Difference between revisions of "WorkshopMotorControl"

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(Created page with "Note: This Page is Still Under Construction Overview === Required Supplies === * List of things * A good attitude :D === Kit Contents ($20) === * List of things === Pre-...")
 
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Note: This Page is Still Under Construction
 
Note: This Page is Still Under Construction
  
Overview
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Motors are one of the most common ways we move things with electricity in the physical world. You can scavenge them from optical disc readers, printers, or toys and use them for your own projects. The most common reusable types are brushed DC motors (found in most smaller items) and stepper motors (in more industrial places, or really old printers).
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This workshop is going to focus on brushed DC motor because those are the cheapest and found in the sorts of toys you'll find in thrift stores for less than the original cost of the motors themselves. The added bonus here is that the motors are still attached to something interesting! A neat example is a toy car that can be re-purposed as a robotics platform. Many already even have the circuits needed for controlling the motors, and all that's needed is to send the right signals.
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We'll be working from the ground up though, so make sure you've got the supplies you need and come by to work with us.
  
 
=== Required Supplies ===
 
=== Required Supplies ===
  
* List of things
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* Laptop (for following along)
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* Arduino (optional)
 
* A good attitude :D
 
* A good attitude :D
  
 
=== Kit Contents ($20) ===
 
=== Kit Contents ($20) ===
  
* List of things
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* 10 transistors (PN2907ABU, 40V @ 800mA)
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* 10 diodes (Almost any will do, they're for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shunt_(electrical)#Diodes_as_shunts shunting])
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* 4 resistors
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* A toy containing motors to control (mostly cars)
  
 
=== Pre-class Preparation ===
 
=== Pre-class Preparation ===
  
Steps students should take before arriving
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There's actually very little needed before coming in for this one. If you're interested in trying to run your project from your own Arduino, feel free to bring one. We'll have one pre-programmed to show off speed control.
  
 
=== In-class work ===
 
=== In-class work ===
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=== Troubleshooting ===
 
=== Troubleshooting ===
  
Tips if they get stuck
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Make sure the transistors are the right way! This could be a challenge. They have a little D shape to them, so make sure they're all facing the same direction.

Revision as of 17:06, 31 January 2016

Note: This Page is Still Under Construction

Motors are one of the most common ways we move things with electricity in the physical world. You can scavenge them from optical disc readers, printers, or toys and use them for your own projects. The most common reusable types are brushed DC motors (found in most smaller items) and stepper motors (in more industrial places, or really old printers).

This workshop is going to focus on brushed DC motor because those are the cheapest and found in the sorts of toys you'll find in thrift stores for less than the original cost of the motors themselves. The added bonus here is that the motors are still attached to something interesting! A neat example is a toy car that can be re-purposed as a robotics platform. Many already even have the circuits needed for controlling the motors, and all that's needed is to send the right signals.

We'll be working from the ground up though, so make sure you've got the supplies you need and come by to work with us.

Required Supplies

  • Laptop (for following along)
  • Arduino (optional)
  • A good attitude :D

Kit Contents ($20)

  • 10 transistors (PN2907ABU, 40V @ 800mA)
  • 10 diodes (Almost any will do, they're for shunting)
  • 4 resistors
  • A toy containing motors to control (mostly cars)

Pre-class Preparation

There's actually very little needed before coming in for this one. If you're interested in trying to run your project from your own Arduino, feel free to bring one. We'll have one pre-programmed to show off speed control.

In-class work

The meat of the workshop. What people will be doing in the class

Troubleshooting

Make sure the transistors are the right way! This could be a challenge. They have a little D shape to them, so make sure they're all facing the same direction.