Where to get gauge needles?

[388TH_A]

O WOW i think there are Stepper motors in hold Floppy drives if that is the case does anybody know if there is and if i can use them?

[cscotthendry]

Here's the steppers I use and the link to the supplier. I use the PM20S which is quite small, and cheap. They are available from a number of other sources too.

http://www.futurlec.com.au/StepperMotors.jsp

Here's the US link for the same

http://www.futurlec.com/StepperMotors.shtml

These steppers come with a 64TPI pitch gear. They also have a connector, but I've not found a source for the other side of that connector.

If you don't already have a copy, Mike Powell's book on making simulated aircraft gauges got me started in this. I've not seen anything else like Mike's book for readability and coverage of the topic.

[388TH_A]

Well thanks and i did notice that your stuff it wired different then mine would be mostly because im using FSBUS. Do you know if it matters on what kind of Stepper motor i use with that? and thanks again for the links!

[388TH_A]

Wow the Stepper motors are really cheap. And ill just have to ask around and also see more of what im wanting to do so i can ask questions.

[twisted8]

Here's the steppers I use and the link to the supplier. I use the PM20S which is quite small, and cheap. They are available from a number of other sources too.

http://www.futurlec.com.au/StepperMotors.jsp

Here's the US link for the same

http://www.futurlec.com/StepperMotors.shtml

These steppers come with a 64TPI pitch gear. They also have a connector, but I've not found a source for the other side of that connector.

does the PM20S have enough resolution with only 20 steps? do you use additional gearing? I was under the impression I would need 1.8deg stepper motors.
I'm trying to build the flaps gauge and a wet compass
Thanks!

[388TH_A]

O geez with your comment now im not so sure on what im wanting to do and what to get lol

[No Longer Active]

I wouldnt bother with stepper motors.

I would purchase a Hi-Tec micro servo and gear it so that a 180 degree turn can provide a 270 degree+ movement.

[388TH_A]

O GEEZ now im even more confused lol

[twisted8]

I wouldnt bother with stepper motors.

I would purchase a Hi-Tec micro servo and gear it so that a 180 degree turn can provide a 270 degree+ movement.

Well problem is that a servo wouldn't work for a wet compass and I only have a the USB stepper card from opencokpits. Otherwise yeah it sounds like servos are easier to work with.

I see some gearing in this pic which makes more sense.
http://home.exetel.com.au/flightsim/...RMI_Wired1.jpg

is it better to use the gearing than use a 1.8deg stepper?

Thanks!

[No Longer Active]

In my experience of the first time I made some gauges, I didn't need gears as my fuel gauges needles turned less than 180 degrees which was the maximum that an un-modified servo can rotate.

If you was to use some very basic gears such as a gear that will convert a 180 degree movement into a 360 degree movement then you should be able to make your flaps gauge using SIOC coding.

As for stepper motors I know that it is a different story as you need to include some kind of interrupter additionally, which is why I prefer servo's as you d'ont need anything like that.

I dont know how to advise you on the compass rose as this is a particularly hard gauge to make, but it can be done by using servo motors and sensors (as my simkits compass rose is made this way).

I personally just prefer the whole servo aproach, indeed speppers are very durable and have excellent benefits but for the odd gauge then the servo on a servo card does the trick nicely!