Hi I am looking for imformation or schematics for a MAGIC EYE PLASMA PROFILE CUTTER ,this is the type where you put a drawing down & the eye traces the black line of the drawing . I would like to build a small one for hobby use ,I have a plasma cutter already ,just need to work out the sensors & drive . Any help would be great ,thanks Allan.
The basic prinziple is quite easy: You have a photo cell that is divided into 4 quadrants. Every quadrant delivers a voltage, depending on the amount of light he gets. If you put the cell over the line to trace you get 4 different voltages. If you move the sensor a bit off the line, voltage will drop in one sensor quadrant and rise in the opposed quadrant. This voltage difference reflects the offset of the sensor and is used to realign it.
You can find similar (but simpler) electronic in trackers for solar cells that automaticaly readjust the cells to the sun.
I would ask in a electronics group.
HTH, Nick
You may want to check out some of the hobbiest robotics info that is all over the web. Those guys make lots of "line following" robots both for fun and for various competitions. Same principle. Lots of info on these sorts of things around. Google "line following robot" or "line follower robot" etc. and you will fine plenty to get you started.
Hope that helps a bit.
-AL A.
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