Your remote tuner has been a game changer for me and I want to thank you for sharing it with the world. I finished up my DIY mag loop and with the remote tuner installed I don't have to run outside every time I want to move frequencies. With my portable rig and a power supply I can finally get on the air from my cramped home QTH and have been making great contacts from my couch. I don't have to go out to the boonies every time I want to use my rig!
What a great feedback! Thank you so much for sharing that. I'm so happy to hear that this project is helpful. Please stay tuned to this channel as more updates will come soon. All the best!
Just finished installing and had first tune of my 40M mag loop. Bit of a bumpy ride until I realised that I was entering the ssid incorrectly. Thank you very much for all your work on this project, especially after Blynk did the dirty on us.
Well I'm a little late to arrive but already ordered most of the components as well as the "driver kit" and joined as a patreon. Great videos and I'm excited to get my hands dirty by actually building some radio related items.
Thank you, Bob. I appreciate your feedback and support. This is a very interesting DIY project and I'm sure that you will have the opportunity to learn a lot. Good luck!
I just ordered one from your website. Thank you very much for offering this kit. I have been racking my brain for days trying to learn about stepper motor driver and controllers on ebay and amazon. Then I came back to your videos and saw that you have one already made for purchase! I am so excited :o) Happy Holidays Tamir and 73 de K5MGK Mark
Thanks for the great feedback Mark. I do understand, as I developed this project exactly from that reason when I tried to design my own antenna. Good luck, 73.
This is brilliant , I can see it being useful on other antennas to aid in getting a perfect match even when out of the tuned length , I look forward to the kit that is mentioned
Thanks for your great videos :) I can't wait to order the "WiFi Stepper Motor Controller Kit" from you and put it on my loop antenna. Continue with your videos it's super helpful for me as a beginner 73
Thank you for the feedback, Niko. I'm happy that the videos are helpful. I will update soon with a link about the controllers. Stay tuned and good luck. 73!
@@reHamRadio I have completed the ESP set up and the software works. I just have to wire the hardware now and test it. A suggestion for the future if possible would be to add a second stepper to rotate the loop using the same web page interface. That way the loop can be turned to maximise signal and null out interference.
Thanks, @Alan, thanks for the suggestion. I love to hear people ideas and needs and based on that I will priorities future features. Yes - I already got that request about a second motor. It's on the list. I'm going to release very soon a new version (under final development stage now) that will include few features that lots of people asked for, like the option to control of a Vacuum cap and more. Stay tuned, there's more to come.
Thank you so much for this! I am working on this project now and have got all my parts to put this together. I am going to 3d print all of my parts to hold my boards and motor in place. I am using an air variable capacitor that doesn't have 360° of rotation. Could you tell me how to go about adding 2 stops in the code so I don't stop the stepper motor at the end of the capacitor rotation and continue powering? I am afraid I would damage my stepper motor pretty quick.
The latest software version already contains "Memories" which can be used to set specific locations to stop the motor. In addition, the software provides the option to set virtual limits, that will act as the min and max range for your capacitor. Please check my website as I explained how all the features can be used. Good luck.
I just did this a month ago. I scrapped blink. This works better with a fixed IP address somewhere out of the way otherwise it will default to the next IP available which may be taken by some other device.
Yeah, but usually the router will keep the same IP to the same MAC address. I did lots of tests and reset my ESP so many times during the development process and it always kept the IP. But, I also have a long list of features to add, and one of them is the option to choose the way to assign the IP, automatic or fixed. I wanted to release this version so no one will be blocked when Blynk will shutdown their v1 app.
Great! Works perfectly with my roof loop. There is a butterfly cap installed which has no stop limits. Unfortunately on the loop in my garden i have a non-butterfly variable capacitor. I should put limit switches but the code changes maybe out of my knowledge.
Hi @Massimo, thanks so much for your feedback. I'm so happy to learn that the new app is in use and is helpful. This gives me more motivation to continue and provide more features, Thank you! As for the limits, I've got you covered 🙂 I'm already working on a new version that will include the option to set limits (virtual for now) so you will be able to use a capacitor with limits and even a Vacuum cap. I still need to do some work and tests, but please stay tuned to this channel and I will update on that. Thanks again, 73!
@@reHamRadio Hi, thanks for this amazing project. I have also got this working with a capacitor that has two stop points so eagerly look forward to the inclusion of the stop limits you are planning to add. I am a newbie to using microcontrollers and the Arduino IDE so will definitely stay tuned to your channel, thanks again for your excellent content. 73
Thanks, I can update that the next version is under final development stage and will be release soon. It will include few features like the control of a vacuum cap (limits), watchdog, system information and more. I will update soon. 73.
