Turntable

[Cliff George]

Hello Mick,

Some great work there Cliff

Thanks

is the turntable going to be manual

To start with yes, but I've allowed access to the central shaft from below for possible use of the PTC III system:
http://www.nyrs.com/default
or maybe something of my own invention.

and, how are you intending to maintain the power supply to the track

Yes, got that covered too. Power for one side of the track comes through the central shaft, for the other side through the taper roller bearing. I've been careful to keep these two isolated from each other. If something doesn't quite work with this plan (and I don't see why it shouldn't), plan B would be to use one of the first two methods and the (I'm not quite sure what they are really called) outriggers.

 

[Cliff George]

Having been put to shame by some other fine examples I've seen on here, I though an update on the turntable project would be in order.

Its been progressing on and off for a couple of years now.

It is automated with a stepper motor, you select where the bridge is to move to, tell is to start and it will go there.

It works OK but I want to control it, and train movements, via a computer but currently the turntable can be about +-2mm out at each stopping point which isn't really good enough.

 

[nicebutdim]

That is awesome! I don't know how I missed this thread before. I wonder if there is also a mechanical type of interlock that you could use to help align the bridge.

 

[trammayo]

Can't believe its so long ago - and I missed your reply! Looking good though.

I have a Maplin's Aerial rotator (which I salvaged after high winds snapped the mast and sent it crashing through the roof tiles!). I think that works in the same way - set the switch and the motor stops corresponding to the position of the switch. Thought it might make the basis of a turntable (sometime!).