Alternate method to determine position in two axis besides using linear encoders?
Alternate method to determine position in two axis besides using linear encoders?
(OP)
Hello,
I'm working on a project where I will need to determine and record the XY position of a stylus over an 18" x 36" table. The stylus will be mounted on a gantry to move freely in the Y axis, and will also be mounted on a slide on the gantry beam to move freely in the X axis. I want the user to be able to hand move the stylus and have the program record it's XY coordinates every 1/10th of a second.
I've looked into using linear encoders for this but the cost is far too expensive. Is there any other cheap and simple method that I can use that can (somewhat) accurately determine the XY position of the stylus without using linear encoders? I've thought about using a stepper motor and counting steps but the resistance will be to great to move the stylus easily.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
-M
I'm working on a project where I will need to determine and record the XY position of a stylus over an 18" x 36" table. The stylus will be mounted on a gantry to move freely in the Y axis, and will also be mounted on a slide on the gantry beam to move freely in the X axis. I want the user to be able to hand move the stylus and have the program record it's XY coordinates every 1/10th of a second.
I've looked into using linear encoders for this but the cost is far too expensive. Is there any other cheap and simple method that I can use that can (somewhat) accurately determine the XY position of the stylus without using linear encoders? I've thought about using a stepper motor and counting steps but the resistance will be to great to move the stylus easily.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
-M





RE: Alternate method to determine position in two axis besides using linear encoders?
Peter Nachtwey
Delta Computer Systems
http://www.deltamotion.com
http://forum.deltamotion.com/
RE: Alternate method to determine position in two axis besides using linear encoders?
Or.
Use touch circuits with linear tapers to allow reading the positions of the two axis. Use a micro with a charge peripheral like most Microchip processors to pole the "touch" point. Tiz very fast and cheap.
Alternatively use variable inductance coils where the axises run a core into coils changing their inductance. Measure the position by measuring the inductance.
Or use a Kinect and just look at the hand.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Alternate method to determine position in two axis besides using linear encoders?
RE: Alternate method to determine position in two axis besides using linear encoders?
define accurately?
String pots?
Ultrasonic? https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13959