Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: cyborgemu on March 31, 2010, 10:33:26 AM

Title: Low-power, low-load rotary actuator?
Post by: cyborgemu on March 31, 2010, 10:33:26 AM

Greetings.

I am working on a prototype of a small, stationary robot powered by a very small PV cell trickle charging a capacitor array. I'm having problems finding the right part to use as a status indicator, however. LEDs draw too much current for this device. I'm imagining a very small rotary motor or actuator which steps forward with each capacitor discharge. The motor's load will be a small color-coded plastic strip. It only needs to complete one revolution per day.

Does anyone have any ideas about a low-cost solution to this problem?

Many thanks.

Title: Re: Low-power, low-load rotary actuator?
Post by: Soeren on March 31, 2010, 02:46:56 PM

Hi,

Quote from: cyborgemu on March 31, 2010, 10:33:26 AM

LEDs draw too much current for this device.

An LED could be made to flash with a short flash and a long pause. Average consumption with a 15mA 100ms flash twice a minute would be 50µA.

Quote from: cyborgemu on March 31, 2010, 10:33:26 AM

I'm imagining a very small rotary motor or actuator which steps forward with each capacitor discharge. The motor's load will be a small color-coded plastic strip. It only needs to complete one revolution per day.

You may wanna do a search for BEAM robotics.

Title: Re: Low-power, low-load rotary actuator?
Post by: nottoooily on April 01, 2010, 03:25:00 AM

LCD. You could just get an old watch.

Title: Re: Low-power, low-load rotary actuator?
Post by: Soeren on April 01, 2010, 10:43:55 AM

Hi,

Quote from: nottoooily on April 01, 2010, 03:25:00 AM

LCD. You could just get an old watch.

Yes, absolutely the best and leanest idea!