@Massimo, please check the website as I have updates about the controller and the application that supports capacitors with range limits like the vacuum capacitor. Thanks.
This is really slick! Sure looks like a fun project - looking forward to your PCB board. In some of the links you provided there are several choices/variations of the parts - can you list which one of the stepper motors ?
Thanks, @David. I will update soon about the PCB. As for the stepper motor link, I just updated/sync the links for the stepper motor in the descriptions of both videos, old and new. Please take a look, let me know if any more help is needed. Good luck, 73.
@David, in my case I'm using the non-"S" version, even though it looks like that the "S" will work as well. I didn't find online a formal explanation/specification about the difference between S and non-S.
Hi @Robbie, please check the description of the following video as I put few links for Magnetic Loop Antennas calculators: th-cam.com/video/Orhog4gqOqk/w-d-xo.html Happy Holidays, 73!
Yep, Pi and microcontrollers can be used very easily in the ham radio shack. You can review more details on how I did it on my website and download the latest app version from my GitHub repository. Thanks for your feedback, 73!
@@reHamRadio thank you, I will look, my initial purpose for the Pi Pico was for a remote reading RF power meter, it has better A-D than an Arduino. Your code would also be good for remote power switching. 73
Great software , terrific instructions even a newbie like myself can understand . Can use this controller at home or in the field. My only hiccup in the setup is that the controller on MacBook works well. On my iPad, iPhone the forward/ reverse buttons don’t work. They “stick” in the on position when touched and released. What to do?
Hi @Mark, thanks so much for your great feedback, I'm happy to hear that you like the appreciation and it's useful. I never heard about sticky buttons, but I can try and check that tomorrow on an iPad. I tested it already on different devices like few types of Android, Mac, etc. Interesting how old these devices are? I'm curious to know the browser's version. Thanks.
@@reHamRadio I want to use my iPhone 13 Pro iOS v 16.1.2 I too just deleted Blynk 2.0 and came upon your video quite by accident. Since then, I’ve viewed your other videos and they are excellent! Note to all…check them out. Thanks Tamir.
@Mark, thanks again for your amazing feedback and I'm very happy that you liked the other videos as well. These kind of feedbacks give me the motivation to continue. I appreciate that. As for the iPad - I can update that I replicated your issue on an iPad. Indeed, clicking these buttons create a "glitch" for around ~1 second. I don't have the solution yet, but what I found so far is that it's probably comes from the iPad iOS itself, as I got the same on both browsers, Safari and Chrome (on the iPad), so it's not a specific browser issue. And since it's working fine on Mac OS and Android, it make sense that it's from the iOS. I'm very curious about the root cause of that and I will continue to dig into it. I will update once I have more news. Thanks for pointing that out.
I have the sketsh on a lolin (WEMOS) D1 mini lite didnt connect any thing yet so far it looks like its working. Test later with a stepper board and stepper. What struck me in that you have to register the controller on a WiFi. What if you're in the field. How does it work then?
This project can work without internet connectivity. When in the field, you can use your phone as the Hotspot instead of the home Access Point. I have an idea for future release, that the ESP will act also as an access point so we will be able to use it without any external Hotspot.
What sizes of the non-flexible shaft couplers would work? My cap shaft is 6.35mm (1/4") and the stepper motor schematic shows a shaft size of 4.5 +/_.1 mm. Any help is appreciated.
Hi @Mark, I'm using a non-flexible 5mm to 8mm Blue shaft coupler. It should fit for both your motor and capacitor shafts. You can see it in the video as well from minute 3:17.
N6jj A brilliant redo of a great design. Looking forward to purchase a few cards for multiple antenna builds. A good move to link the chip with a browser interface. You have two different DRV chips listed 8255 and 8825 .Can we use either one? Thanks for the great video John Limanowski N9DNB
Thanks, John for your feedback, yeah, I do believe that a web interface will be the best for the long run. More features will be released soon, keep following. Also, please check the website for more details on the controller and a form to get more information. 73!
In order to control a vacuum type capacitor it will be useful to be able to set "Center" position ... then having the possibility to memorize "Maximum up" and "Maximum down" to define the limits ... The small stepper motor should't be able to apply a strong enough force to destroy the capacitor ... but having limits could be good
Hi @Ricci, Indeed, I do get lots of questions and requests in regards to Vacuum capacitors, so the good news is that I'm already working on that feature. It will support not just a Vacuum cap but any variable capacitor with limits. The main idea will be to set the Min and Max positions and from that point, the motor will run only in that range. Please stay tuned to this channel and the rehamradio website as I will update when its ready. I'm on it. 73.
