Advice needed from a computer tech for art project 2007

Post by **mdmf007** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 7:02 pm

Greetings all -

I am in neeed of some technical advise here - Problem is simple I need to know if there are any off the shelf programs to enable a windows based computer to fire servos at given intervals.

I know there is tons of custom scripts and hardware - I was looking for something easier and cheaper to fire solenoids for a fire project all timed to a pattern.

Thanks a million -

BAS · Post by **BAS** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 7:35 pm

Don't know the answer to your question, but how about doing it mechanically? If have it some sort of contacts on a wheel linked to a motor (or windmill!).

Just something I thought of when reading your post.

B.

MikeVDS · Post by **MikeVDS** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 10:25 pm

There are lots of packages that will do this. Labview is one and Trackster is another. Both of those are fairly technical and can do a lot more than just what you're asking for. I think also a bit pricey. I'll keep my eyes out for anything simpler that you could use.

Also you may want to note that anything that's purely software will not fire the servos without additional hardware (unless they're really small ones). I believe USB ports run 5v and I'm unsure of the current, but I know it's not much. So the software you run may have to run a controller or relays for your servos.

Toolmaker · Post by **Toolmaker** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 5:27 am

Labview is indeed expensive but alot of folks like it.

http://www.globalspec.com/FeaturedProdu ... er/39742/0

I don't know of anything that is "easy" or for the "novice". Good luck all the same. FWIW globalspec might be a helpful link to "windowshop".

MikeVDS · Post by **MikeVDS** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 4:20 pm

A student edition of Labview will do all he needs and with a step by step book runs about $100. I'd plan on a 40 hour work week of doing tutorials before you get a good understanding of it though.

Toolmaker · Post by **Toolmaker** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 4:28 am

I have access to LabVIEW Simulation Interface Toolkit, Motion, Vision Run Time Engine, and SignalExpress at work. I do not know how to use em though. I only know AutoCAD, Pro-E, and MasterCAM. I brought the notebook that has Labview etc home for awhile since we are not using it anymore at the shop. I'm going to play with it a little just to remind myself why I am just a lowly machinist/toolmaker.

MikeVDS · Post by **MikeVDS** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 6:26 am

Haha. With my experience with Labview, it will do just that. Without some formal training (a book, experienced user or a class) it's pretty difficult to figure out.