Uptown motorized faders from API ?!?

[iyahdub]

I come here and ask your help for a friends school project.
He was given a few Uptown faders( actually a bunch of them) and he needs to work our a code with microcontrollers, etc... He is at a loss with the ammount of pins as most have less one than that one.
Im assuming they were from API, right ?!

and

Do you know anything about it? PIns wise i mean ?
Id appreciate your help.

 

[RATMNL]

can't see the pictures...

 

[iyahdub]

Can you see them now?!?

 

[JohnRoberts]

These were used on multiple different consoles as an aftermarket add on.. I recall several of my customers who used them and I even borrowed rigs to demo at trade shows...

I suspect the small connector is for the audio fader and larger connector the motor drive and servo track.

It may be less simple to chase down motor control interface, and roll DIY control software.

IIRC the cheap alps motorized faders used simple up/down motor, these were more complex IIRC but it's been decades since I've seen or touched one. 

JR

 

[pucho812]

uptown was eventually officially purchased by API. So your best bet in finding out any info is to contact API service dept.

 

[iyahdub]

Thanks.
He just wants to develop a way of controlling with micro controller, as we use a lot. He was just afraid of blowing it up without knowing. He started some initial tests already.
So if i get this right, do these just use simple voltage to act, as oposed to PWM ?!? Cause at least for down way that is what it seemed, by initial tests.

 

[iyahdub]

Forgot to say- Implementation is to be linked to MIDi of a  DAW.

 

[volker]

PWM is just a means to get a sort-of-DC-voltage that is variable.

Due to the placement of the cables I suspect the circuit on the pcb is a motor driver as opposed to an audio buffer or amp. Aren't the parts assembled on any of your faders? Then you have to build a driver yourself anyway. Simple H-bridges are readily available for cheap and completely integrated, they are easily controlled from any µC using PWM or a DAC if on-board. Depending on the expected supply voltage of the motor and the parts you use you might need an additional level shifter.

Still, I'd try to get hold of some sort of documentation/datasheet. If not for the whole fader, if the motor has a parts number printed on it you might get lucky and find a datasheet at least for that.

 

[iyahdub]

Thanks

 

[JohnRoberts]

In your picture I only see two wires coming from the motor so that looks like simple up/down +/- control.

JR