Hi guys

A while back I was working on 2 projects that requires holding torque, for basically reaching a position and holding it steady for long periods of time:

1. The roll up shades which roll the shades up or down and then holds that position for hours, days maybe more.

2. A solar tracker that rotates the solar panel to 3 basic angles, East, West and flat. This one has to hold the position for about 2-3 hours each.

I was using steppers because I wanted to learn more about them but realized that my roller shades quickly unraveled. And never got to the solar tracker but imagined the panel or platform falling completely east or completely west when in actually I might need 30 or 45 degrees instead.

So what are the options? Should I change motor type or use additional components to make steppers work in each situation.

Thanks for the tips!

 

Car window motors are good for that. They move slow, are reversable and stay where they stop. You would need micro switches to sense position and for end of travel stops.

 

Use a worm reduction gear between the motor and the load. That way the load will not be able to turn the motor.

Les.

 

Most reduction GB's resist back feeding, but Worm and Pinion usually cannot be back fed at all.
I picked up some nice new/surplus W&P 12vdc auto seat motors CW GB locally, if you have an auto wrecker near you, this could be a source worth trying.
Max.

 

Thanks for that awesome tip!

 

I found this one online and was wondering that I should get it online instead right?

Is there something I should consider about online vs 90deg motor- reductor?

Also because I'm told they might have an old car window one nearby at a shop but they also have an angle.

 

Inline GB are generally either planetary or helical, the one in the picture does not appear to be worm and pinion as the motor or shaft is not offset.
Depends if back-feeding is a potential problem.
Max.

 

Maybe something similar to this - https://www.allelectronics.com/item/dcm-444/right-angle-drive-gear-motor/1.html

Or this - https://www.surpluscenter.com/Elect...M-24-Volt-DC-Right-Angle-Gearmotor-5-1899.axd

 

Maybe something similar to this - https://www.allelectronics.com/item/dcm-444/right-angle-drive-gear-motor/1.html

Those are identical to the automotive seat motors I mention in #4.
Mine just have a square through hole to take a suitable square section rod drive.
Max.

 

Well the surplus center one looks a lot like the one i posted a picture of in #6.