Wiring Completed on Exo Arm

Wiring Completed on Exo Arm

Date: 5.30.17
Location: Logan High School
Time: 6 hours
Goal: Complete wiring and install newly constructed circuit board to drive the linear actuator circuit.

The completion of the project is near. We spent quite a bit of time over the last few days working out the problems with the 18v15 motor driver and circuit needed to control the linear actuator. We needed to control the actuator with a winch switch so the operator could vary the height of the arm. This presented some interesting challenges as the motor driver needed an input circuit designed and built to interface with the switch. In the pictures below you will see the progression in getting that circuit up and running.

We also tested the Exo Arm for the first time in a grinding operation. Everything worked as designed so we were pleased. We now have to test at different heights and vertical operation.

Grant testing out the Exo Arm.

Our first attempt at the motor driver input circuit. It worked but the half H-Bridge did not support enough amperage to drive the linear actuator completely. You get an idea of the scale of what we are working with and it is all hand soldered.

Testing out the circuit for the motor driver.

Using a bread board to prototype the circuit first.

Circuit board is completed, now we just clean up the wiring and we are ready to go.

Wiring schematic for switch motor driver circuit.

Wiring schematic for signal motor driver circuit.