[Laser] Stepper motor control of laser communication unit

[Kerry Banke]

Chuck (WB6IGP) & I recently picked up some surplus  Oriel StepperMike 18503 
units. These are basically  stepper motor replacements for standard 
micrometer heads.  I just recently finished a breadboard to drive a pair of 
these units using the Allegro 5804 ICs.  The driver breadboard  provides 
Az/El  control using either  a joystick or automatic  raster scan mode. 
Last night I  replaced the manual micrometers on my laser communicator with 
the Steppermikes and  played a bit. These units are everything I had hoped 
for & more. Talk about smooth & precise  control of pointing!  I'll  put 
together a short Word document soon including the schematic & a few 
pictures of the unit and will send it upon request. Measuring the 
motion  with a digital indicator, the linear motion is about 1/10000 " per 
step.    If anyone is serious about making such an addition to their  hobby 
optical communicator unit, contact either Chuck or myself. Were looking at 
laying out a crude circuit board to ease duplication.
  - Kerry N6IZW -