Anamatronics circuit builders?

[Gigatrix]

Ok so I have this flow chat I made (took me a while, I had to dig out all my high school IT knowledge) for what I want to do. I have the time interval in seconds in white, the LED's in light green, the motor in yellow, the servos in red and the solenoid in dark green. I see absolutely what you say xl97 that you cant call them 3 servos but to explain the movement they are grouped in their pairs and labelled A, B, and C and the lowercase i and o means the 'prongs' move in or out. I have also labelled that movement as a value of 1 or 1.5 as a unit as i don't yet know how much the 'prongs' yet move and would i be right in saying that I can adjust the timing and brightness and movement of all components anyway so this all doesn't have to be truly set in concrete? I would also ask you if you can see any issues with any of the components I have wish listed just so I don't buy a wrong component.

 

[xl97]

Sorry.. that just made things 100 times harder to understand.

And yes, (normally) in the code you can adjust the angle of the servos.. and the time leds and things are on/off.

* I still cant grasp what the extra set of servos does/will do (nor why they are needed)


I started a nice number list above:

1.) on switch starts the prop.. and hence, the code on the board....
----- which fade 50% leds in barrel... then full 100% brightness.. then back to 50% brightness..
2.) a blue switch that when pressed 'retracts' the barrel... then plays some leds animation/routine (how/when does the barrel go 'back'? what triggers the solenoid to move the other direction? hi moves one way? low moves another? what makes it stop?.. questions.. questions.. )

3.) an orange switch that does the above.. but use orange leds? or changes RGB leds to orange? (no clue.. leds unspecified)

4.) another button/switch that when pressed....moves the arms? (how so? does it just move (one position) while the button is being pressed/held?.. or is it a one press deal where it does an 'action/movement'?? (what about opening it again? does it open after closing automatically.. after a few seconds? or is this another button/event?)


that EXPLAINS what each button event should do..(an attempt at least)
I can also see your going to have a hell of a time trying to tie all these components together..

1.1v motor
4.2v servos (which normally require +6v)
3.3v leds (current draw on these are going to be insane as well.. since you want to use high powered ones instead of accent leds)
24v solenoid?
5v Arduino (maybe a +3.3v version)

Any battery source used will waste power as heat, (which is no good for electronics)...that is over the regulated voltage.

ie:


you have a +5v voltage regulator... you give it +12v power supply..

(give or take).. +7v volts are being wasted.. and being wasted as HEAT by the regulator.

Its always best to have all/most components be the same or as a close as possible in voltage requirements.... and your battery pack/power source usually not more than a few volts above that..

(* there are always certain cases where this can change.. switch regulators.. diodes or other compoenents that give voltage drop across components..etc).. but for the most part the above applies.



Let start a Q & A session.

(nor more, no less)

1.) When you switch the opn/off toggle switch.. what should happen?

 

[Gigatrix]

In seconds
1 the center prong will move inwards 30 degrease
2 the left prong will move inwards 30 deg whilst the centre prong moves outwards 30 deg
3 the RGB LED's will fade in over the second to 30% and the left prong will move 30 deg outwards
4 the left prong will move inwards 30 deg
5 the small motor will activate and the center prong move 15 deg inwards
6 the left prong will move 15 deg inwards
7 the centre and left prong will move inwards 30 deg
8 the centre and left prong will move 45 deg outwards
9 the RGB LED's will brighten to full over that second
10 noting changes
11 the LED's will dim to 30% over the second
12 all 3 prongs will move inwards 30 degrease
13 all 3 prongs will move outwards 30 degrease
14 all 3 prongs will move inwards 30 degrease
15 all 3 prongs will move outwards 30 degrease
16 nothing changes
17 the right prong moves inwards 30 deg
18 the right prong moves outwards 30 deg whilst the centre prong moves inwards 30 deg
19 the centre prong moves outwards 30 deg whilst the left prong moves inwards 30 deg
20 the left prong moves outwards 30 deg

 

[xl97]

all that action just when the things turns on?

RGB leds.. what color? blue? you say fade.. but to what color?

to re-cap:

when I turn the things on it should:

* move the center prong in (30 degrees)
* move left prong in 30 degrees while moving center back to 'home' position
* RGB leds fade in 30%, as left prong moves back to 'home' position
* left prong moves back in (30 degrees)
* motor turns on & center prong moves to 15 degrees
* left prong moves to 15 degrees to match center prong (do these move at same time? or after one another?)
* both left & center prongs move in another 15 degrees (30 degrees total) <-- at same time movement.. yes?
* both center and left prongs move back to home positions (at same time)
* RGB goes 100% brightness (1 sec pause)
* RGB led goes back to 30% brightness
* all three prongs in 30 degrees
* all three prongs back to home position (rinse & repeat)
* all three prongs in 30 degrees
* all three prongs back to home position
* right prong moves to 30 degrees
* center prong moves to 30 degrees while right prong returns to home position
* left prong moves to 30 degrees while center prong returns to home position
* left prong returns home.

and all this happens when powered on? (thats alot of stuff to make happen)..

what do the other switches do? (blue, orange, 'pick-up' button?) mirrors the above behavior?

