Turntable options

[Sumner]

Before I install it one day, I'm going to explore re-motoring it.

I would only consider using a stepper motor ($10) like what is used....



.... on 3D printers, mills, laser cutters and other CNC machines that require precision movements.  It can step the motor in up to 6400 steps per revolution (.056 degrees per step).  You would need a motor controller ($10) and there are various ways to control the indexing.  DCC-EX now has EX-Turntable where you can control with your throttle or other ways.  You could use DCC-EX to only do this or other layout control and still use your current DCC command station.  I'm using Arduino control for mine and don't have indexing but could add it if I'm not happy with what I have.

The stepper motor can eliminate all the drive problems with gears and belts that one has with backlash when changing direction.  More on what I've done here...

https://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/Turntable/Turntable-Index.html

and you can find the DCC-EX stuff on their site ....

https://dcc-ex.com/ex-turntable/index.html#gsc.tab=0


or on their Discord Channel where they help with installs.

https://discord.com/invite/PuPnNMp8Qf

It is also easy to pick a ...



..... slipper ring with the number of contacts you need for power to the table and lighting on it.

Sumner

[peteski]

Sumner, is this stepper-motor drive something you are actually usining?

I ask because I have dealt with stepper motors and I find them noisy. They also rotate by steps in jerky motion, especially if they are direct-drive.  On a positive side, since the steps can be counted, the indexing  is easily handled using appropriate electronics. Of course a homing routine is needed (just like with Walthers turntable).

Because of their inherent noisy motion they can even be used to play music. 

In this example stepper motors which move the head of a floppy drive are used.

[Sumner]

The background noise you hear in the shop is a swamp cooler running. If you take the time to go to the link I posted in the previous post you will find much more info and more videos.

Using micro stepping there is no apparent jerkiness. Homing is not a problem.

Sumn