So, I am currently working on a project which is an arc lamp. It uses two carbon rods that eventually burn away with use, so I need to gap between the rods to be adjusted automatically, by moving the upper rod. After trying almost a dozen of designs, I chose to use a slide mechanism moved by a stepper motor.
Of course the stepper motor needs a driver. That driver must be able to work by itself. The driver will use two sets of solenoids and normally open switches to control the stepper motor. One set is wired in series with the arc (to draw rods apart) and the other in parallel (to bring them closer)
I tried to find a circuit suitable for that particular application, but I didn't find anything. Chances are almost nil I don't have a proper IC (like the 555), so I'd prefer a transistor based circuit. The speed sent to the stepper motor is not extremely important. If the mechanism moves at the speed as a scanner, that's perfect!
So I'm wondering if there's a circuit suitable for the application I intend to use it in?
Thanks.