I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far from the computer screen.

So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.

I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:

1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor with a smaller footprint.

2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors connected to one channel)?

3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the NEMA 8?

Thanks,
Kristoffer

Not trying to lose Tom business, but you might consider looking at motors, drivers, and controllers for small robots. They're cheap, and very easy to setup and program. There are quite a few sources on-line for parts, with lots of tiny gearmotors, many with encoders, and single-board controllers with integrated drivers for DC motors and small steppers. And, of course, they can be powered by a small battery. KFlop is a wonderful thing, but it just seems like serious overkill for the type of application you're talking about.

Regards,
Ray L.

--- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
>
> I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far from the computer screen.
>
> So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.
>
> I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:
>
> 1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor with a smaller footprint.
>
> 2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors connected to one channel)?
>
> 3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the NEMA 8?
>
> Thanks,
> Kristoffer
>

Ray,

Thanks for your reply. I will look into that. I agree that kflop/kstep is a overkill for the lens motor. The only reason I wanted to use kflop is that my scanner is a 4-axis machine running everything else using kflop/kstep with a modified KMotionCNC software. So it will be easier to use an available channel on kstep instead of getting into new controller and software. But I definitely agree that it's overkill. If I wasn't already using kflop/kstep and I wanted the lens control only, I would probably not use kflop.

Thanks,
Kris

--- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
>
> Not trying to lose Tom business, but you might consider looking at motors, drivers, and controllers for small robots. They're cheap, and very easy to setup and program. There are quite a few sources on-line for parts, with lots of tiny gearmotors, many with encoders, and single-board controllers with integrated drivers for DC motors and small steppers. And, of course, they can be powered by a small battery. KFlop is a wonderful thing, but it just seems like serious overkill for the type of application you're talking about.
>
> Regards,
> Ray L.
>
> --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> >
> > I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far from the computer screen.
> >
> > So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.
> >
> > I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:
> >
> > 1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor with a smaller footprint.
> >
> > 2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors connected to one channel)?
> >
> > 3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the NEMA 8?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Kristoffer
> >
>

Kris,

That makes sense. But I'd still look to robot parts for the motors, drivers, etc. Some of them are incredibly tiny. You could also consider using R/C servos. They are trivial to control with any microprocessor just using a single I/O pin. In fact, you can control up to 9 of them with a single I/O.

Regards,
Ray L.

--- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
>
> Ray,
>
> Thanks for your reply. I will look into that. I agree that kflop/kstep is a overkill for the lens motor. The only reason I wanted to use kflop is that my scanner is a 4-axis machine running everything else using kflop/kstep with a modified KMotionCNC software. So it will be easier to use an available channel on kstep instead of getting into new controller and software. But I definitely agree that it's overkill. If I wasn't already using kflop/kstep and I wanted the lens control only, I would probably not use kflop.
>
> Thanks,
> Kris
>
> --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
> >
> > Not trying to lose Tom business, but you might consider looking at motors, drivers, and controllers for small robots. They're cheap, and very easy to setup and program. There are quite a few sources on-line for parts, with lots of tiny gearmotors, many with encoders, and single-board controllers with integrated drivers for DC motors and small steppers. And, of course, they can be powered by a small battery. KFlop is a wonderful thing, but it just seems like serious overkill for the type of application you're talking about.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Ray L.
> >
> > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > >
> > > I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far from the computer screen.
> > >
> > > So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.
> > >
> > > I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:
> > >
> > > 1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor with a smaller footprint.
> > >
> > > 2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors connected to one channel)?
> > >
> > > 3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the NEMA 8?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Kristoffer
> > >
> >
>

for something that small why not use just a darlington driver array driven by the kflop.
ive worked for 25 years on "fruit machines- gambling machines" with small steppers to drive the reels. they are always driven with a simple 2803a darlington driver with current limited by a resistor in series.- very reliable!
i use these to boost my output signals to drive air solenoids etc on my machines.

--- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
>
> Ray,
>
> Thanks for your reply. I will look into that. I agree that kflop/kstep is a overkill for the lens motor. The only reason I wanted to use kflop is that my scanner is a 4-axis machine running everything else using kflop/kstep with a modified KMotionCNC software. So it will be easier to use an available channel on kstep instead of getting into new controller and software. But I definitely agree that it's overkill. If I wasn't already using kflop/kstep and I wanted the lens control only, I would probably not use kflop.
>
> Thanks,
> Kris
>
> --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
> >
> > Not trying to lose Tom business, but you might consider looking at motors, drivers, and controllers for small robots. They're cheap, and very easy to setup and program. There are quite a few sources on-line for parts, with lots of tiny gearmotors, many with encoders, and single-board controllers with integrated drivers for DC motors and small steppers. And, of course, they can be powered by a small battery. KFlop is a wonderful thing, but it just seems like serious overkill for the type of application you're talking about.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Ray L.
> >
> > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > >
> > > I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far from the computer screen.
> > >
> > > So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.
> > >
> > > I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:
> > >
> > > 1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor with a smaller footprint.
> > >
> > > 2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors connected to one channel)?
> > >
> > > 3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the NEMA 8?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Kristoffer
> > >
> >
>

Ray, yes I've been looking for "robot" parts, and it seems to be a lot I can use there, and its cheap too :) Thanks for the idea!

--- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
>
> Kris,
>
> That makes sense. But I'd still look to robot parts for the motors, drivers, etc. Some of them are incredibly tiny. You could also consider using R/C servos. They are trivial to control with any microprocessor just using a single I/O pin. In fact, you can control up to 9 of them with a single I/O.
>
> Regards,
> Ray L.
>
> --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> >
> > Ray,
> >
> > Thanks for your reply. I will look into that. I agree that kflop/kstep is a overkill for the lens motor. The only reason I wanted to use kflop is that my scanner is a 4-axis machine running everything else using kflop/kstep with a modified KMotionCNC software. So it will be easier to use an available channel on kstep instead of getting into new controller and software. But I definitely agree that it's overkill. If I wasn't already using kflop/kstep and I wanted the lens control only, I would probably not use kflop.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Kris
> >
> > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
> > >
> > > Not trying to lose Tom business, but you might consider looking at motors, drivers, and controllers for small robots. They're cheap, and very easy to setup and program. There are quite a few sources on-line for parts, with lots of tiny gearmotors, many with encoders, and single-board controllers with integrated drivers for DC motors and small steppers. And, of course, they can be powered by a small battery. KFlop is a wonderful thing, but it just seems like serious overkill for the type of application you're talking about.
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > > Ray L.
> > >
> > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far from the computer screen.
> > > >
> > > > So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.
> > > >
> > > > I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:
> > > >
> > > > 1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor with a smaller footprint.
> > > >
> > > > 2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors connected to one channel)?
> > > >
> > > > 3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the NEMA 8?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > > Kristoffer
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

That is interesting! I'm not exactly sure how a darlington driver works (I'm a little newbie on this). But if it's easier than putting a motor there I'm all for it. I'll read up a little on the darlington to see if I can understand it better.

Thanks!

--- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "bennyattwell" wrote:
>
> for something that small why not use just a darlington driver array driven by the kflop.
> ive worked for 25 years on "fruit machines- gambling machines" with small steppers to drive the reels. they are always driven with a simple 2803a darlington driver with current limited by a resistor in series.- very reliable!
> i use these to boost my output signals to drive air solenoids etc on my machines.
>
> --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> >
> > Ray,
> >
> > Thanks for your reply. I will look into that. I agree that kflop/kstep is a overkill for the lens motor. The only reason I wanted to use kflop is that my scanner is a 4-axis machine running everything else using kflop/kstep with a modified KMotionCNC software. So it will be easier to use an available channel on kstep instead of getting into new controller and software. But I definitely agree that it's overkill. If I wasn't already using kflop/kstep and I wanted the lens control only, I would probably not use kflop.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Kris
> >
> > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
> > >
> > > Not trying to lose Tom business, but you might consider looking at motors, drivers, and controllers for small robots. They're cheap, and very easy to setup and program. There are quite a few sources on-line for parts, with lots of tiny gearmotors, many with encoders, and single-board controllers with integrated drivers for DC motors and small steppers. And, of course, they can be powered by a small battery. KFlop is a wonderful thing, but it just seems like serious overkill for the type of application you're talking about.
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > > Ray L.
> > >
> > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far from the computer screen.
> > > >
> > > > So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.
> > > >
> > > > I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:
> > > >
> > > > 1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor with a smaller footprint.
> > > >
> > > > 2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors connected to one channel)?
> > > >
> > > > 3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the NEMA 8?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > > Kristoffer
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

I used a small stepper from a printer to focus a large telescope.  I too drove it with darlingtons which were biased with a quad encoder.  I used an Oring for the belt and it slipped at the end of travel.

