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Sourcng hardware the DIY way

Discussion in 'SimTools compatible interfaces' started by mazinga, Sep 10, 2011.

  1. mazinga

    mazinga New Member

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    So guys, I was thinking about making a new topic which would list hardware and easy ways to source it (think used equipment etc...) Here goes:

    1. Power Supplies = Old PCs
    2. Cooling Fans = Old PCs
    3. Heatsink = Old PCs, Power supplies (anything handling a little power)
    4. Stepper Motors = Old Floppy Drives, Scanners, Cd roms, Printers
    5. Optical Encoders = Old Mouse (ball type), Old printers
    6. Sheet Metal = Old PC Cases
    7. DC Motors = Windshield wipers, electric windows system, engine starters

    If you have more please add them here for all to use.... :)
    mazinga, Sep 10, 2011
    #1
  2. bsft

    bsft

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    good list, I might just modify.
    PSU - old pc (make sure it has plenty of grunt, a 320 psu may not cut the mustard, look at a good 500w +)
    cooling fans and heatsinks - check.
    stepper motors - would they be powerful enough from floppy drives?
    Optical encoders - check.
    Sheet metal - check and wherever you can find it!
    DC motors - wipers and the most popular with anything else you can get your hands on. :rofl:
    :cheers: David.
    bsft, Sep 11, 2011
    #2
  3. mazinga

    mazinga New Member

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    steppers from old floppy drives will definitely not push a chair but will make a great motor to move needles in a real dashboard

    Come on guys let's add to this list and use it as reference :)
    mazinga, Sep 11, 2011
    #3
  4. kevinket

    kevinket New Member

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    My sim is going to use cordless DC drill motors - 9.2v/12v/18v/etc works.
    I am connecting them to worm-gears pulled from hand-crank wenches though.
    kevinket, Sep 15, 2011
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  5. mazinga

    mazinga New Member

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    Great. Keep it going!!!
    mazinga, Sep 15, 2011
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  6. adgun

    adgun Active Member

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    www.banebots.com
    There rs775 motor with i=256 planetarygear and bearingblock for shaft support.
    Give scn5/scn6 forces depending on current, and 440mm/sec @12v and 550mm/sec @15v
    turning 90 degrade with 100mm lever arm makes a 150mm stroke.
    An allmost fully to asamble sfgt pro
    There awnser about backlash :THEY ARENT MADE FOR VERRY PRECISE POSITIONING.
    And futher nothing.
    regards Ad
    adgun, Sep 15, 2011
    #6
  7. kevinket

    kevinket New Member

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    If you need reduction gears, this site can supply them:
    https://sdp-si.com/eStore/

    To get a 4-1 reduction, I went with these:
    [pre]Part Number Cost/each Inner Diameter
    A 1M 2-TA48024 $2.08 .25
    A 1M 2-TA48100 $3.01 .25[/pre]

    To get a 3-1 reduction, these should work:
    [pre]Part Number Cost/each Inner Diameter
    A 1M 2-TA48032 $2.16 .25
    A 1M 2-TA48100 $3.01 .25[/pre]

    They also charged me $4.00 shipping/handling.

    These have no set screw (the ones with set screws are a lot more) - so you should get positioning pots that have .25 diameter.
    I had to construct adapters to keep them from spinning.
    kevinket, Sep 20, 2011
    #7
  8. bigtalltim

    bigtalltim New Member

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    Re: Sourcing hardware the DIY way

    I have had great success with recycling bike parts from local bike service shop bins...

    They work superbly as a way of communicating and tailoring wiper motor power to your build specifications - and they are completely free!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb1y58D_FEc

    Tim
    bigtalltim, Sep 27, 2011
    #8