Input and Output

The opto switch or interrupter is a small U shaped black plastic package with a infra red LED on one side of the U and a light sensitive transistor on the other. This is shown in figure 1.

I have found a cheap magnetic sensor (switch) that can be used to sense change in movement. Easily mounted the switch has two small slots that will match upto standard half inch spacing. The slots will have to be opened up slightly if you plan to use Meccano bolts to mount though, which is easily done with a 4.1mm drill bit.

In the 1970s, Meccano marketed an Electronics Set:

This set allowed a number of "automated" models to be built. All relied on input from the PhotoCell. I thought it would be an interesting exercise to build some of the models, using the MotorVator in place of the Meccano Relay Box.

However, the first thing I need is a PhotoCell........

In addition to the 2 x Timed Inputs and 2 x Analogue Inputs on the basic configuration, there are an additional
2 x Timed Inputs
4 x Analogue Inputs

accessible via the HD15 (Director) socket on the MotorVator.

Looking down at the socket, the connections are as follows

The MotorVator supports 8 inputs (4 x OnOff, 2 x Timed and 2 x Analogue) and 4 motor outputs in the basic configuration.

We are often asked how one could support more motors.

Using a simple DPDT relay, controlled by one of the Action Output ports, you can easily "multiplex" any port (input or output) into two.....

With your MotorVator you can control Stepper Motors.

You need to use a BiPolar Stepper motor (that is, one with 4 leads, or a 6 lead unipolar Stepper converted to Bipolar mode).