Hello I am looking into the feasibility of using the spark product in order to create a self contained motor unit. I don’t have too much experience with picking out electronics to go along with the hardware that I am designing.
For a quick run down of what I am looking to do is:
-use a DC motor (possibly a stepper motor) that will draw around 100 amps at stall
-have a temperature sensor to watch for over heating problems
-have a current sensor to allow for torque control
-have an on-board battery, along with additional lines for supplementary batteries
-and WiFi to communicate with other parts of the system
I know I could do all of this with an Aquino with a WiFi shield, and external motor controller board and a simple current and heat sensor circuit.
My question is how much of this can be done directly using the spark? Will I need to buy an external motor controller and construct the current and temperature sensor circuits?
The Spark can potentially control any motor. Even AC 1 or 3 phase is very possible.
What you are asking is of the Spark can drive a small DC motor then the answer is yes. You need either transistor that can handle the current or ideally a MOSFET and then you can use the outputs from the Spark to switch this on and off to control the motor. No need to a motor controller if all you want is ON and OFF. If you need direction then that requires either a relay to switch the wiring or a motor controller.
Depending on the motor voltage you can’t power it from the Spark so it will need it’s own supply. If it can run from the same 5V as the spark will be powered from, then just make sure it has enough current to do the job.