Need a big servo

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kirsch.dana's Avatar (by Gravatar)kirsch.dana posted on
August 23, 2007, 7:36 pm
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I'm trying to build a robotic teeter totter. I need an industrial
servo capable of lifting 500 -1000 lbs (for a good safety margin).

Then I need a feedback mechanism to determine angle (short of painting
white stripes).

Then I need a way to control it and program it. I've been working with
hobbiest toys (handy board, cricket, stamp, ect.), and I'm scared of
what the industrial league holds for me. It's like being called up to
the majors, I've no idea what I'm getting myself into.

Anyone out there got advice for a hobbiest, trying to "go pro" in
robotics? What resources are good?


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Si Ballenger's Avatar (by Gravatar)Si Ballenger posted on
August 23, 2007, 8:50 pm
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Re: Need a big servo



Be very careful, and have good medical, property, and liability
insurance.

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D Herring's Avatar (by Gravatar)D Herring posted on
August 23, 2007, 10:06 pm
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Re: Need a big servo


Have you considered hydraulics?  This is gonna cost money no matter
how you shake it.  Hydraulics are powerful, well established, and
easily controlled.

- Daniel

CoyoteBoy's Avatar (by Gravatar)CoyoteBoy posted on
August 24, 2007, 2:20 pm
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Re: Need a big servo


After googling for teeter totter (wtf? lol, the differences between
countries never ceases to make me smile!) I thought.... why would you
want one electonically controlled? I presume for a display or such
like? I dont fancy anyone/thing getting under on end of suck an item
without it having serious thought applied to safety.


D Herring's Avatar (by Gravatar)D Herring posted on
August 24, 2007, 7:14 pm
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Re: Need a big servo


That's why we have http://www.darwinawards.com/

They've removed these from most US schoolyards as a potential hazard.
  In fact, most fun toys seem to have been removed.  No wonder kids
"need" methylphenidate.

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CoyoteBoy's Avatar (by Gravatar)CoyoteBoy posted on
August 27, 2007, 5:49 pm
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Re: Need a big servo


I'd say no wonder kids are getting fatter if they need an actuated one
instead of using those great biological actuators attached to their
hips!


kirsch.dana's Avatar (by Gravatar)kirsch.dana posted on
August 29, 2007, 4:20 pm
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Re: Need a big servo


Oh come on, folks, it's called ART...! The idea is to provoke a
discussion on societal interaction, because we've evolved to the point
where a kid can (and may prefer to) play teeter totter with a robot
instead of having to face the danger of finding a real live
playmate... Never fear, the child still has to use his own actuators
but the robot will "respond" automatically... i.e. the robot makes it
fun.

I promise it won't go onto any real playgrounds.

Thanks for the link!


John Mianowski's Avatar (by Gravatar)John Mianowski posted on
August 29, 2007, 7:36 pm
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Re: Need a big servo


In that case, I'd definitely opt for hydraulics.  Go with something
hugely out-sized, like the pistons you'd find on an excavator (might
be able to find cheaply, as salvage).

If you're going to make a statement, make it loudly!

JM


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Robert Davidson's Avatar (by Gravatar)Robert Davidson posted on
August 25, 2007, 9:10 pm
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Re: Need a big servo

You can try something along these lines.

http://www.lynxmotion.com/images/html/ht01.htm

Perhaps a 12 Volt car winch for SUV or Offroad use would apply in this case.
All you'd need is a way to measure your tilt to a sensor/potentiometer.

Good Luck.

Robert Davidson



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