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Solution for model - Solenoid / Servo to move something back and forth

Solution for model - Solenoid / Servo to move something back and forth

Solution for model - Solenoid / Servo to move something back and forth

(OP)
Hello everyone I am new to the forum and must admit electrical engineering is not my specialty. In my spare time I am a hobbyist and build all sorts of models which leads me to this post. I have a model that I wish to add motion too. I need a slow moving tiny motor to travel between 30 to 60 degrees and then back to its original position (not a full rotation).

Picture how a seesaw goes up and down, can I make that happen with simple electronics? I thought about using some sort of contact switch at either end to make the motor reverse before making a full rotation but my fear is it will also be too fast, I need it to be slow moving and not jerky. I would love if it was flexible and could handle between 9 and 18volts DC or AC so I can hook it up to a battery or hobby transformer.

I look forward to any advice and thanks in advance for your help

RE: Solution for model - Solenoid / Servo to move something back and forth

Look up how windshield wipers work. They convert simple circular motion into back and forth.

Else, use a stepper motor controlled by something like an Arduino.

Many other options of course.

RE: Solution for model - Solenoid / Servo to move something back and forth

Are you familiar with how a steam locomotive's piston connects to the drive wheels? Try reversing the idea so the rotation from the motor imposes a reciprocating linear motion to a piston (or rod connected to your model). If you use a gearbox you'll be able to use a small motor and slow it right down.

RE: Solution for model - Solenoid / Servo to move something back and forth

OR, use a model airplane servo, and feed it a signal from an Arduino or equal.
The signal would be a short voltage pulse, I think nominally 1ms long, that gets longer or shorter over time to cause movement, e.g. a 0.9 ms pulse moves the servo one way, and a 1.1 ms pulse moves it that same amount in the other direction.

Yes, you can do it mechanically, and you can derive the oscillating command with analog electronics, but if your time is worth anything at all, the Arduino will be cheaper.

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: Solution for model - Solenoid / Servo to move something back and forth

Have you seen how your electric door locks work? Many designs use a small motor driving a short rack gear.
These motors are easily revers-able and the speed is mostly proportional to the applied voltage. A small motor driving a longer rack gear may solve your problem.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

RE: Solution for model - Solenoid / Servo to move something back and forth

A simple cam could do this.

RE: Solution for model - Solenoid / Servo to move something back and forth

a cam, or a crank+rod...if space and aesthetics allow. You could probably rig something up to do it with a little stepper motor ... you didn't say how big?

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