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KitronikLtd / Kitronik-Pico-Robotics-Board-MicroPython

Example code for the Kitronik Pico Robotics board ( www.kitronik.co.uk/5329 )
MIT License
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How many can the Pico (W) run in total? #6

Closed sgbaird closed 2 years ago

sgbaird commented 2 years ago

I'm looking to control 5 peristaltic pumps via the Pico W. I think there are enough PWM pins, but I figured it would be worth verifying with someone.

EDIT: the Pico W has 16 PWM channels across 8 slices

DaveAtKitronik commented 2 years ago

This board is designed to operate 4 DC motors at up to 10V. It will also operate up to 8 servos (at the same time as the motors) although it is usual to run it at 5-6V for that as servos generally do not want 10V. You could operate up to 8 pumps using this board and 8 RC speed controllers to drive the pump motor - something like this: https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-30a-brushed-esc.html The motor speed ( and hence flow) is controlled via the 'servo position'. Depending on the speed controller it can be 0% power at 0 degrees to 100% power at 180, or 0% power at 90 degrees, with +100% at 180 and -100% at 0 degrees (motor can go forwards and reverse.) Using RC speed controllers you could also use the 'Simply Servos' board, driver software for that is here: https://github.com/KitronikLtd/Kitronik-Pico-Simply-Servos-MicroPython

Hope that helps, closing this as it seems to be complete.
If you require further assistance then contact us here Dave

sgbaird commented 2 years ago

Hi Dave, thank you for clarifying! I'll keep the suggestion about the servo power controllers in mind.