Summary of Machine Design Using Arduino
The project involves automating a previously assembled machine by designing and building motor driver boards. Due to the unavailability of A3982 stepper drivers, a new H-Bridge board using the L298 driver was designed for compatibility with Arduino Uno. After populating the boards with locally sourced components, tests were conducted, but software modifications were required due to different wiring. When the Arduino failed, the team switched to a PIC18F4550 microcontroller solution with a MAX232 IC for PC communications, following a Proteus-simulated schematic.
Parts used in the H-Bridge Project:
- Arduino Uno
- L298 Dual Full Bridge Driver
- Steppers Motors
- Through-hole electronic components (resistors, capacitors, connectors)
- Switching Power Supply (PS)
- PIC18F4550 Microcontroller
- MAX232 IC (for PC communication)
- Proteus simulation software (used in design phase)
The assignment for this week is to automate the machine assembled two weeks ago. For this Roxanna milled the Arduino’s shield for controlling the steppers, but Alejandro found that we haven’t all the components for stuffing, specially the A3982 – stepper motor driver, so as was impossible to get it locally, I decided to design a new one using the L298 (Dual full bridge drive) because it has also the possibility to work with the Arduino Uno at the Fablab.
The Eagle board design file is H-Bridge
Then we stuffed the boards with through holes, with components got locally. Following we test the Switching PS, and connected to the H- bridge boards, connected the Arduino to the boards and to the computer. I also downloaded and installed all the needed software, and were ready to test; but we have to modify the software for controlling the new boards because they have more connections to the Arduino. The pictures below shows some activities realized, the first one shows the original board and the replacement boards.
At this point we had to leave the machine to the other groups for disassembling and fulfill their assignment. Then I continued with electronics to move the motors.
I couldn’t use the Arduino because it was out of order, so I should try another design and worked with a PIC18F4550 microcontroller. I searched the web and found this schematic simulated in Proteus. It uses a Maxim’s Max232 IC for communications with the PC, and 18F series PIC. I build the block diagram from the schematic.
For more detail: Machine Design Using Arduino
