electric drive system ...actuator, controller what's teh difference?

Hello every one
could you please tell me how do I make a robot controller using an electric drive system? what do I need. If my actuator is a motor, what is a controller. Is a switch a simple controller, and if I want to get a feedback to the computer's parallel port how do I do it?
Thanks in advance for your help
tta ;-)

 

[ecampos]

The controller is an electronic device used to control the speed and torque of a electric motor. Most motors are able to be controlled in this manner although it is not necessary. It depends on what you are trying to achieve. For a robotic arm, you probably want a controller. They are also called "Inverters" A switch will work, but does not let you vary anything, only on/off. For feedback, a controller would be helpful, the motor needs a tachometer or a encoder to send the information, and the controller needs to be able to read it and make decisions based on it. Perhaps you should also look into PLC's (Programmable logic controllers), they are pretty useful gadgets.

Edson Campos
edsoncampos@earthlink.net

 

[ghostdog]

You need to check out some 'basic' sites to give you a feel for how the industry controls stuff.
Try

http://www.roboknowledge.com.

If they dont have anything post the question anyway.
regards

 

[nbucska]

search the FORUM for parallel port. <nbucska@pcperipherals.com>