choosing servo components

[bshapiro]

Hi NC gurus,

After more than a decade of using steppers for all sorts of motion control, I am working on new project that requires the loop to be closed. I am a kinetic artist, focusing on motion control installations. I have posted a few times in the past, my site is "The Art of Motion Control" -- www.taomc.com. As with steppers, I learned about servos by buying and testing surplus components. Over the years of stepper-based experimentation, I grew very fond of Compumotor. Their website makes finding specs on even very old components a breeze. So that's where I started my servo hunt. Over the past year or so, I have acquired quite an assortment of their servo drives and motors on eBay. Alas, not for the 5 cents on the dollar I'd become accustomed to with steppers, but still under 20% of list. I've built several prototypes and now have a reasonable feel for the torque I need. The budget for this project will allow buying new components, and I really like the security of being familiar with the hardware.

My questions is: before I run out and buy Parker's stuff (which seems to be on the high end of the price spectrum) should I consider other brands? The project I'm referring to is called "Ribbon Dancer" and is outlined at:
http://www.taomc.com/art_machines/ribbondancer.htm
Since this is a permanent installation, about 50' up, I need it to work for as close to forever as possible, so I am going brushless.

I just visited one of my local techno-junk havens and saw a couple Electro-craft motors (S-3016-N-H00AA) for a great price. But I'm not sure how to find all the specs I need. I found some H-series documentation on Rockwell's site, but I'm not sure if it is applicable to S-series. Why is it so much easier to get info like this on Parker's site?

Thanks for any/all input.
Bruce

[Al_The_Man]

The S series motors were from when Electro-Craft were owned by Reliance, they were dropped by Rockwell in Favour of the H series.
I have the Motor specs for the S series if you PM me your private email I can send if you wish.
Al.

[BigBulle]

Hello ,

This is my first post on this forum.
Actually I found it because I was looking for the Electrocraft S-Serie motors...

Al_The_Man, i've read that you had the documentation concerning these motors.
If you still have these documents, could you send them to me if i give you my e-mail address?
It would be wonderfull for me !

Thanks a lot in advance

Regards

[CJL5585]

Bruce,
I discovered your site about four or more years ago, and still visit it occasionally to keep up with the latest developments.

I really do appreciate your work. I want to congratulate you on working with the students, and teaching them about art, and the science and math of motion control. I am sure that your work has enhanced many peoples lives. I know that it has enhanced mine.

Jerry