 

[Gixxerfool]

Holy crap! There's code I won't want to write. Mine is nowhere near as complex as this and I'm struggling.

 

[Gigatrix]

To be fair that is the most complex set of actions it will do, and the RGB led's will be white with a hint of blue but mainly white. and if I stated actions within the same sentence they do happen at the same time. and Gixxerfool I don't remember the original ASHPD being as animated as the PS: M one so I have brought this on myself.

Blue and orange mirror each other.
The LED's brighten to full and dim to 30% depending on what colour fired will be. and solenoid retracts (but as you mentioned I will shop about for a lower voltage one as I think this will be too much you said?) this all happens within the second and the solenoid will be reset with a spring to allow a slow reset so just an on off deal should do.

Pickup
0.1 all prongs move out 15 deg
0.4 all prongs move in 45 deg
0.5 all prongs move out 30 deg

all the time the motor will be running and LED's on the colour last fired.

 

[xl97]

So do you have an Arduino to start playing around/prototyping with? (or anything?) what code do you have so far to work with?

 

[Gigatrix]

In fairness that is the most complex thing this will do and on the main start up the RGB LED's will be white with a hint of blue (but mostly white). But yes that is what will happen..

Blue orange fire
LED's brighten to full in what colour is being fired and the solenoid retracts (the solenoid will be on a spring to allow a slow reset so on/off program will do)
then the LED's return to 30%. you also said that the voltage might be a litte high on the solenoid so I shall do some shopping about for a lower voltage one (about 2-4v)

Pick up
0.1 prongs move out 15 deg
0.5 prongs move in 45 deg
0.4 prongs move out 30 deg

 

[Gigatrix]

sorry about the double post, Not yet. I only have the switches and I have ordered the servos. But it is my intention to buy an Arduino starter kit either in the next few days or very soon. but I do kind of know the Very basic structure of it from videos on DIY 3d printers and that but honestly I have not a lot. I am acquiring all the materials but thought I could be learning this in the mean time.

 

[Gigatrix]

I have just purchased an arduino uno Franz starter pack, not quite the one I was looking for but it should work. And still looking for some solenoids and ill try play with some LED'S and servos I have.

 

[xl97]

my suggestion would be to buy minimal until you have a clear direction.


* 1-3 CHEAP servos.. just to get code/order down right.. and to test the torque of them (still have no idea why you need '6' of them.. you keep saying 'pairs'.. but it doesnt make any sense.)

* cheap/accent LEDS.. just to get a handle on the code and making things turn on/off, fade..etc.. (if you still need to go to high powered leds..you can (with more parts/effort)

* solenoid....(I guess).. you could probably get the same movement from a servo and some sort of gear....no?


What starter pack did you get? (link.. as name means nothing)

I hope you didnt over spend.

I would have suggested getting 1 UNO.. and probably several Ardunio Pro-Mini's.. they are only a few bucks each.. and at that price point it doesnt matter if you leave it in a project forever or not.

resistors
caps
leds
...etc.. can usually be bought in bulk and in assorted values.

 

[Oahumakerspace]

The breadboard schematic on this tutorial and the code here should get you started with whatever kit you have.
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorial...uino---v32/experiment-8-driving-a-servo-motor

Since you'll have a number of different inputs and outputs in a small space, consider a budget for the number of pins available on the board size that you'll be using. The 3 wire servos should only require 1 output pin a piece so no problem. There are a few different types of RGB LEDs available. The simplest 4 pin common cathode/anode LEDs are simply 3 LEDs in one package, so they require PWM on 3 pins to dim 3 individual colors. It's a waste of pins. Consider something like a 1 wire serial LED to save on pins. These were more common in LED strip tape, but now individual addressable 1 wire serial RGB LEDs are available. If your lighting has a complex sequence, consider running something like these integrated controller LEDs using functions from the Adafruit NeoPixel Library
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12999?gclid=CLr6gN-Hh8oCFUhcfgodY4QCBQ
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_NeoPixel

You can easily drive a small solenoid with a simple transistor circuit, but make sure to include the clamping diode, in most people's diagrams, they'll spec a 1N4004 or similar. This protects the arduino.

Finally, if you keep the number of pins down and the circuit is pretty simple, you can save some space by using the uno to program, then extracting and using the ATmega chip by itself in a custom circuit. This is great for tight spaces or production runs. You can use a pre-drilled circuit board and jumpers or just wire and hot-glue everything together. An ATmega alone is very cheap.
http://www.instructables.com/id/The-RRRRRRRRRRBA-or-What-They-Dont-Teach-You-in-/?ALLSTEPS

 

[xl97]

I'd say with the price of Pro-Mini clones on ebay for around $2-3.00 USD.. making your own circuit (while a great learning project) is overkill.

and being new to Arduino.. Neopixels (again great! love them, and take up less I/O pins) require specific timing to run, and hence probably a specific servo library that doesnt use interrupts...etc..etc.. might be too complex being as he has never used an Arduino before. (but thats up to the OP of course).. just wanted to throw some info/facts out there..

