At the beginning of the workshop we will introduce the most common types of motors (dc-motors, steppers, servos) explaining their function in theory, having a closer look at their particular benefits and introducing their main application areas. After showing these basics we will teach you more about the different types of electronics, used by industry and amateurs at home, to control motors with your pc. We will focus on technics that have been tested and implemented into vvvv, like Arduino in combination with H-Bridges/Motordrivers, Phidgets or DMX.
Introduction of motors
- DC-Motor: basic technology, direction and speed, pros & cons, application areas
- Servo-Motor: basic technology, positioning, pros & cons, application areas
- Stepper-Motor: basic technology, different types, positioning/resolution-issues, pros & cons, application areas
Introduction of Control-Electronics
- Arduino: driving servos directly from the Arduino
- Using H-Bridges and Arduino: what is an H-Brigde, what is PWM (PulsWIthModulation), how to use it with Arduino and vvvv, pros & cons, some ready made boards/drivers using H-Bridges
- Stepperdrivers and Arduino: different types, how to use them, pros & cons
- Phidgets: different types, how to use them, pros & cons
- DMX: is not only good for light! ready made drivers you can buy
Presumed knowledge
- Basic Tutorial
- Basic knowledge in electronics and about the Arduino board
