Where to get gauge needles?

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?

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.

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!

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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!

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

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.

O GEEZ now im even more confused lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alex Jay

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.

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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!

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!