Looking For Simple Setup

[csimpson]

I am VERY new to motion control. I need to setup a motion control system to move linear and rotational stages. (5 Total). I've looked all through the support pages to find what I'm looking for but everything is too foreign to me. I figured it would be as simple as: LabView ---> Motion Controller ----> Stages. But I'm running into all kinds of language that I just can't hang with. DAQ, Real-Time, encoders, feedback, drivers etc. are all terms that seem relevant to my task, I'm just not sure how. 

Could I just get a recommendation for a motion controller that is compatible with linear/rotation stages and labview? all I need to do is control the positions of different stages. My computer has USB ports and one serial port.

Also, if you know where I could find a list of stages to browse through, that would be great as well. Thank you!

[DylanC]

Hi csimpson,

NI Motion controllers have a PCI and PXI form factor. Does your computer have an available PCI Slot? How many Axis are you needing to control in total? We have controllers that can go up to 8-axis per card.

As for recommending a motion controller, you can see the controllers using the link above which will meet your application needs or browse through the product pages like the PCI-7358:

https://www.ni.com/en-us/support/model.pci-7358.html

DylanC

[csimpson]

Thank you DylanC. Thus far, your information has been very helpful. I've been using a motion controller from Newport called the ESP300. It attaches to my serial port and it's very easy to send information through this port with LabView. I'm using a laptop so I don't think I can insert a PCI or PXI card. I was hoping there was another controller, similiar to the ESP300 with 5+ axes. According to NI, I need a PCI, a motion controller, AND my stages. But I have a working system with only a stage and a controller. Why does NI's website insist I have all these extra things? I simply want to expand the number of axes. Thank you!

[DylanC]

HI csimpson,

The Motion Controllers available are in the PCI/PXI form factor, unfortunately we do not have any USB Motion Controllers. There is the option of purchasing a cRIO with 5+ slots and using the following modules depending on if you are controlling stepper or servo motors. Your current device is a controller as well as a driver. For NI hardware you will need to go :

Motion Controller(cRIO with modules or PCI/PXI controllers)>>Cable/Breakout>>Motor Drivers>>Stages

Servo:

https://www.ni.com/en-us/support/model.ni-9514.html

Stepper:

https://www.ni.com/en-us/support/model.ni-9512.html

cRIO:

https://www.ni.com/en-us/support/model.crio-9073.html

Breakouts and Cables from Controllers to Drives:

https://www.ni.com/en-us/shop/category/cables.html

Then you will be able to connect to the cRIO on your laptop as long as it's on the same network. As your current device is a controller and driver, you will also need a driver for these motors if you would like to use an NI controller.

DylanC