On Jan 23, 2013 2:00 PM, "chrismd500" <kristoffer.jensen@...> wrote:

 

That is interesting! I'm not exactly sure how a darlington driver works (I'm a little newbie on this). But if it's easier than putting a motor there I'm all for it. I'll read up a little on the darlington to see if I can understand it better.

Thanks!

--- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "bennyattwell" wrote:
>
> for something that small why not use just a darlington driver array driven by the kflop.
> ive worked for 25 years on "fruit machines- gambling machines" with small steppers to drive the reels. they are always driven with a simple 2803a darlington driver with current limited by a resistor in series.- very reliable!
> i use these to boost my output signals to drive air solenoids etc on my machines.
>
> --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> >
> > Ray,
> >
> > Thanks for your reply. I will look into that. I agree that kflop/kstep is a overkill for the lens motor. The only reason I wanted to use kflop is that my scanner is a 4-axis machine running everything else using kflop/kstep with a modified KMotionCNC software. So it will be easier to use an available channel on kstep instead of getting into new controller and software. But I definitely agree that it's overkill. If I wasn't already using kflop/kstep and I wanted the lens control only, I would probably not use kflop.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Kris
> >
> > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
> > >
> > > Not trying to lose Tom business, but you might consider looking at motors, drivers, and controllers for small robots. They're cheap, and very easy to setup and program. There are quite a few sources on-line for parts, with lots of tiny gearmotors, many with encoders, and single-board controllers with integrated drivers for DC motors and small steppers. And, of course, they can be powered by a small battery. KFlop is a wonderful thing, but it just seems like serious overkill for the type of application you're talking about.
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > > Ray L.
> > >
> > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far from the computer screen.
> > > >
> > > > So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.
> > > >
> > > > I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:
> > > >
> > > > 1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor with a smaller footprint.
> > > >
> > > > 2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors connected to one channel)?
> > > >
> > > > 3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the NEMA 8?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > > Kristoffer
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

A Darlington driver would be the electronics to drive a small motor. It would be suitable only for very small motors, and only really practical for unipolar stepper motors. Since you're apparently not electronically inclined, I'd recommend sticking to off-the-shelf motor drivers. For the kind of motor you need, they'll cost you less than you'd spend trying to build something yourself. I've seen them as low as about $6 for small motors.

Regards,
Ray L.

--- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
>
> That is interesting! I'm not exactly sure how a darlington driver works (I'm a little newbie on this). But if it's easier than putting a motor there I'm all for it. I'll read up a little on the darlington to see if I can understand it better.
>
> Thanks!
>
> --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "bennyattwell" wrote:
> >
> > for something that small why not use just a darlington driver array driven by the kflop.
> > ive worked for 25 years on "fruit machines- gambling machines" with small steppers to drive the reels. they are always driven with a simple 2803a darlington driver with current limited by a resistor in series.- very reliable!
> > i use these to boost my output signals to drive air solenoids etc on my machines.
> >
> > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > >
> > > Ray,
> > >
> > > Thanks for your reply. I will look into that. I agree that kflop/kstep is a overkill for the lens motor. The only reason I wanted to use kflop is that my scanner is a 4-axis machine running everything else using kflop/kstep with a modified KMotionCNC software. So it will be easier to use an available channel on kstep instead of getting into new controller and software. But I definitely agree that it's overkill. If I wasn't already using kflop/kstep and I wanted the lens control only, I would probably not use kflop.
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Kris
> > >
> > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Not trying to lose Tom business, but you might consider looking at motors, drivers, and controllers for small robots. They're cheap, and very easy to setup and program. There are quite a few sources on-line for parts, with lots of tiny gearmotors, many with encoders, and single-board controllers with integrated drivers for DC motors and small steppers. And, of course, they can be powered by a small battery. KFlop is a wonderful thing, but it just seems like serious overkill for the type of application you're talking about.
> > > >
> > > > Regards,
> > > > Ray L.
> > > >
> > > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far from the computer screen.
> > > > >
> > > > > So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.
> > > > >
> > > > > I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:
> > > > >
> > > > > 1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor with a smaller footprint.
> > > > >
> > > > > 2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors connected to one channel)?
> > > > >
> > > > > 3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the NEMA 8?
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks,
> > > > > Kristoffer
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

I'm definitely not very electronically inclined, and it's very hard to hide that, especially here :) My field is aerodynamics, and how I ended up here is a different story. But electronics is fun when it works.

