Experimental Physics and
Industrial Control System

[email protected] (Brian Leckie) · Wed, 6 Dec 1995 16:19:16 -0800

I am considering using the Digiplan SD series of modular stepper
motor drivers in the Gemini Multiple Object Spectrograph. As with
all Gemini Telescope instruments, the controller for GMOS uses
EPICS and the Oregon Microsystems series of stepper controllers
(in this case the VME8-8).

The SD12 driver can be used with size 23
or 34 bipolar motors, 0.5 to 2 amps per phase, 200 or 400 steps
per revolution, and 10,000 steps/s max. rate. Up to 6 modules
can be mounted in a 3U, 19 inch rack. The 20 stepper motors
used in GMOS will require 4 racks, or about 21 inches of rack
space.

Has anyone come across a more compact, off-the-shelf solution?
Has anyone used the SD12 in particular, or chopping motor controllers
in general, in instruments? Any problems with CCD or IR detector
interference?

Brian Leckie
Dominion Astrophysical Observatory

Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System

Experimental Physics and
Industrial Control System