How Can I Control a Stepper Motor with LabView?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around controlling a stepper motor using LabView for a solar tracking system project. Participants share their experiences, challenges, and alternative suggestions regarding motor control, particularly comparing stepper motors and servo motors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in programming a stepper motor with LabView and considers switching to a servo motor for ease of control.
  • Another participant questions why the stepper motor solution did not work well, suggesting it should be effective, especially when geared down.
  • A different participant suggests that driving a stepper motor involves bit-banging and mentions the need for limit switches for travel extent.
  • There are suggestions regarding the use of H-bridge servo motor drivers and the advantages of small geared servomotors for torque.
  • One participant mentions the need for a clock signal for stepper motors and discusses the potential use of a split photocell for steering signals in a single-axis system.
  • Another participant references a passive steering method using freon or ammonia, noting concerns about high winds affecting solar panels.
  • A participant provides a link to a Yahoo Group that may offer additional help.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the effectiveness of stepper motors versus servo motors, with no consensus reached on the best approach for the project. Some participants support the use of stepper motors, while others advocate for servo motors, indicating a lack of agreement on the optimal solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various technical challenges, including programming complexities and the need for specific hardware configurations, but do not resolve these issues. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions about motor control and the specific requirements of the solar tracking system.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals working on robotics, automation projects, or solar energy systems, particularly those interested in motor control using LabView.

basem85
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Good day everybody:smile:
I'm new participant here and i would like to know your ideas and opinions about the issue am facing theses days...
first of all ...am working on my senior how to drive a solar tracking system with LabView(which i hate really much)so i was facing a problem in driving the motor which will move the plate(or the solar panel)..
So, i started working on a stepper-motor which hard job to finish and i wasn't able to fully control it as i wanted, so a friend of mine he told me to try with a servo-motor which much nicer and easier to deal with ...
So guys i was thinking if somebody could help me in some points cause (to be honest with you:my college resources are too poor so am like working by myself to finish the project)...
waiting for your ideas...
 
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Why did the stepper motor solution not work well for you? Especially geared down, it seems like a stepper system would be the best way to go...

Welcome to the PF!
 
thanks berkeman (i was looking in the forum in general and i found that you are one of the most famous ppl in here ;) )
The problem i faced programming the motor on the LabView, which is really was complicated and i missed up at the end, so am trying now with a servo(dc) motor which i hope it is easier to move and control...
again thanks a lot for being the first one to reply...
 
Or you could replace the 10,000 transistor solution with a tube contaning freon and and a clothe wick. And it's solar powered too.
 
Phrak said:
Or you could replace the 10,000 transistor solution with a tube contaning freon and and a clothe wick. And it's solar powered too.

Hah! Occam's razor, and worthy of a Quiz Question, but for sure that won't help the OP at this point!

basem -- I don't see how a servo configuration will help, unless you can buy a module that has a high-level interface to Labview or something. Honestly, driving a stepper motor is just bit-banging, with limit switches to tell you when you are at the extent of the travel.

Perhaps you can post your code here for the stepper motor version, along with screenshots of the schematics. Maybe we can help you see if there are errors or misconceptions in your code that was causing the problems.
 
berkeman said:
Hah! Occam's razor, and worthy of a Quiz Question, but for sure that won't help the OP at this point!

Occam's straight razor vs. the imaginary application specific triple blade with egonomic handle, convenient quick release handle, low friction skid pad, and other academic whims.
 
Nowdays there ar H-bridge servo motor drivers all in one chip (up to maybe 1 amp at 24 volts). Small servomotors geared down have a lot of torque. On the other hand a stepper motor driver needs a special chip to clock through the 4 states and supply signals to driver circuits. You also need a clock signal (maybe an NE555 ?). Steppers are best if you need fractional turn precision without feedback. In any case, you will need a split photocell to provide left-right steering signals (for a single axis system) .

Re passive steering with freon or ammonia: I know Zomeworks (Albuquerque) used to make trackers for solar panels.. I think it works on re balancing the panels based on the the location and weight of the liquid phase of the gas. Around where I live, I would be very concerned about high winds moving the panels around, and I would use servomotors.
 
basem85 said:
So, i started working on a stepper-motor which hard job to finish and i wasn't able to fully control it as i wanted, so a friend of mine he told me to try with a servo-motor which much nicer and easier to deal with ...

There is a Yahoo Group that might be of help -- http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/osmc/"
 
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