@@reHamRadio I'm ready for you! Your project is very useful because some loop controller projects are based on components that due to electronic shortage woun't be available until 2024 ... Thanks for all
I now can tell you it works on a D1 mini lite with A4988 for test but the A4988 Needs the VDD +5v it wil not run without Pins are the same 0, 4, 5 = D1, D2, D3
Thanks for the update, @Andre. 1. Yes, the A4988 will work (even that I personally didn't test it), and as you mentioned and its also mentioned in the part description, the +5V is needed (difference from the DRV8825). 2. Anyone that want to use the A4988 must be aware that the max steps in can do is 1/16, and not 1/32 like the DRV8825, so the tuning of the capacitor will be less accurate. It's all about the goal of the final implementation. 3. Good to know that the pins are the same. Great! I had some ideas maybe to use something small in the future. Thanks for the information. I appreciate your feedback and testing, @Andre - Thank you.
Dear Tamir, many thanks for Your project and sharing with us. I successfully managed to make same controler using Your code and necessary boards, motors etc. But there is one problem: even if the slider for speed of rotation i is at lowest point( max to left) my motor is rotating much faster than Yours, 1 full turn is about 2 seconds only in length. This is not sutable for fine tuning... Can You advise what is the issue may be? If other people who has same issue and know how to fix-please comment also. Thanks in advance.
I'm very happy that the project is helpful for you, that's always a great feedback. Thank you. As for the speed question, are you using the DRV8825? If so, are the 3 dip switches "ON"? Ports M0/M1/M2 at status "ON", will provide 1/32 steps.
@@reHamRadio Tamir,Thanks for reply!Actually I am not using dip switches.I just use esp8266+drv8825+plusivo 17hs4401 motor.All components are connected as per schematic diagram on Your github repository.The sketch for esp8266 is taken also there...
Tamir, all is clear,thanks for the hint about M0 M1 M2 pins. In github schematic diagram not shown that all 3 of them have to be connected to +5v.Othervise motor will work in full step mode.As far as I am not using expansion board for driver, I just add jumper wires to connect these pins to +5v. Now all is working like a charm! many thanks again!Best regards from Ukraine!
Thanks Anatoliy for your update. I'm very happy that everything is working now as it should be. I agree, you are right, the schema currently is not mentioning adding +5 to M0/M1/M2. This is how we control the DRV8825 steps. In my video I showed a special board that contains the dip switches. I will take that as a feedback to update or at least mention that in the schema. I appreciate your feedback.
Even though the DRV8825 can handle up to 45V/1.5A, It will be limited by the Voltage 5V regulator for a MAX of 1A. I did lots of test with Nema17 and it never passed the 0.5A.
I'm using that with 100W with no issue. I never tested that with more than that. Also, If you will check the video of how I built the Mag loop antenna, I mentioned there that I located the controller down at the leg of the tripod, and not near the capacitor. That's the safest way to use these kind of solution.
Hi @Lev, Yes, this application can be use on any device with a browser, include Laptops. As for the network aspect: 1. If you need to use the application outside from your home, you will need some "hotspot", and you can use your phone "hotspot" for that. You don't need any Internet connectivity. 2. If you are asking about connecting to the application from outside of your home network, but the ESP is inside you home network, you will need to add a special rule in your home AP Firewall (Even it will work, I don't see a real use for that unless you are build a way to control your all of your station remotely).
I just upgraded from Mac Mojave to Mac Monterey and the stepper motor sketch won't compile. I tried earlier and latest version of Arduino IDE but to no avail. Anyone else having a similar problems? Also tried on Mac high Sierra which gives different errors.
It depends on the errors. But with a quick help, please make sure that your Arduino IDE is configured. It could be that after the upgrade of the OS, the Arduino IDE reset the configuration.
Je možné konstrukci upravit pro ovládání 2 krokových motorků a tedy i aplikaci? U druhého motorku stačí jedna rychlost - pomalá. Pokud by to bylo možné, tak ovladač i software rád koupím. Lev OK2PLL
Hi @Lev, thanks for your question. The CT-1 controller, in the current version supports only a single motor. It is one of my ideas to add that option for the next version. But, if someone wants to do that, meanwhile, it can be done as I added extra pins in parallel to the ESP, exactly for new features and testing. Adding another motor is only using more 3 pins from the ESP into another DRV8825, and to update the code to support that. I'm curious about your implementation, but it looks like you want the second motor to control the antenna direction?
