Cheap but high torque, arduino compatible motor

[Sv443]

So I've been working on an automated chicken coop door but I've ran into a big problem. At first I wanted to use a cheap Nema stepping motor but the torque was just too low to lift a 1kg weight. Do you have any suggestions on what motor I could use? Below 20$ and compatiple with 5V, 12V or 230V would be best.

Thanks!

[CM800]

You could always add a gearing to it, or use a leadscrew to assist in gearing up the torque at expense of speed (I can't imagine you need a fast chicken coop door?)

[Ian.M]

Or add a counterweight.    Use a cycle chain for the drive, with the motor and drive sprocket above the door, high enough there's space for the counterweight.  Put the door on one end of the chain and put a weight to balance the door on the other end of the chain.

[james_s]

Are there any automotive recyclers near you? Cars tend to be full of useful motors like this, wiper motors, power window and power sunroof motors, that sort of thing along with various mechanical bits. You can also find all the relays and connectors you need in order to interface the motor to your microcontroller.

[amyk]

Are there any automotive recyclers near you? Cars tend to be full of useful motors like this, wiper motors, power window and power sunroof motors, that sort of thing along with various mechanical bits. You can also find all the relays and connectors you need in order to interface the motor to your microcontroller.

...and starter motors, if you want really high torque...

[viperidae]

"continuous rotation" servo.
You can then control speed and direction with the Arduino servo library

[radar_macgyver]

Maybe add a microswitch? Think of the chickens!!!

[hagster]

Maybe or maybe not the right motor for this job, but has anyone had experience with these cheap brushless motors with integrated controllers?. You can drive them directly from a Arduino apparently. No H bridge needed.

http://m.dx.com/p/DetailMore?sku=440035&tabIndex=1

[iwtommo]

Just want to echo my support for starter motor powered chicken coop door

 

[Mechatrommer]

At first I wanted to use a cheap Nema stepping motor but the torque was just too low to lift a 1kg weight.

you need to specify the rate of lift as well. with proper gearing, you can make your existing NEMA motor to lift a car, but until tomorrow. the rate of change and torque will both determine the power requirement of the motor. slower rate of change will increase torque and vice versa. if you dont want to use gears, then you'll need a big motor connected to the chicken door.

looking at the video...


you may buy a car power window motor for your purpose or something like this, gear ready so you dont need to make one...
https://www.ebay.com.my/itm/12V-Reduction-Motor-Worm-Reversible-High-Torque-Turbo-Geared-Motor-2017-2-100RPM/142604920978?hash=item2133ea6892:m:mmTn81Wsj3NQhSW4CUkl6Xw
assuming the motor is 1000rpm, the 10rpm gear version will give you 1000kg.cm or 10kg.m torque, but thats sound unrealistic for $6 china motor version

or this...
https://www.ebay.com.my/itm/DC-Gear-Motor-12V-24V-30V-Strong-Torque-Positive-Inversion-Velocity-Regulating/183175230396?hash=item2aa61833bc:g:k68AAOSwMPxazyXR
32kg.cm is plenty of torque @ 12V @ 4rpm maybe when loaded (9rpm unloaded)... fwiw...

[Mr. Scram]

http://stores.ebay.com/stepperonline/

They have geared motors. I've bought a few (non-geared, NEMA17 and NEMA14) for my hobby use, and the quality is great.

They have their own factory in China (the eBay shop is owned by the factory), not sourcing from unknown dodgy sources.

Those are steppers, so you need a proper stepper driver, something like a Trinamics or A4988 will work. The Trinamics is waaaay better than the A4988, but is a bit more expensive and requires some tweaking over through SPI interface.

Both driver chips are available in modules, so you don't have to solder QFN chips.

Those parts look interesting, but sure aren't cheap. Then again, pay peanuts...

[CM800]

I would suggest doing a safety hitch (the door is lifted up, but can freely be lifted up without being motorized) otherwise you will have a fine gillotine dependent on how the mechanics are assembled.

We did something similar with a sensor case made of stainless steel. The previous design could easily take a finger off as it was fixed to the actuator.

[paulca]

Have you considered a high torque servo?
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/bms-617dmgplushs-v-fast-digital-buggy-servo-mg-6-8kg-10sec-46-5g.html

[james_s]

The motor in that video is a power antenna, you don't see those too often anymore, my car has one and I always thought it was cool.