Motor Manipulator. MANDM
This was a work related project so I can't give all the hardware details but the system software is GPL'd and it's been uploaded to github along with some pictures and videos of the prototypes that were built and operational tuning of the controller.
My task was to build a controller using a PIC18 that emulates the motor controllers in some old equipment. These older controllers don't use modern DC motor PWM or H-bridge controllers but have relays and resistors to control movement. For MANDM to also to be a high fidelity control unit it had to use the same methods of control so a technician rebuilding a part could watch it move in the same way as when installed in a machine.
The controller handles 3-axis motor control via a system of 8 DPDT relays and slowing resistors for 24 or 5 volt DC motor drive with analog 10 turn pot voltage or digital encoder 500 counts per turn position feedback.
The user interface is a 4*20 LCD with several status leds. User input is from several front panel push-buttons with two optical rotary encode dials to select menu options and to control motors in either free movement or tracking modes. Data-logging is done via a RS-232 port that also provide and command interface for detailed motor controller information.
The RS-232 port also handles the main controller commands, that software module is not included.
Software:
https://github.com/nsaspook/mandm.git
Images and videos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nsaspook/sets/72157630632759744/with/8073729225/
This was a work related project so I can't give all the hardware details but the system software is GPL'd and it's been uploaded to github along with some pictures and videos of the prototypes that were built and operational tuning of the controller.
My task was to build a controller using a PIC18 that emulates the motor controllers in some old equipment. These older controllers don't use modern DC motor PWM or H-bridge controllers but have relays and resistors to control movement. For MANDM to also to be a high fidelity control unit it had to use the same methods of control so a technician rebuilding a part could watch it move in the same way as when installed in a machine.
The controller handles 3-axis motor control via a system of 8 DPDT relays and slowing resistors for 24 or 5 volt DC motor drive with analog 10 turn pot voltage or digital encoder 500 counts per turn position feedback.
The user interface is a 4*20 LCD with several status leds. User input is from several front panel push-buttons with two optical rotary encode dials to select menu options and to control motors in either free movement or tracking modes. Data-logging is done via a RS-232 port that also provide and command interface for detailed motor controller information.
The RS-232 port also handles the main controller commands, that software module is not included.
Software:
https://github.com/nsaspook/mandm.git
Images and videos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nsaspook/sets/72157630632759744/with/8073729225/