madbeanpedals::forum

General => Open Discussion => Topic started by: brand0nized on March 22, 2015, 11:34:07 PM

Title: How can I run a motor off of USB and make it turn real slow?
Post by: brand0nized on March 22, 2015, 11:34:07 PM
Hi folks. I know this isn't the right forum, but you guys are my only (electrically-inclined) friends...

I want to run a motor off of my USB charger that outputs 5V at 2.1A, and I want to make it turn really slowly.

Why? I found an app that gives me points for watching videos, so I'm going to rig up a stylus on a motor to go up and down right over the spot where the "Next Video" button is, so I can rack up points when I'm not in my room. ;)

Us college kids need some spare cash... And a life...
Title: Re: How can I run a motor off of USB and make it turn real slow?
Post by: PigeonFX on March 23, 2015, 01:06:07 AM
Use a 5v Solenoid? (this is a electromagnet that goes in and out, so good for this "tapping" application)



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIY-Parts-DC-4-5V-40g-2mm-Push-Pull-Type-Electric-Magnet-Solenoid-Electromagnet-/121478797441?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c48b35881

Then you could control it with all manner of things from a 555 chip, to a Arduino micro-controller (Arduino would be a really good device to use for this project as you will learn very simple code to set when the Solenoid is on or off)
Title: Re: How can I run a motor off of USB and make it turn real slow?
Post by: copachino on March 23, 2015, 03:24:13 AM
how about an arduino and a stepper motor, i got on code that makes one stepper runs about 0.1rpm or even slower
Title: Re: How can I run a motor off of USB and make it turn real slow?
Post by: Matt on March 23, 2015, 04:25:06 AM
Clock movement using the sweep second post?
Title: Re: How can I run a motor off of USB and make it turn real slow?
Post by: PigeonFX on March 23, 2015, 04:28:45 AM
(http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view5/4075285/it-s-drinking-the-water-o.gif)

(http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view4/2239283/homer-bird-o.gif)
Title: Re: How can I run a motor off of USB and make it turn real slow?
Post by: rullywowr on March 23, 2015, 02:30:13 PM
Quote from: brand0nized on March 22, 2015, 11:34:07 PM

Why? I found an app that gives me points for watching videos, so I'm going to rig up a stylus on a motor to go up and down right over the spot where the "Next Video" button is, so I can rack up points when I'm not in my room. ;)


While the mechanical approach is admirable for us DIYers....how about using a "Mouse Macro?" 

http://sourceforge.net/projects/minimousemacro/

You can simply record a macro which clicks the mouse button every n seconds and "loop" it.  No soldering required  :P

Step 1.  Record Mouse Macro
Step 2.  Profit!
Title: Re: How can I run a motor off of USB and make it turn real slow?
Post by: mcallisterra on March 23, 2015, 02:33:58 PM
Quote from: PigeonFX on March 23, 2015, 04:28:45 AM
(http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view5/4075285/it-s-drinking-the-water-o.gif)

(http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view4/2239283/homer-bird-o.gif)

;D

That's the first thing that popped in my head too
Title: Re: How can I run a motor off of USB and make it turn real slow?
Post by: brand0nized on March 23, 2015, 07:27:33 PM

Quote from: PigeonFX on March 23, 2015, 04:28:45 AM
(http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view5/4075285/it-s-drinking-the-water-o.gif)

(http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view4/2239283/homer-bird-o.gif)

Where's the "Best Answer" button? I think you've solved my dilemma.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: How can I run a motor off of USB and make it turn real slow?
Post by: alanp on March 24, 2015, 04:58:54 AM
In Morrowind, I once left a character swimming into a corner by wedging a matchstick into the keyboard and wandered off for a few hours (easy way to level some kind of skill in the game, I forget what.)