I'm trying to build an experiment setup, but my basic electronics knowledge doesn't allow me to figure out what the best way of doing this. I hope to find some help here to get started.
Goal:
I need to turn a disc (max 15 cm in dia. and a few cm high, made out of acrylic) which is divided in 8 sections every hour to a new section (during 8 hours).
I will have multiple replica's (50) of the setup which all need to start their 8 hour cycle at the same time, the day after setting them up.
It has to run on batteries.
My own thought process so far:
I thought of using a relay module (like this: https://www.amazon.com/5-30V-Module-Display-Trigger-Switch/dp/B07NY2KR3D) where I can set
1. delay time for the first start (max 999 min, problematic... see below)
2. the switch on time where I would set it to the amount of seconds to turn the disc a section further. Of course depending on the motor speed e.d.
3. the amount of switch off time (so 1 hour)
4. number of cycles (8).
The problem is that a delay time of 999 min, or 16 hours is not enough. It will also be complicated setting up the experiments as they will be setup during the day (so at different times) but they should all start at the same time the day after.
I thought of using an external clock timer module to set the time of the first trigger signal, but I haven't found anything like this yet.
Another option would be to use an Arduino, but this seems overkill for something simple like this.
Any suggestions what the best way is of doing this ?
Thanks !
Goal:
I need to turn a disc (max 15 cm in dia. and a few cm high, made out of acrylic) which is divided in 8 sections every hour to a new section (during 8 hours).
I will have multiple replica's (50) of the setup which all need to start their 8 hour cycle at the same time, the day after setting them up.
It has to run on batteries.
My own thought process so far:
I thought of using a relay module (like this: https://www.amazon.com/5-30V-Module-Display-Trigger-Switch/dp/B07NY2KR3D) where I can set
1. delay time for the first start (max 999 min, problematic... see below)
2. the switch on time where I would set it to the amount of seconds to turn the disc a section further. Of course depending on the motor speed e.d.
3. the amount of switch off time (so 1 hour)
4. number of cycles (8).
The problem is that a delay time of 999 min, or 16 hours is not enough. It will also be complicated setting up the experiments as they will be setup during the day (so at different times) but they should all start at the same time the day after.
I thought of using an external clock timer module to set the time of the first trigger signal, but I haven't found anything like this yet.
Another option would be to use an Arduino, but this seems overkill for something simple like this.
Any suggestions what the best way is of doing this ?
Thanks !