@Bruce, thanks for pointing out that bug, I just released a fix. Please just copy-paste all the code, the same as you did previously and it should solve this issue. I'll wait for your update. Thank you!
I did try to load the libraries but I don't know enough about this to make it work. I am taking a break for now. My work load is quite high right now I will revisit it later. Thanks for the videos and the help.
@Bruce, of course, understood, take your time. When you get a time, just start with a fresh new copy-paste of the code from GitHub. The code checked few times and I also got a confirmation from other hams that it's working. I will be happy to help you, but I will need some clues of what you are seeing there. Also, I can update that I already have an idea on how to deploy a new code easily and faster with a simple and shorter procedure. I will work on that. Stay tuned.
@Todd, Thanks so much for pointing that out! I guess the seller changed his listing. I just updated the description of the video with the new link. Happy Holidays! 73!
First tip for Arduino newbies like me, in order to communicate with the serial monitor (Control-Shift-M) in the Arduino IDE and have it write out anything other than gibberish, you need to match the baud rate which in the code is set to 115200 baud (I set it to New line too) With that said, I get a new ip address. My router can see it as a new device (ESP-506517) but when I try to connect to the device through the browser (I am back on my regular network at this point), it is refused. I have tried it on multiple devices. Any ideas?
Never mind. I figured it out. It works! You need to bounce the ESP8266 by pressing the reset button. It doesn't seem to accept connections during the initial load. Thanks for your videos. They are great!
@Brian, thanks for your update and I'm so happy to hear that the application is running as expected. That's a great feedback! :) Yeah, after loading a new version, even the IDE send a "reset" command, sometimes, based on some other conditions/libraries, a hard reset to the microcontroller is needed. Stay tuned to this channel as new features will be released soon. Good luck, 73.
Hi @TomL, as mentioned in the video, the electronic part will be available to purchase online soon. More details here: rehamradio.com/ Happy Holidays, 73!
When you refer to "Station mode" do you mean that it will behave as an access point? If not, if you can please explain your use case and I will be happy to help. Thanks.
@@reHamRadio Thank you for your help. I would like to have the esp8266 connect to my 2.4Ghz network (on router) directly . I don't want it to act as an access point being that I will use it only at home. In my situation, the current configuration sometimes takes a long time to connect.
In that case what you need is already built. No need to change anything. The esp8266 code operates as an Access Point only at the first use, so you will be able to set up the WiFi network at your home. Once you set up your home network (ssid and password) the ESP Access Point is disabled and the ESP become a station, connect to your home router and get it's IP from your home router. Exactly as you want. I'm not sure which version you are using now, but I do recommend downloading the latest firmware 0.5.1.
Your remote tuner has been a game changer for me and I want to thank you for sharing it with the world. I finished up my DIY mag loop and with the remote tuner installed I don't have to run outside every time I want to move frequencies. With my portable rig and a power supply I can finally get on the air from my cramped home QTH and have been making great contacts from my couch. I don't have to go out to the boonies every time I want to use my rig!
What a great feedback! Thank you so much for sharing that. I'm so happy to hear that this project is helpful. Please stay tuned to this channel as more updates will come soon.
All the best!
Just finished installing and had first tune of my 40M mag loop. Bit of a bumpy ride until I realised that I was entering the ssid incorrectly. Thank you very much for all your work on this project, especially after Blynk did the dirty on us.
Yeah, that's a DIY project. I'm happy that you made it. Good luck!
Well I'm a little late to arrive but already ordered most of the components as well as the "driver kit" and joined as a patreon. Great videos and I'm excited to get my hands dirty by actually building some radio related items.
Thank you, Bob. I appreciate your feedback and support. This is a very interesting DIY project and I'm sure that you will have the opportunity to learn a lot. Good luck!
I just ordered one from your website. Thank you very much for offering this kit. I have been racking my brain for days trying to learn about stepper motor driver and controllers on ebay and amazon. Then I came back to your videos and saw that you have one already made for purchase! I am so excited :o) Happy Holidays Tamir and 73 de K5MGK Mark
Thanks for the great feedback Mark. I do understand, as I developed this project exactly from that reason when I tried to design my own antenna. Good luck, 73.
This is brilliant , I can see it being useful on other antennas to aid in getting a perfect match even when out of the tuned length , I look forward to the kit that is mentioned
Thanks, Allan. Indeed, it can be fit for other implementations. Happy New Year!
