As someone relatively new to the Arduino scene but with a background in electrical engineering focusing on small circuit design and programming, the desire to combine learning with productive projects is strong. With my wife taking tennis lessons, creating a tennis ball machine became the perfect project to merge interests in microcontrollers, motors, and parts assembly. The design is being drafted in Autodesk Inventor, and wiring schematics will be developed in CADSoft or Visio, with 3D printing considered for enclosures or structural components as needed.
The project has specific requirements: a 2 spinning vertical wheel design capable of propelling tennis balls up to 80mph, suitable for personal use. The enclosure needs to oscillate 15 degrees horizontally and vertically. Portability and rechargeable battery operation are essential, aiming for a lightweight design under 40lbs for easy transport. Remote control is crucial, requiring a range of at least 80 feet, the length of a tennis court. The controller must be a standalone device, avoiding reliance on phones or computers for consistent operation. Wireless communication should be robust, resistant to interference, and maintain signal quality over the specified range. Crucially, the motors must support variable speeds, allowing independent RPM adjustments for the top and bottom wheels via remote control.
Guidance is specifically sought on the electronics control portion and motor selection, focusing on which parts to purchase and how to implement them, rather than the physical structure itself. Extensive research has already been conducted, understanding gearbox applications for torque increase while maintaining high RPM for ball speed. The decrease in wheel RPM when a ball is compressed and the battery drain due to current draw for “spin-up” are understood factors. Separate power supplies, possibly repurposing batteries from motorized toys, are being considered.
The initial assumption is that DC motors are optimal for the main wheels’ rotation, requiring precise RPM control, while stepper motors might be best for oscillation. A starting point is identifying suitable parts from Arduino and compatible companies, alongside appropriate motor selections. Mathematical and physics-based suggestions are welcomed to refine the design.
The core need is advice on selecting electronic components and motors that can achieve the desired RPM control and remote operation, effectively asking about parts that are conceptually related to “Rpm Remote Control Car Parts” in terms of motor speed management and remote systems, but applied to a tennis ball machine. Guidance on implementing these parts with Arduino for this specific project is essential to move forward with the build.
