help to both motor and driver can control the paddle ,

    • @shanukajothirathne4267
      @shanukajothirathne4267 4 роки тому

      @@labstream4122 15sec enough hold the break paddle , motor axel and paddle connect with wire and after motor rotate, cable roll around motor axel , and paddle will pull to down

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  4 роки тому

      @@shanukajothirathne4267 If you want to move 8kg, we are searching for a motor with roughly 1Nm torque - that would give us the ability to move approx. 10kg with a lever (or in your case - a wire) up to 1cm away from the motor axle. I have seen some Nema17 that claim that they provide 1Nm of torque, but never had one of these here. A Nema23 would probably be a safer bet. If you really plan to put this in a car, space might become an issue, though? And what are your requirements on the speed - how fast should it be able to pull?

  • @dawsonbaker5135
    @dawsonbaker5135 6 років тому

    What camera is being used for this test? The constant refocus makes me think it may be a Surface webcam.

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  6 років тому

      This was a Nikon D5000, I noticed too late that the autofocus is horrible. All videos after that I took with fixed focus. I am still searching for a good (and cheap) DSLR with better autofocus..

  • @mariogarabetov500
    @mariogarabetov500 3 роки тому

    Good video, but use manual focus on your camera

  • @sharppixpencilart
    @sharppixpencilart 10 місяців тому

    Exactly experiment ❤

  • @Ashishchabha
    @Ashishchabha 4 роки тому

    Interesting demonstration brother...

  • @olusanyatodd4083
    @olusanyatodd4083 4 роки тому +2

    :( This video looked like what I was looking for but I'll never know cuz I cant hearrrrr

  • @Aerox90
    @Aerox90 4 роки тому

    I want to make an "elevator" at the end of my bed, that can lift a 60" LCD TV (I don't know the exact weight). But I don't want to spend more than $350~400 on motors... or miss the show while the TV is being lifted... xD
    Any suggestions? 🙂

    • @anupamchawaria939
      @anupamchawaria939 4 роки тому

      Get an electric linear actuator of desired stroke.That will be simple and easy.

    • @Amit-sp4qm
      @Amit-sp4qm 4 роки тому

      What height does the tv has to be lifted?
      One way is to make a scissor lift mechanism ..
      Also try car wiper or car window motor (used probably) .. or some other motor ..
      Also add end switches for safety ..

  • @Justsayin71
    @Justsayin71 2 роки тому

    you have to put your camera focus to manual but im sure you know that by now

  • @yuanyuanwang7868
    @yuanyuanwang7868 6 років тому

    may I ask if there has the 3d model of this d shaft level we can download?

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  6 років тому

      Hi, sure, I just added them to the github repo, you can find stl and scad files here: github.com/Labstream/episode_torque/tree/master/torque_tester

    • @yuanw5647
      @yuanw5647 6 років тому +1

      Thanks! you are the best!!! @@labstream4122

  • @laserr10000000
    @laserr10000000 5 років тому

    use manual focus or single servo

  • @mm168mm8
    @mm168mm8 5 років тому

    hope your motor is fine ...

  • @udkr6944
    @udkr6944 5 років тому

    The moment he fuck#d up was soo funny, good video mate, thank you mate

  • @Dallas1998
    @Dallas1998 3 роки тому

    thank you for the video

  • @HooPhartd
    @HooPhartd 6 років тому

    First, let me say that I am very new to this world and have little understanding of electronics BUT I am learning. I am looking for a very basic controller setup. My original intention was to purchase a TB6600 driver, a Nema 17 stepper motor and some kind of stand alone controller that will remotely turn a variable vacuum capacitor being used in a tuning network for a mag loop antenna. All I need to control is the SPEED (fast for coarse and slow for fine tuning), DIRECTION and possibly some way to create (virtual) END STOPS to avoid damaging the cap (replacement value of $200@) and stressing the motor. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks.

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  6 років тому

      Hi Jack, that sounds like a very interesting project! I know next to nothing about mag loop antenna tuning networks. Do you know how much torque and rpm you need for this usecase?

    • @HooPhartd
      @HooPhartd 6 років тому

      Lab Stream My understanding from others is that a mid-sized Nema 17 @ 24 vdc should provide more than enough torque to turn the spindle on a vacuum cap. That type of cap is in a sealed glass tube and looks similar in size and appearance to a typical large radio tube you might see in a high power transmitter. It has a sort of bellows that takes about 40 odd turns to go from minimum to maximum capacitance. Another (cheaper) option is a standard AIR variable cap (has the typical aluminum fins in a butterfly design) will also do the job but may require a bit more torque to turn if it's rated for higher power (over 100 watts). Precision ($$) tend to move with less effort. I prefer to go with the vacs if I am going to spend the money. Otherwise, you will need to periodically have to lubricate and adjust tension to keep them moving smoothly. Since the antenna may be located outside in the elements it makes sense to go with a sealed capacitor. Enough of that. I guess what I want to determine is whether there is a cheaper setup with a smaller footprint that will do the relatively simple(?) job as I had previously described. On/Off, Fast/Slow, CW/CCW. The bonus would be the ability to program the controller to keep track of the number of rotations in order to set end limits and possibly stops along the way like channels on your car radio (for example, 18.5 rotations is good for freq. 7.150 MHz, etc.). At the moment I am looking at a single axis drive and some kind of programmable single axis controller. I would be happier if I could purchase or make (pretty scary kids) the component. It will reside in the "shack" while the tuning network is mounted at the loop. That is about it!

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  6 років тому

      @@HooPhartd That should totally be possible from the component side (TB6600, Nema17, small Microcontroller (Arduino Nano v3 for example), and a sufficient power source). If you want a smaller footprint, you could also go with one of the stepper drivers used in 3d printers, or an L298D, but for these options you would have to solder some additional components and terminals yourself.

    • @HooPhartd
      @HooPhartd 6 років тому

      ​@@labstream4122 I am not bad with a soldering gun. Unfortunately, I would need to find specific instructions for the build. I have a 100 ft of Belden 18 gauge 8 conductor wire for the rotator control (requires 3 wires). That will leave me with 5 wires for the controller/driver to the stepper motor. I am hoping to get the 24 vdc supply along with the motor controls in to a reasonably sized project box to be located at the radio and another weather tight box to contain the stepper and capacitor, out at the antenna. Can you tell me more about how the stepper driver used for 3D printers would suit my needs. Better yet. Can you provide a link or even the appropriate search terms to get the info? I will locate more info on the L298D that you had mentioned. As I said, I'm not afraid to solder some components together if I can find some specific instructions on the project.

    • @labstream4122
      @labstream4122  6 років тому

      @@HooPhartd I think a great starting point would be this: howtomechatronics.com/tutorials/arduino/how-to-control-stepper-motor-with-a4988-driver-and-arduino/. The A4988 is a relative cheap controller used in a lot of 3d printers, and the wiring needed is even less than I initially thought. The linked page also provides some basic arduino code.