So if I understand you correct, I will need another controller board? How/where do I physically connect that to the kflop and how do i control that via the software / C-code?

When I search for darlington motor driver I just get some IC components and not a complete board. Any idea where I can find some of these boards?

Thanks. I really appreciate the help!

--- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
>
> A Darlington driver would be the electronics to drive a small motor. It would be suitable only for very small motors, and only really practical for unipolar stepper motors. Since you're apparently not electronically inclined, I'd recommend sticking to off-the-shelf motor drivers. For the kind of motor you need, they'll cost you less than you'd spend trying to build something yourself. I've seen them as low as about $6 for small motors.
>
> Regards,
> Ray L.
>
> --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> >
> > That is interesting! I'm not exactly sure how a darlington driver works (I'm a little newbie on this). But if it's easier than putting a motor there I'm all for it. I'll read up a little on the darlington to see if I can understand it better.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "bennyattwell" wrote:
> > >
> > > for something that small why not use just a darlington driver array driven by the kflop.
> > > ive worked for 25 years on "fruit machines- gambling machines" with small steppers to drive the reels. they are always driven with a simple 2803a darlington driver with current limited by a resistor in series.- very reliable!
> > > i use these to boost my output signals to drive air solenoids etc on my machines.
> > >
> > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Ray,
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for your reply. I will look into that. I agree that kflop/kstep is a overkill for the lens motor. The only reason I wanted to use kflop is that my scanner is a 4-axis machine running everything else using kflop/kstep with a modified KMotionCNC software. So it will be easier to use an available channel on kstep instead of getting into new controller and software. But I definitely agree that it's overkill. If I wasn't already using kflop/kstep and I wanted the lens control only, I would probably not use kflop.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > > Kris
> > > >
> > > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Not trying to lose Tom business, but you might consider looking at motors, drivers, and controllers for small robots. They're cheap, and very easy to setup and program. There are quite a few sources on-line for parts, with lots of tiny gearmotors, many with encoders, and single-board controllers with integrated drivers for DC motors and small steppers. And, of course, they can be powered by a small battery. KFlop is a wonderful thing, but it just seems like serious overkill for the type of application you're talking about.
> > > > >
> > > > > Regards,
> > > > > Ray L.
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far from the computer screen.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > 1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor with a smaller footprint.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > 2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors connected to one channel)?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > 3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the NEMA 8?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks,
> > > > > > Kristoffer
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

That is exactly what i want to do. Awesome. Thanks.

--- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, Shannon Davenport wrote:
>
> I used a small stepper from a printer to focus a large telescope. I too
> drove it with darlingtons which were biased with a quad encoder. I used an
> Oring for the belt and it slipped at the end of travel.
> On Jan 23, 2013 2:00 PM, "chrismd500" wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > That is interesting! I'm not exactly sure how a darlington driver works
> > (I'm a little newbie on this). But if it's easier than putting a motor
> > there I'm all for it. I'll read up a little on the darlington to see if I
> > can understand it better.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "bennyattwell" wrote:
> > >
> > > for something that small why not use just a darlington driver array
> > driven by the kflop.
> > > ive worked for 25 years on "fruit machines- gambling machines" with
> > small steppers to drive the reels. they are always driven with a simple
> > 2803a darlington driver with current limited by a resistor in series.- very
> > reliable!
> > > i use these to boost my output signals to drive air solenoids etc on my
> > machines.
> > >
> > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Ray,
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for your reply. I will look into that. I agree that kflop/kstep
> > is a overkill for the lens motor. The only reason I wanted to use kflop is
> > that my scanner is a 4-axis machine running everything else using
> > kflop/kstep with a modified KMotionCNC software. So it will be easier to
> > use an available channel on kstep instead of getting into new controller
> > and software. But I definitely agree that it's overkill. If I wasn't
> > already using kflop/kstep and I wanted the lens control only, I would
> > probably not use kflop.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks,
> > > > Kris
> > > >
> > > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Not trying to lose Tom business, but you might consider looking at
> > motors, drivers, and controllers for small robots. They're cheap, and very
> > easy to setup and program. There are quite a few sources on-line for parts,
> > with lots of tiny gearmotors, many with encoders, and single-board
> > controllers with integrated drivers for DC motors and small steppers. And,
> > of course, they can be powered by a small battery. KFlop is a wonderful
> > thing, but it just seems like serious overkill for the type of application
> > you're talking about.
> > > > >
> > > > > Regards,
> > > > > Ray L.
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with
> > machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller
> > in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to
> > re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far
> > from the computer screen.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was
> > playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and
> > a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The
> > idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the
> > focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > 1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep
> > has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a
> > motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without
> > having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors
> > rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor
> > with a smaller footprint.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > 2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper
> > motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will
> > cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors
> > connected to one channel)?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > 3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the
> > NEMA 8?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks,
> > > > > > Kristoffer
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>