Please check again my website, I added a waiting list form with details about the Wifi controller, thanks.
It is available now.
Thanks for your great videos :)
I can't wait to order the "WiFi Stepper Motor Controller Kit" from you and put it on my loop antenna. Continue with your videos it's super helpful for me as a beginner 73
Thank you for the feedback, Niko. I'm happy that the videos are helpful. I will update soon with a link about the controllers. Stay tuned and good luck. 73!
Please check again my website, I added a waiting list form with details about the Wifi controller, thanks.
Hi again, please check my website, the controller is ready for shipment and a new software version can support vacuum capacitors :)
Excellent! Thank you so much for this presentation. This is exactly the project I’ve been hoping to begin !
Good luck, and please feel free to ask any questions. 73.
Thank you! I wanted to build v1 but never liked using other apps. Now its perfect!
Thanks, good luck!
Fantastic fantastic update and I really need to get my hands on your new kit !
Thanks, John!
Thank you Tamir once again. I have followed you since your V1 Blynk project. This is amazing. Thanks again
Thank you, @Ray. These kind of feedbacks are the best! I appreciate that. More to come.
Very impressive and extremely useful. Nice work!
Thanks, James. I appreciate your feedback.
Thank you so much for this new solution!
Glad it helped! Happy Holidays, 73!
@@reHamRadio I have completed the ESP set up and the software works. I just have to wire the hardware now and test it. A suggestion for the future if possible would be to add a second stepper to rotate the loop using the same web page interface. That way the loop can be turned to maximise signal and null out interference.
Thanks, @Alan, thanks for the suggestion. I love to hear people ideas and needs and based on that I will priorities future features.
Yes - I already got that request about a second motor. It's on the list. I'm going to release very soon a new version (under final development stage now) that will include few features that lots of people asked for, like the option to control of a Vacuum cap and more.
Stay tuned, there's more to come.
Thank you so much for this! I am working on this project now and have got all my parts to put this together. I am going to 3d print all of my parts to hold my boards and motor in place. I am using an air variable capacitor that doesn't have 360° of rotation. Could you tell me how to go about adding 2 stops in the code so I don't stop the stepper motor at the end of the capacitor rotation and continue powering? I am afraid I would damage my stepper motor pretty quick.
The latest software version already contains "Memories" which can be used to set specific locations to stop the motor. In addition, the software provides the option to set virtual limits, that will act as the min and max range for your capacitor.
Please check my website as I explained how all the features can be used. Good luck.
I just did this a month ago. I scrapped blink.
This works better with a fixed IP address somewhere out of the way otherwise it will default to the next IP available which may be taken by some other device.
Yeah, but usually the router will keep the same IP to the same MAC address. I did lots of tests and reset my ESP so many times during the development process and it always kept the IP. But, I also have a long list of features to add, and one of them is the option to choose the way to assign the IP, automatic or fixed.
I wanted to release this version so no one will be blocked when Blynk will shutdown their v1 app.
Great! Works perfectly with my roof loop. There is a butterfly cap installed which has no stop limits. Unfortunately on the loop in my garden i have a non-butterfly variable capacitor. I should put limit switches but the code changes maybe out of my knowledge.
Hi @Massimo, thanks so much for your feedback. I'm so happy to learn that the new app is in use and is helpful. This gives me more motivation to continue and provide more features, Thank you!
As for the limits, I've got you covered 🙂
I'm already working on a new version that will include the option to set limits (virtual for now) so you will be able to use a capacitor with limits and even a Vacuum cap. I still need to do some work and tests, but please stay tuned to this channel and I will update on that.
Thanks again, 73!
@@reHamRadio Thank you for the great work. I will stay tuned to your channel for future updates!
73! IZ0YMB
@@reHamRadio Hi, thanks for this amazing project. I have also got this working with a capacitor that has two stop points so eagerly look forward to the inclusion of the stop limits you are planning to add. I am a newbie to using microcontrollers and the Arduino IDE so will definitely stay tuned to your channel, thanks again for your excellent content. 73
Thanks, I can update that the next version is under final development stage and will be release soon. It will include few features like the control of a vacuum cap (limits), watchdog, system information and more.
I will update soon. 73.
@Massimo, please check the website as I have updates about the controller and the application that supports capacitors with range limits like the vacuum capacitor. Thanks.
This is really slick! Sure looks like a fun project - looking forward to your PCB board. In some of the links you provided there are several choices/variations of the parts - can you list which one of the stepper motors ?
Thanks, @David. I will update soon about the PCB.
