@cmartinez Here's what picture I have in my mind the TS is attempting to do: The pendulum has swung away for whatever reason, doesn't matter. The pendulum is going to swing back the opposite way with equal force, minus any friction losses. Under such condition the pendulum would eventually come to rest. With a periodic pulse of magnetic (repulsive) force a small amount of energy can be put back into the swinging pendulum and thus keep it swinging. The timing of the pulse needs to be very close to the period of the swing of the pendulum. Probably doesn't need to be highly accurate as long as the repulsive force (RF) comes just before the pendulum begins to swing away. To wait till after the pendulum has started swinging away means the RF will have loose effectiveness and the pendulum may come to a stop. The timing of the RF may also help to fine tune the swing of the pendulum, sending it back away before it has exhausted it's approaching energy (swinging toward the electromagnet).
Well, that's what I envision for this project. If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will correct me.
Think of a baseball bat swinging on a rope. Every time the bat swings toward you - you hit it with a basket ball. Just enough force to keep it swinging. That's what I'm thinking is the project at hand. Is it practical? What purpose are we wanting to control the pendulum? Would be nice to have this answered as well. And then, yes, we can give good answers as opposed to arguing over what our opinions are regarding the intended purpose of this thread may be.
Well, that's what I envision for this project. If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will correct me.
Think of a baseball bat swinging on a rope. Every time the bat swings toward you - you hit it with a basket ball. Just enough force to keep it swinging. That's what I'm thinking is the project at hand. Is it practical? What purpose are we wanting to control the pendulum? Would be nice to have this answered as well. And then, yes, we can give good answers as opposed to arguing over what our opinions are regarding the intended purpose of this thread may be.