just came accross this while "shopping"
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-5V-Stepper-Step-Motor-Driver-Test-Module-Board-ULN2003-5-Line-4-Phase-Arduino-/370632015541?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item564b63beb5

might be small enough for what you want?

--- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
>
> That is exactly what i want to do. Awesome. Thanks.
>
> --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, Shannon Davenport wrote:
> >
> > I used a small stepper from a printer to focus a large telescope. I too
> > drove it with darlingtons which were biased with a quad encoder. I used an
> > Oring for the belt and it slipped at the end of travel.
> > On Jan 23, 2013 2:00 PM, "chrismd500" wrote:
> >
> > > **
> > >
> > >
> > > That is interesting! I'm not exactly sure how a darlington driver works
> > > (I'm a little newbie on this). But if it's easier than putting a motor
> > > there I'm all for it. I'll read up a little on the darlington to see if I
> > > can understand it better.
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "bennyattwell" wrote:
> > > >
> > > > for something that small why not use just a darlington driver array
> > > driven by the kflop.
> > > > ive worked for 25 years on "fruit machines- gambling machines" with
> > > small steppers to drive the reels. they are always driven with a simple
> > > 2803a darlington driver with current limited by a resistor in series.- very
> > > reliable!
> > > > i use these to boost my output signals to drive air solenoids etc on my
> > > machines.
> > > >
> > > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Ray,
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks for your reply. I will look into that. I agree that kflop/kstep
> > > is a overkill for the lens motor. The only reason I wanted to use kflop is
> > > that my scanner is a 4-axis machine running everything else using
> > > kflop/kstep with a modified KMotionCNC software. So it will be easier to
> > > use an available channel on kstep instead of getting into new controller
> > > and software. But I definitely agree that it's overkill. If I wasn't
> > > already using kflop/kstep and I wanted the lens control only, I would
> > > probably not use kflop.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks,
> > > > > Kris
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Not trying to lose Tom business, but you might consider looking at
> > > motors, drivers, and controllers for small robots. They're cheap, and very
> > > easy to setup and program. There are quite a few sources on-line for parts,
> > > with lots of tiny gearmotors, many with encoders, and single-board
> > > controllers with integrated drivers for DC motors and small steppers. And,
> > > of course, they can be powered by a small battery. KFlop is a wonderful
> > > thing, but it just seems like serious overkill for the type of application
> > > you're talking about.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Regards,
> > > > > > Ray L.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with
> > > machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller
> > > in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to
> > > re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far
> > > from the computer screen.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was
> > > playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and
> > > a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The
> > > idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the
> > > focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > 1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep
> > > has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a
> > > motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without
> > > having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors
> > > rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor
> > > with a smaller footprint.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > 2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper
> > > motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will
> > > cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors
> > > connected to one channel)?
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > 3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the
> > > NEMA 8?
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Thanks,
> > > > > > > Kristoffer
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>

That's funny, I saw these that yesterday. Seems to be a lot of them for sale on ebay. But since I'm a newbie on this; how/where do I connect it to kflop? And how do I operate it?

Thanks.

--- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "bennyattwell" wrote:
>
> just came accross this while "shopping"
> http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-5V-Stepper-Step-Motor-Driver-Test-Module-Board-ULN2003-5-Line-4-Phase-Arduino-/370632015541?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item564b63beb5
>
> might be small enough for what you want?
>
> --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> >
> > That is exactly what i want to do. Awesome. Thanks.
> >
> > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, Shannon Davenport wrote:
> > >
> > > I used a small stepper from a printer to focus a large telescope. I too
> > > drove it with darlingtons which were biased with a quad encoder. I used an
> > > Oring for the belt and it slipped at the end of travel.
> > > On Jan 23, 2013 2:00 PM, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > >
> > > > **
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > That is interesting! I'm not exactly sure how a darlington driver works
> > > > (I'm a little newbie on this). But if it's easier than putting a motor
> > > > there I'm all for it. I'll read up a little on the darlington to see if I
> > > > can understand it better.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks!
> > > >
> > > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "bennyattwell" wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > for something that small why not use just a darlington driver array
> > > > driven by the kflop.
> > > > > ive worked for 25 years on "fruit machines- gambling machines" with
> > > > small steppers to drive the reels. they are always driven with a simple
> > > > 2803a darlington driver with current limited by a resistor in series.- very
> > > > reliable!
> > > > > i use these to boost my output signals to drive air solenoids etc on my
> > > > machines.
> > > > >
> > > > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Ray,
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks for your reply. I will look into that. I agree that kflop/kstep
> > > > is a overkill for the lens motor. The only reason I wanted to use kflop is
> > > > that my scanner is a 4-axis machine running everything else using
> > > > kflop/kstep with a modified KMotionCNC software. So it will be easier to
> > > > use an available channel on kstep instead of getting into new controller
> > > > and software. But I definitely agree that it's overkill. If I wasn't
> > > > already using kflop/kstep and I wanted the lens control only, I would
> > > > probably not use kflop.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Thanks,
> > > > > > Kris
> > > > > >
> > > > > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "himykabibble" wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Not trying to lose Tom business, but you might consider looking at
> > > > motors, drivers, and controllers for small robots. They're cheap, and very
> > > > easy to setup and program. There are quite a few sources on-line for parts,
> > > > with lots of tiny gearmotors, many with encoders, and single-board
> > > > controllers with integrated drivers for DC motors and small steppers. And,
> > > > of course, they can be powered by a small battery. KFlop is a wonderful
> > > > thing, but it just seems like serious overkill for the type of application
> > > > you're talking about.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Regards,
> > > > > > > Ray L.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > --- In DynoMotion@yahoogroups.com, "chrismd500" wrote:
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I'm using the kflop/kstep for an structured light 3D scanner with
> > > > machine vision / CCTV cameras. These cameras doesn't have a lens controller
> > > > in them, so everything is manual when it comes to the lens. It's a pain to
> > > > re-focus the lens to the object as the cameras/scanner is relatively far
> > > > from the computer screen.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > So instead of buying a $3,000 lens controller and new lens i was
> > > > playing with the thought of putting a small stepper motor with a pulley and
> > > > a flat belt or o-ring around the focus adjustment ring on the lens. The
> > > > idea is to tension the belt in such a way that it easily slips when the
> > > > focus reaches max min. The lens focus ring is 50mm in diameter.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I have a couple of questions regarding miniature stepper motors:
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > 1) What is the smallest motor I can safely use? I know that kstep
> > > > has a minimum current of 0.63A on each channel, are there ways to put a
> > > > motor with a lower maximum rated current than 0.63A to kstep (without
> > > > having the risk of destroying the motor)? There are some NEMA 8 motors
> > > > rated at 0.30A and 0.60A available, but would have liked to use a motor
> > > > with a smaller footprint.
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > 2)I know that Tom and others do not recommend having two stepper
> > > > motors connected to the same channel. I just wonder what problems it will
> > > > cause (especially if using two identical "miniature" stepper motors
> > > > connected to one channel)?
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > 3) Does anyone know where I could get some smaller motors than the
> > > > NEMA 8?
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Thanks,
> > > > > > > > Kristoffer
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

    SetStateBit(AN,1-ReadBit(AP));

    SetStateBit(BN,1-ReadBit(BP));