As for the stepper motor link, I just updated/sync the links for the stepper motor in the descriptions of both videos, old and new. Please take a look, let me know if any more help is needed. Good luck, 73.
@@reHamRadio Thank you!! So we need/want the non "S" version/style of the motor ? (17HS44010)
@David, in my case I'm using the non-"S" version, even though it looks like that the "S" will work as well. I didn't find online a formal explanation/specification about the difference between S and non-S.
Please check again my website, I added a waiting list form with details about the Wifi controller, thanks.
@David, the controller is ready for shipment, please check my website for all the details. Also, the application supports vacuum capacitors
Impressive, how do you find the performance of the loop antenna?
Hi @Robbie, please check the description of the following video as I put few links for Magnetic Loop Antennas calculators: th-cam.com/video/Orhog4gqOqk/w-d-xo.html
Happy Holidays, 73!
Well done! I have been playing with a Pi Pico W to do something similar. I too am using a webserver on the device.
Yep, Pi and microcontrollers can be used very easily in the ham radio shack. You can review more details on how I did it on my website and download the latest app version from my GitHub repository.
Thanks for your feedback, 73!
@@reHamRadio thank you, I will look, my initial purpose for the Pi Pico was for a remote reading RF power meter, it has better A-D than an Arduino. Your code would also be good for remote power switching. 73
Great software , terrific instructions even a newbie like myself can understand . Can use this controller at home or in the field. My only hiccup in the setup is that the controller on MacBook works well. On my iPad, iPhone the forward/ reverse buttons don’t work. They “stick” in the on position when touched and released. What to do?
Hi @Mark, thanks so much for your great feedback, I'm happy to hear that you like the appreciation and it's useful.
I never heard about sticky buttons, but I can try and check that tomorrow on an iPad. I tested it already on different devices like few types of Android, Mac, etc.
Interesting how old these devices are? I'm curious to know the browser's version. Thanks.
@@reHamRadio I want to use my iPhone 13 Pro iOS v 16.1.2 I too just deleted Blynk 2.0 and came upon your video quite by accident. Since then, I’ve viewed your other videos and they are excellent! Note to all…check them out. Thanks Tamir.
@Mark, thanks again for your amazing feedback and I'm very happy that you liked the other videos as well. These kind of feedbacks give me the motivation to continue. I appreciate that.
As for the iPad - I can update that I replicated your issue on an iPad. Indeed, clicking these buttons create a "glitch" for around ~1 second. I don't have the solution yet, but what I found so far is that it's probably comes from the iPad iOS itself, as I got the same on both browsers, Safari and Chrome (on the iPad), so it's not a specific browser issue. And since it's working fine on Mac OS and Android, it make sense that it's from the iOS. I'm very curious about the root cause of that and I will continue to dig into it. I will update once I have more news. Thanks for pointing that out.
I have the sketsh on a lolin (WEMOS) D1 mini lite didnt connect any thing yet so far it looks like its working. Test later with a stepper board and stepper.
What struck me in that you have to register the controller on a WiFi. What if you're in the field. How does it work then?
This project can work without internet connectivity. When in the field, you can use your phone as the Hotspot instead of the home Access Point.
I have an idea for future release, that the ESP will act also as an access point so we will be able to use it without any external Hotspot.
What sizes of the non-flexible shaft couplers would work?
My cap shaft is 6.35mm (1/4") and the stepper motor schematic shows a shaft size of 4.5 +/_.1 mm. Any help is appreciated.
Hi @Mark, I'm using a non-flexible 5mm to 8mm Blue shaft coupler. It should fit for both your motor and capacitor shafts. You can see it in the video as well from minute 3:17.
N6jj
A brilliant redo of a great design.
Looking forward to purchase a few cards for multiple antenna builds. A good move to link the chip with a browser interface.
You have two different DRV chips listed 8255 and 8825 .Can we use either one?
Thanks for the great video
John Limanowski N9DNB
Thanks, John for your feedback, yeah, I do believe that a web interface will be the best for the long run. More features will be released soon, keep following.
Also, please check the website for more details on the controller and a form to get more information.
73!
@John, it's the DRV8825. The other one is a typo, sorry for the confusion.
John, I just updated the website with details about the new controller as it's ready. Please check the website, thanks.
