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Asked — Edited
Resolved Resolved by Troy!

Solenoid Powered Omnibot Claw

I was wondering, the way the Omnibot 2000 claws are set up, it seems a solenoid may be able to make them open with a spring acting to close them. Is this possible? and if so is it a good idea due to the fact that solenoids are usually high voltage and I can not seem to find a digital one, are they able to connect with the EZ-B? Please let me know if this is a good idea? Thanks.


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#3  
Oh wow, so I would connect a regular motor to the SMD MOSFET and then the MOSFET to the EZ-B and it will be able to control the motor just like it would a servo? This may be the answer I have been needing, I could just replace the motors in the Omnibot and connect MOSFET's to all of them and just use the gears that are already in the arm for it to move. I was thinking I would have to replace everything stock with servo's like D.J. and Mr. A did. will this work?
#4  
If using DC motors and you want them to both go forward and reverse you should use an H-Bridge. Let us know your operating voltage and the how much amperage the motor pulls and we'll recommend a good h-bridge.
#5  
Using the MOSFET I can not just plug the Motor directly into the EZ-B?
#6  
The MOSFET is controlled by a small low voltage 5 v that is supplied by the EZ-B ports. The MOSFET switches a larger voltage that is used by the motors and is not supplied from the EZ-B.
USA
#7  
@clintgarr75, dschulplus is correct. For the purpose you describe you need the H-bridge for forward and reverse. For higher current motors, more than one mosfet (I think 4 per motor) are used in the H-bridge circuit. A single mosfet will give you one direction switching. I know Im oversimplying it but essentially you need an H-bridge. I'm sure someone in the forum can recommend one for the stock omni robot.
#8  
Ok, the arms of the Omnibot are really getting to be very tricky to work out, does anyone know a really simple solution for the Omnibot 2000 arms that doesn't require a degree in electrical engineering to figure out?
#9  
Sorry, the post above was a joke. I am just getting frustrated trying to make the Omnibot 2000 arms work. Thank you all for helping me, this information has given me a lot to think about. Thank you.
#10  
@clintgarr75,

I am not exactly sure how you want to your claws to work. If you use a solenoid, that will only move in one direction, a spring would return it. That sounds like what you were looking at. If that is the case, you could power it with a TIP as @Troy suggested, and Rich designed. You could also use a relay. They come on boards from two, to dozens.
relays


If you want to power it in both directions, you could use an actuator or motor. Then, you would need an H-bridge to switch from forward to reverse as @dshulpious said.
actuators



I have put together a diagram of how to make a simple H-bridge using two relays. I am going this route because I will have many motors, and putting in a few large relay boards in neater than a dozen separate H-bridges.

User-inserted image


When both relays are in normal position, the motor is grounded on both sides. If you flip one, or the other, it will make that side hot, and turn the motor either forward, or reverse.
USA
#11  
This may not be the best thread but it does have some good info on the shoulder.
Thread link
Btw, don't forget to credit Rich for answering your original question on solenoid use.
#12  
Thanks for all the help. I really appreciate all the help.
PRO
USA
#13  
Hey guys , the doorlock actuator is what I was going to use for my claws. They are easy to wire and have lots of torquehttp://www.amazon.com/High-Power-Door-Lock-Actuator/dp/B0002KR9PW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380476803&sr=8-2&keywords=door+lock+actuator+mini

These were $ 3.90 so they are very cost effective , they need 12 volts and a relay can trip them or you could use tip120 Darlington transistors too.
User-inserted image


There are micro or mini versions of this that are a few dollars more buy they are still cheap and strong.
USA
#14  
They fit in the arm? I wonder what the return force is when not energized. That was the problem I had.
Oh this may be a brushed motor, rack and pinion gear arrangement inside and not a solenoid. Do you know Josh?
#15  
Thanks for that link Josh. That is a good price. I wonder if they would be strong enough for my B9 claws.
PRO
USA
#16  
@troy they are a brushed motor with gears. They are pretty strong especially if kept energized to hold something. I imagine a pwm could allow you to adjust holding torque too.
USA
#17  
Those will be great if they fit.
PRO
USA
#18  
They are really small and there are even versions half that size for super tight installs.
USA
#20  
Great! I will save both. Let me know how yours fit so I will know wether or not to buy smaller ones.
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