Firstly... hello! I'm new!
I have tried to search through the forums but my limited knowledge keeps getting in the way.
Basically I am working on Mechanical Engineering project that will recycle bottles and extrude them into filament. There is loads of electronic components and control required.
I have done a module in Mechatronics and have some experience of LabVIEW and NI's CompactRIO
Things I am confused about:
-Motor control, am aiming to use a DC Permanent Magnet motor which will be driven from the RIO and maintain a constant torque. I understand that I need a control board that interfaces the power supply, PWM control and current feedback. Is it possible to make these or do I need something specific?
-Motor control, turning an AC motor on and off. Would love to use a simple Digital Out signal to connect a motor to it's power supply, what sort of component or board is required for this?
-Heating Element, similar to above, would need to turn it on and off depending on temp feedback.
And many more problems! I understand how to use a computer to generate control signals etc. just don't understand the hardware past the compactRIO that is necessary. I'm getting confused and would love some simple step by step help from anyone who has a clue what I need to do!
Thank you kindly for reading!
Chris