Robotics-Running two stepper motors

[Ashkan22]

Hi

I am working with LIFA (labview interface for arduino) to run two stepper motors to create a special (simple) path on XY plane. The example code (Arduino Stepper Motor.vi) works fine with one motor, but I don't know how I can modify it so that two motors can move with one time pushing the button, one after another while taking turns. Any Ideas? 

The motion plan is as follows: 1. Motor 2 is stationary and motor 1 moves the load for 100 steps in X direction, then it stops and motor 2 starts to move the load for 70 steps in Y direction. 

                                                       2. The same as 1, only the direction of motor 1 motion is reversed, and motor 2 moves 85 steps instead of 70 in the same direction.

                                                       3. Repetition of 1 and 2 for 4 times with different number of steps at each level.

I have twe big easy drivers, and one Arduino Uno.

I truly appreciate your help,

Best,

Ashkan

[mikeporter]

1. You could create a state machine.
2. You could create a movement recipe where you enter in each sequential movement, and the code steps through the recipe one movement at a time.
3. You could create some combination of 1 and 2.

How do you want it to work? Are these steps going to remain constant, or do you want to be able to change them from one run to the next? How much do you know about LV? Have you any code that you wrote? What is the long term goal -- are you building towards something specific or just learning for the sake of learning?

Mike...

[Ashkan22]

Hi

Thanks for your reply. Well, the system is supposed to move a set of small antennas on that path and scan an object in 2D. 

I am using Labview, because electrical group members have already developed a huge vi for scanning (Transmitter/Receiver), and we are planning to attach motors code to that one and synchronize the whole thing.

I would rather use arduino and code it, because it would be simpler, but considering the scanning code it's not a good idea.

Probably the number of steps will be constant all the time, as the scanning area is specific. 

How can I implement the ideas you suggested in a Labvie code? Can modify the exisiting example or should I start a new vi from scratch?

I thought if I could make a series scheme in Labview (run motor 1, then motor 2, then motor 1, and so on), it would work, but neither I am sure if it's a good idea nor if it's applicable.

Unfortunately, I don't know about LV, yet I am eager to learn if it facilitates the design.

Thank you again,

Ashkan

[mikeporter]

The place to start is to learn more about LabVIEW. It is not particularly hard and there are many online tutorials available.

Mike...

[Ashkan22]

Hi

My bad...I thought LV was something different 😄 Now I see you meant Labview!...I know the basics, but I guess for this application I've  gotta go deeper...

Ashkan

[mikeporter]

Yes, but if you know the basics, perhaps not much deeper...

Mike...