I would alternately suggest using the dot stars instead:
https://www.adafruit.com/products/2241

same idea/concept (uses 2 pins I believe)



also, as Oahumakerspace says... do a 'pin' count. how many inputs/outputs youre going to have... and hope you dont need a MEGA..


1 x motor
3 x switches
2 x RGB strip
3 x servos (OP mentions 6)
1 x solenoid

10 I/O pins so far.. (and I'm not sure I havent missed/overlooked any)

 

[Gigatrix]

I have this: https://m.reichelt.com/?LANGUAGE=EN...fHeXETScMUlOE_PUfGXcss5xdLPZx1pRJ6RoCmAPw_wcB
I was hoping to get one with a servo in as that explanes the program and wire setup but I couldn't find one. I do have many non machine servos at home from ex aircraft with the standard 3 pin plug but I don't know how any of this works so far (how it connects ) I will be making some of the projects in the books to practice but ill see what I can do with what I have

 

[Gigatrix]

Actuality if you kinda know what components I am gonna use then what would help is a circuit diagram to wire this all up. Ik most of the paper simbols so that would help me loads rather than waffling about something I'm not to well versed at. Thanks.

 

[xl97]

Gigatrix-

I looked at the kit you bought.. IMHO.. that is WAY over priced (sorry)... that is close to $100 USD!!! and you dont really get anything of value outside of the main Arduino UNO


I'm not sure where you are located... so take these links as just an EXAMPLE of the part to buy..the lowest price/shipping for you is up to you find.


Arduino Uno:
www.ebay.com/itm/UNO-R3-Board-ATmeg...215436?hash=item2ca0e9750c:g:FHoAAOSwHQ9WXUw-

$9.00 USD, comes with the removable main MCU.. instead of the non-removable SMD version of the chip in the version you bought.. (not a big deal.. but I prefer this kind for many reasons)


This kit comes with a TON of more stuff to start playing with:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Ultimat...140563?hash=item5428b40a13:g:TLsAAOSwrklVFowh

And is like half the price!! ($38.00 USD)

And while a book is nice and all to have and reference locally.. the reality of it is.. there are so many tutorials and posts and websites dedicated to helping with Arduino based stuff.. you dont need one really. (especially at that price)

Servo's are literally only $3.00 USD each.. buy the cheapie ones so you can get the code there.. and if you need higher torque ones in the end.. just swap them out.. as the code should be the same.

If you have 2 pin servos.. then you should be using those.. usually its power, GND and a 'control' pin.. make up the 3-wires for it.
(just like most hobby servos you see)


really you should have been able to buy ALL components (solenoid aside.. as I dont know much about them)... for way under $100 USD total!!!


If you have questions.. ask.. or search on ebay ... dont buy overprices stuff!


save the money to buy more Arduino components with!

I think its good that you bought an official Arduino board (if it is).. as the support for them is needed!.. but I would NOT be buying a $30-$40 Arduino UNO each time I want to make a project!! Buy a cheap clone.. or better yet. buy a super small Arduino Pro-Mini.. so leaving them in your projects doesnt break the bank/wallet!

 

[Gigatrix]

OK so
1. in have already bought the arduino and I paid £60 (yeh it was overpriced but I want to get on and it was the only starter pack they had)
2. I have bought the servos I linked you as I know them and I've seen other people use them and they are 3 pin + - earth and they where the cheapest most powerful and smallest servo I could find. hence why I'm using 2 per 'prong' as the space to power ratio works sell with these.

 

[xl97]

IMHO... using two servos per prong to do the same things is useless... (either one servo works.. or you get one with better torque)

but if you have and want to continue down that road, go ahead.

good luck.

 

[Gigatrix]

Yeh, I have thought about using one servo per prong but that means I have to get one big one that wont fit in the space because its all over to the left or right but two small ones is evenly distributed and does mathematically fit. anyway as I have said earlier I have a few servos kicking about anyway so I don't need to buy anymore so I will play with that program and just as a brainwave, I was thinking of buying the motor shield for the Arduino for controlling the motor and solenoid. It has two outputs and will control the both I think, depending on if I can find a low voltage 100mm (or close enough) solenoid. Actually just thinking, can the 24v solenoid be on a circuit of its own with its own power supply and have the Arduino just flip an electric on off switch that takes 2v to flip or something? I only need the solenoid to be fully in or out and its supplied with current to retract and reset with a spring when the current is taken away, so would that not work?

 

[modeljag]

You only need 1 servo per prong. 1 micro servo is no larger than 2 micro servos!