In order to control a vacuum type capacitor it will be useful to be able to set "Center" position ... then having the possibility to memorize "Maximum up" and "Maximum down" to define the limits ... The small stepper motor should't be able to apply a strong enough force to destroy the capacitor ... but having limits could be good
Hi @Ricci, Indeed, I do get lots of questions and requests in regards to Vacuum capacitors, so the good news is that I'm already working on that feature. It will support not just a Vacuum cap but any variable capacitor with limits. The main idea will be to set the Min and Max positions and from that point, the motor will run only in that range. Please stay tuned to this channel and the rehamradio website as I will update when its ready. I'm on it. 73.
@@reHamRadio I'm ready for you! Your project is very useful because some loop controller projects are based on components that due to electronic shortage woun't be available until 2024 ... Thanks for all
Hi @Ricci, please check my website. The application now supports vacuum capacitors with range limits.
I now can tell you it works on a D1 mini lite with A4988 for test but the A4988 Needs the VDD +5v it wil not run without Pins are the same 0, 4, 5 = D1, D2, D3
Thanks for the update, @Andre.
1. Yes, the A4988 will work (even that I personally didn't test it), and as you mentioned and its also mentioned in the part description, the +5V is needed (difference from the DRV8825).
2. Anyone that want to use the A4988 must be aware that the max steps in can do is 1/16, and not 1/32 like the DRV8825, so the tuning of the capacitor will be less accurate. It's all about the goal of the final implementation.
3. Good to know that the pins are the same. Great! I had some ideas maybe to use something small in the future. Thanks for the information.
I appreciate your feedback and testing, @Andre - Thank you.
Dear Tamir, many thanks for Your project and sharing with us. I successfully managed to make same controler using Your code and necessary boards, motors etc. But there is one problem: even if the slider for speed of rotation i is at lowest point( max to left) my motor is rotating much faster than Yours, 1 full turn is about 2 seconds only in length. This is not sutable for fine tuning... Can You advise what is the issue may be?
If other people who has same issue and know how to fix-please comment also. Thanks in advance.
I'm very happy that the project is helpful for you, that's always a great feedback. Thank you.
As for the speed question, are you using the DRV8825? If so, are the 3 dip switches "ON"?
Ports M0/M1/M2 at status "ON", will provide 1/32 steps.
@@reHamRadio Tamir,Thanks for reply!Actually I am not using dip switches.I just use esp8266+drv8825+plusivo 17hs4401 motor.All components are connected as per schematic diagram on Your github repository.The sketch for esp8266 is taken also there...
Tamir, all is clear,thanks for the hint about M0 M1 M2 pins. In github schematic diagram not shown that all 3 of them have to be connected to +5v.Othervise motor will work in full step mode.As far as I am not using expansion board for driver, I just add jumper wires to connect these pins to +5v.
Now all is working like a charm! many thanks again!Best regards from Ukraine!
Thanks Anatoliy for your update. I'm very happy that everything is working now as it should be.
I agree, you are right, the schema currently is not mentioning adding +5 to M0/M1/M2. This is how we control the DRV8825 steps. In my video I showed a special board that contains the dip switches. I will take that as a feedback to update or at least mention that in the schema. I appreciate your feedback.
What is the maximum power radiation these board will handle with out destroying them?
Even though the DRV8825 can handle up to 45V/1.5A, It will be limited by the Voltage 5V regulator for a MAX of 1A.
I did lots of test with Nema17 and it never passed the 0.5A.
@@reHamRadio i was talking about RF watt radiated near field of the device, not the power supply voltage
I'm using that with 100W with no issue. I never tested that with more than that. Also, If you will check the video of how I built the Mag loop antenna, I mentioned there that I located the controller down at the leg of the tripod, and not near the capacitor. That's the safest way to use these kind of solution.
where buy this?
Thanks for the interest in this project, please check my website that can be found in the description of the video. Thanks.
oto řešení možno použít i na portejblu - tedy mimo síť WiFi v interiéru?
vyjádřit
Hi @Lev,
Yes, this application can be use on any device with a browser, include Laptops.
As for the network aspect:
1. If you need to use the application outside from your home, you will need some "hotspot", and you can use your phone "hotspot" for that. You don't need any Internet connectivity.
2. If you are asking about connecting to the application from outside of your home network, but the ESP is inside you home network, you will need to add a special rule in your home AP Firewall (Even it will work, I don't see a real use for that unless you are build a way to control your all of your station remotely).
Thanks!
@larry, thank you so much, I appreciate your support 🙏.
@@reHamRadio Thank you for all the hard work. True ham. Big Help....
I just upgraded from Mac Mojave to Mac Monterey and the stepper motor sketch won't compile. I tried earlier and latest version of Arduino IDE but to no avail. Anyone else having a similar problems? Also tried on Mac high Sierra which gives different errors.
