584,830 active members*
5,484 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
IndustryArena Forum > OpenSource CNC Design Center > Open Source Controller Boards > Open source low cost servomotor controller
Page 1 of 7 123
Results 1 to 20 of 141

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    41

    Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Hey guys,
    I would just like to announce my project, called Odrive. It is an open source high performance brushless servomotor controller, meant to be used with cheap hobby motors. It has 2 axes per board, and allows chaining multiple boards for more axes.
    Let me know if you are interested in development, or want to get your hands on some early hardware.
    Cheers!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    106

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Now posted design, no posted software, no real description of features and functionality, kinda hard to have interest in a project with no content.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    41

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Quote Originally Posted by websrvr View Post
    Now posted design, no posted software, no real description of features and functionality, kinda hard to have interest in a project with no content.
    Sorry if it was confusing, the details of the project is in the link attached to the word Odrive in the original post. I can give the link explicitly here:
    https://hackaday.io/project/11583-od...-motor-control
    Cheers.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    106

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Are you the creator of this work?

    Since the project is being developed elsewhere, why is it being cross-posted here?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    41

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Quote Originally Posted by websrvr View Post
    Are you the creator of this work?

    Since the project is being developed elsewhere, why is it being cross-posted here?
    Yeah I am. I thought it would be interesting to reach out to this community too. Especially since I see the type of machines that will benefit the most are heavy machines that need high precision.
    I was hoping to engage in a fruitful discussion on this forum about the project.

    Cheers!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    106

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    I'm curious to know how you came into the 150A or 75A current specification since all the PCB software I have access too tells me 30A on 4oz stopped copper is the best you can hope for.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    41

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Hey everyone,
    There is now an update about board availability and the roadmap for the ODrive features on the project page.
    If you are interested in getting an ODrive board, you should check it out.
    Cheers!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    1397

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    As I understand it, v3 doesn't exist yet? Are the design files available for v2?
    James hosts the single best wiki page about steppers for CNC hobbyists on the net:
    http://www.piclist.com/techref/io/steppers.htm Disagree? Tell him what's missing! ,o)

  9. #9
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    41

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Quote Originally Posted by James Newton View Post
    As I understand it, v3 doesn't exist yet? Are the design files available for v2?
    I have a v3 on my desk atm, see attached picture. I am currently doing some basic tests to make sure that the hardware design is functional. When I have ascertained that that is the case, I will help people get their hands on some v3 boards.

    Nevertheless, all the design files are available here:

    • v3 Firmware is here
    • v3 Board design is here
    • v2 Firmware is here
    • v2 FPGA logic is here
    • v2 Board design is here


    Cheers!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Posts
    51

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    The motors you show are open to chips getting in. Have you built a covering for them and do they not overheat with a cover.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    41

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Quote Originally Posted by hoecken View Post
    The motors you show are open to chips getting in. Have you built a covering for them and do they not overheat with a cover.
    Yeah they are open. I was thinking of making a shroud that houses a motor/encoder assembly, and that has an air inlet with an intake filter, and a fan for forced air cooling. This can probably increase the performance at low speeds fairly significantly since the motors own air cooling doesn't work unless they are spinning at high speed.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    41

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Quote Originally Posted by macdowswe View Post
    Yeah they are open. I was thinking of making a shroud that houses a motor/encoder assembly, and that has an air inlet with an intake filter, and a fan for forced air cooling. This can probably increase the performance at low speeds fairly significantly since the motors own air cooling doesn't work unless they are spinning at high speed.
    So about the cooling and thermal management of the motor, the above is the plan. Actually, just to enumerate some of the possible ways to prevent overheating:

    1. Use reduction gearing to reduce torque required from motor
    2. Oversize the motor
    3. Use forced air cooling
    4. Active thermal management/control, with motor temperature feedback (using a thermistor or similar)
    5. Most importantly: lots of testing.

    I think in the end there is a large range of motor sizes available, and the power to cost ratio of these motors is really good. So getting the right motor shouldn't be a big problem. After I get back to a proper workstation after the holidays, I will make a spreadsheet to help people pick motors for their application, and include some motors I recommend (and of course have it so people can add their own motors).

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    4553

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Macdowswe,

    Very nice, clean looking board.

    Please keep us in the loop, there are many interested users here.

    Welcome to the Zone,

    Jeff...
    Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    41

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Quote Originally Posted by jalessi View Post
    Macdowswe,

    Very nice, clean looking board.

    Please keep us in the loop, there are many interested users here.

    Welcome to the Zone,

    Jeff...
    Cheers! Thanks! I will keep you up to date.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Posts
    1397

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Thanks for pointing to the files... I can't seem to find a Schematic for v3.... what format are those design files in? Is there a pdf or png of the Schematic that I'm missing?
    James hosts the single best wiki page about steppers for CNC hobbyists on the net:
    http://www.piclist.com/techref/io/steppers.htm Disagree? Tell him what's missing! ,o)

  16. #16
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    41

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Quote Originally Posted by James Newton View Post
    Thanks for pointing to the files... I can't seem to find a Schematic for v3.... what format are those design files in? Is there a pdf or png of the Schematic that I'm missing?
    No problem. The design files are in Altium Designer. There is also a PDF in that folder. Here is a direct link: https://github.com/madcowswe/Servo/b...two_ax_PCB.PDF
    Cheers (:

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    11

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Im impressed! This is a wonderful project! About time someone did this! You could also use this for force feedback in flying and racing simulations!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Posts
    142

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    There is a way to put a encoder in this config , or i don't see one .
    Thanks .

  19. #19
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Posts
    41

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Quote Originally Posted by Andreiir View Post
    There is a way to put a encoder in this config , or i don't see one .
    Thanks .
    Yeah, the encoders plug into the top right part of the board.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Posts
    1

    Re: Open source low cost servomotor controller

    Sorry to dig up an old thread here, but whats the progress here?

    I am doing some research around safety with CNC machines, and this interests me because it seems it would have the capability to detect when it has hit a foreign object, potentially allowing it to stop if it hits an errant hand before crushing it. Obviously this will only work for machines which have a fairly predictable load/friction, but considering most fingers can withstand 500N briefly before suffering permanent damage, and most CNC machines don't use anywhere near that much feed force, we might be able to design a machine which won't cut your fingers off accidentally.

Page 1 of 7 123

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 31
    Last Post: 08-24-2015, 10:03 AM
  2. Smoothie CNC controller, Open Source.
    By Rolf_K in forum Laser Engraving / Cutting Machine General Topics
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 01-15-2015, 07:41 PM
  3. CNC Controller with Arduino - open source
    By Christian Knüll in forum Open Source Controller Boards
    Replies: 16
    Last Post: 12-22-2012, 10:46 AM
  4. Open Source CNC Controller Specification
    By gregmary in forum DIY CNC Router Table Machines
    Replies: 28
    Last Post: 12-05-2005, 04:58 AM
  5. BEST Open source Controller ?
    By Seventeen in forum Open Source Controller Boards
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 09-22-2005, 12:27 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •