Attaching Leads to Micro Stepper Motor Pins

[newt749]

Wonderful job Mark! That super micro stepper motor looks like it could come in handy for a number of projects. I was wondering if it could be used as a switch motor for a code 55 turnout. I don't think it could work with a Peco turnout since the spring would have too much tension, but do you think it could activate an Atlas code 55 turnout? It could be made to look like a real turnout motor. Also, what modifications did you use for the Arduino code?

Thanks,
Rob
Hampton, New Brunswick
Canada

[Mark W]

How much delay did you put in after each step?  How loud is the motor and what kind of noise does it make?

2 thousands of a second between steps, though I'm wondering if I hit a point of diminishing returns and may just back it to 4 or 5 thou to be safe. 
This one's so small it's completely silent.  None of the three I ordered have reduction gears, so I'm guessing the two larger ones will be very quiet as well.

Wonderful job Mark! That super micro stepper motor looks like it could come in handy for a number of projects. I was wondering if it could be used as a switch motor for a code 55 turnout. I don't think it could work with a Peco turnout since the spring would have too much tension, but do you think it could activate an Atlas code 55 turnout? It could be made to look like a real turnout motor.

I'm sure it could throw a set of free floating points, but probably not anything with a solid or even notched closure rail.  Unless you'd want to implement this specifically for the challenge, I think hidden under-the-table solutions would be your better bet for turnouts.  The larger stepper linear actuators would definitely work for an under-the-table option.

Also, what modifications did you use for the Arduino code?

I found the default stepper library was powering 4 wires like so:

1010
0110
0101
1001

Were as I need the sequence to be:

1000
0100
0010
0001

I'm still crossing the beginner/intermediate line, so I may still be clueless on this but I don't understand how the default sequence would ever work.   

[Mark W]

Finished a first mock-up!  I hate to say, so far I'm very disappointed in the torque this guy puts out.  As you can see below, I have minimal resistance on the thing but it was struggling hard and stalling frequently.  I'm only single phase stepping though (one coil on at a time), so going to try dual phase stepping next and see if that improves things.  In theory that should increase torque by about 70% or so.

Nonetheless, I present an animated N Scale 3D Printed Hay Baler, courtesy of Baldylox Designs



This one is also running about full speed.  It's a little slower than I hoped but we'll see how it goes.  Approximately 1000 steps of travel. 

[peteski]

AWESOME!

I think that  the dual phase stepping will do the trick of increasing the torque.

I also like your quick-n-dirty animated-GIF "videos".

[jagged ben]

I'm not sure these are the right product, but now that I know there are motors this small I'm rethinking the practicality of realistically animating the mars light in an N scale Santa Fe F-unit. 

[wcfn100]

Very cool.  I guess long gone are the days of searching for 1RPM motors at the Ax-Man.


Jason

[railbuilderdave]

Mark,

The work you have done thus far is really great looking. It is exciting to see the work you have done so far as well as think of what can be done. I worry the motor may not be usable since you mentioned there is very little torque.

I look forward to seeing more of what you accomplish with these little motors.

Thank you.
Dave

[Mark W]

Hi Dave,

I started a branch thread in the N Scale forum for the actual project builds. 
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=40579.0

As far as the motor torque, I did set up dual phase control and it did seem to provide a bit more torque.  We have to remember just how tiny these are! 
The smaller ones will definitely work for animating every day things around the layout.  For the larger "heavy equipment" things, the larger type I ordered arrived and puts out plenty of torque. 
So no need to worry, you just have to match the right motor for the right task.

[peteski]

Unfortunately one of the small steppers you provided the link for is sold out. They might also not be a regular stock item for that seller.