It depends on the errors. But with a quick help, please make sure that your Arduino IDE is configured. It could be that after the upgrade of the OS, the Arduino IDE reset the configuration.
Je možné konstrukci upravit pro ovládání 2 krokových motorků a tedy i aplikaci? U druhého motorku stačí jedna rychlost - pomalá. Pokud by to bylo možné, tak ovladač i software rád koupím. Lev OK2PLL
Hi @Lev, thanks for your question. The CT-1 controller, in the current version supports only a single motor. It is one of my ideas to add that option for the next version.
But, if someone wants to do that, meanwhile, it can be done as I added extra pins in parallel to the ESP, exactly for new features and testing.
Adding another motor is only using more 3 pins from the ESP into another DRV8825, and to update the code to support that.
I'm curious about your implementation, but it looks like you want the second motor to control the antenna direction?
In the first lines of code it has (include) then links. I get an error. do I need to copy and paste the code to make it work? Thanks
@Bruce, thanks for pointing out that bug, I just released a fix.
Please just copy-paste all the code, the same as you did previously and it should solve this issue. I'll wait for your update.
Thank you!
I am sure the problem is on my end don't have much of a clue when it comes to microcontrollers. I would like to learn about them though.
Have you uploaded the libraries as mentioned in the README file?
Do you want to share the exact error?
I did try to load the libraries but I don't know enough about this to make it work. I am taking a break for now. My work load is quite high right now I will revisit it later. Thanks for the videos and the help.
@Bruce, of course, understood, take your time.
When you get a time, just start with a fresh new copy-paste of the code from GitHub.
The code checked few times and I also got a confirmation from other hams that it's working.
I will be happy to help you, but I will need some clues of what you are seeing there.
Also, I can update that I already have an idea on how to deploy a new code easily and faster with a simple and shorter procedure. I will work on that. Stay tuned.
I got the final IP. But I couldn't get the app when I copied the ip in the browser. Please help me.
Try to restart the ESP and check again
@@reHamRadio it works now and the stepper motor is turning around!
Thank you so much!
Great! So happy to hear this, good luck.
The link to the Stepper Motor is broken.
@Todd, Thanks so much for pointing that out! I guess the seller changed his listing.
I just updated the description of the video with the new link.
Happy Holidays! 73!
First tip for Arduino newbies like me, in order to communicate with the serial monitor (Control-Shift-M) in the Arduino IDE and have it write out anything other than gibberish, you need to match the baud rate which in the code is set to 115200 baud (I set it to New line too)
With that said, I get a new ip address. My router can see it as a new device (ESP-506517) but when I try to connect to the device through the browser (I am back on my regular network at this point), it is refused. I have tried it on multiple devices. Any ideas?
Never mind. I figured it out. It works! You need to bounce the ESP8266 by pressing the reset button. It doesn't seem to accept connections during the initial load. Thanks for your videos. They are great!
@Brian, thanks for your update and I'm so happy to hear that the application is running as expected. That's a great feedback! :)
Yeah, after loading a new version, even the IDE send a "reset" command, sometimes, based on some other conditions/libraries, a hard reset to the microcontroller is needed.
Stay tuned to this channel as new features will be released soon. Good luck, 73.
I think I could build the magloop but the electronics looks too daunting for me.
Hi @TomL, as mentioned in the video, the electronic part will be available to purchase online soon. More details here: rehamradio.com/
Happy Holidays, 73!
Please check again my website, I added a waiting list form with details about the Wifi controller, thanks.
Hi @TomL, the controller is ready, please check my website for full details. Thanks.
Anyone know how to reset the stepper motor code to operate as station mode only ?
When you refer to "Station mode" do you mean that it will behave as an access point? If not, if you can please explain your use case and I will be happy to help. Thanks.
@@reHamRadio Thank you for your help. I would like to have the esp8266 connect to my 2.4Ghz network (on router) directly . I don't want it to act as an access point being that I will use it only at home. In my situation, the current configuration sometimes takes a long time to connect.
In that case what you need is already built. No need to change anything.
The esp8266 code operates as an Access Point only at the first use, so you will be able to set up the WiFi network at your home. Once you set up your home network (ssid and password) the ESP Access Point is disabled and the ESP become a station, connect to your home router and get it's IP from your home router.
Exactly as you want.
I'm not sure which version you are using now, but I do recommend downloading the latest firmware 0.5.1.
Thank you for your help!
Kit link ?
Please go to the website that I'm the comments of the video. Or just google rehamradio, thanks!