Project in the Wings.
While finishing the triple expansion steam engine, I have decided on my next project. Actually, based on my past history of procrastination with the triple, I might even put aside the triple to start on this one.
Reading this article in “Model Engineers’ Workshop” gave me the inspiration to convert a rotary table to electronic control.
Dec 2016 MEW article
So I have commenced accumulating the bits and pieces…
An 8″ Vertex rotary table. I have had this for years, but unused since acquiring a universal dividing head. Should be ideal for this project.
A Nema 24 Stepper motor, shafts at each end, so I can use the table manually as well as electronically. The Microstep driver was supplied packaged with the motor as a kit. $90AUD inc postage.
From the same supplier, a 48volt power supply. $38AUD
The brain of the system. A programable microcontroller “Arduino Uno”. I bought 5 of these for $20AUD post included.
And an easily attachable display. To attach the Arduino. $19AUD
And since I knew nothing about Arduinos, a “Getting Started” book. Excellent. On loan from a friend (thanks Stuart)
And to practice some circuits and get some idea about the Arduino programming, a starter kit of bits and pieces. $75AUD, but has been very instructive and loads of fun. The program to run the Arduino is downloadable free from the Internet, so this kit might be a bit superfluous.
And some items of kit. Each under $20AUD.
A magnifier soldering station, and head light and magnifier
A very cheap multimeter. Previous purchase. Works fine. $10AUD
I have disassembled the rotary table, and ordered a 12/8mm coupler. I am waiting for the coupler before I start designing and cutting the main part to be fabricated which is the piece which joins the stepper and the table.
Also ordered a box to contain the electronics and switches. Havn’t yet thought about cables, joiners etc.
johnsmachines 