Stepper Motors and Microscope

Optical microscopes + digital photography
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betti
Posts: 6
Joined: 27.04.2014 12:25

Stepper Motors and Microscope

Post by betti »

Hello,
I'm using a stereomicroscope and I plan to drive the focus knob with an external motor and HR.
This is my equipment:
Image

What do you think is the best stepper to drive it, StackShot (standalone stepper motor) or the Trinamic PANDrive PD3-110-42-232?

Do you think I need a more powerful stepper?
In this case, the Trinamic PANdrive PD4-113-60-SE-232 could be compatible with Helicon Remote?

Thank you for your attention.
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Stas Yatsenko
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Re: Stepper Motors and Microscope

Post by Stas Yatsenko »

Helicon Remote should be compatible with this motor too, though we have not test it. From the name it looks like it is from the same family as Trinamic PANDrive PD3-110-42-232. This motor is quite powerful, you can check its torque in specification.

Though I am not sure it is a good idea to use any stepper motor without reduction gear.
betti
Posts: 6
Joined: 27.04.2014 12:25

Re: Stepper Motors and Microscope

Post by betti »

Thanks for the reply!

So what do you suggest me to do?
Apply a reduction gear such as Planetary Gearbox to the stepper and then connect it to the microscope?
In this case the PD3-110-42-232 would be able to work well or do I still need the high torque stepper (PD4-113-60-SE-232)?

Please forgive me for all my questions, I am still fairly new to all this.
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Stas Yatsenko
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Re: Stepper Motors and Microscope

Post by Stas Yatsenko »

Sorry, we are not engineers. We just have this motor in the office for compatibility tests. As far as I understand, the biggest problem is to connect motor with microscope handle. I do not know how you are going to solve this. I think, using gear would help to make the solution more reliable.
betti
Posts: 6
Joined: 27.04.2014 12:25

Re: Stepper Motors and Microscope

Post by betti »

Thank you very much for your help and your advices.

I have consulted some experts and I decided to use a smaller stepper (PANdrive PD2-113-57-SE-232, which has the same electronics of the PANdrive PD4-113-60-SE-232 but minor torque: 1.01 Nm) coupled to a 10:1 planetary gearbox to reduce the rpm from 500 to 50, then using a belt and pulleys system I will connect motor with microscope handle.

Now I just need to know if Helicon Remote is compatible with my motor PANdrive PD2-113-57-SE-232 (or PANdrive PD4-113-60-SE-232 that it's the same).
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Stas Yatsenko
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Re: Stepper Motors and Microscope

Post by Stas Yatsenko »

Yes, from the description this motor is fully compatible. It understands the same TMCL command language for motor control.
Alcofibras
Posts: 4
Joined: 11.05.2014 14:49

Re: Stepper Motors and Microscope

Post by Alcofibras »

Hello Betti,

Did you manage to drive your microscope using your stepper motor?
Please post some pictures, I would be interested in knowing how you did.

Thank-you in advance.
zineomar
Posts: 1
Joined: 07.08.2016 15:44

Re: Stepper Motors and Microscope

Post by zineomar »

Hi,
I would like to know what supply power i must bay for Trinamic PANDrive PD3-110-42-232
I have not found documentation for mounting and wiring. I need your help
best regard and thanks
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Stas Yatsenko
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Re: Stepper Motors and Microscope

Post by Stas Yatsenko »

I don't know, especially since there are a number of different power motors. Look for stall current or power in the specs and calculate based on that.
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