If I recall correctly, someone used a CD/DVD tray setup to power an overhead shop door or a roll-up type door found on some tunnel portals to aid in smoke removal and to keep curious animals out.
The drawer mechanism would make a good rack and pinion setup. I wonder if it can be slowed down or maybe through a nylon cable arrangement so you could use one for crossing gates.
I always rip apart old computer and AV equipment to strip useable goodies out of them. Some of the motors are stepper motors that require the necessary controllers to get them to function.
Ed
That would make sense as digital is evolving. IC's pretty much operate at 5 VDC.
Last time I looked at a CD or DVD device on a desktop, there were two voltages for operating, 12 volts and 5 volts.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Some of them, especially newer ones or laptop models, may only use the 5V side. See the thread in the main section, the guy with the Tyco Clementine replaced the motor with a CD motor and it turned out to be a 5V motor.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
At one time some had a oval can motor used for opening and closing the drive. Has a 1.5mm dia shaft The below was from an old CD drive. I suspect smaller motors are being used now. Operates off of 12 vdc. Low current. Get your dial caliper out, multimeter and do some measurements. Quite simple. Too my knowledge, CD's and DVD' plarers operate off of 12 vdc.
Fits in a HO 4-4-0. Rich
Fits in a HO 4-4-0.
The DVD motor could be used for some low torque application like a saw mill wheel, or a ski slope with skiers.
You could also use a reduction mechanism (rubber band around central axel of motor with the other end wrapped around a really big wheel) to increase the torque at the cost of speed for something like ferris wheel or merry go round.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
CNWmanAm I crazy, or is there a use for them?
Those two questions aren't mutually exclusive.
There are two motors. A DC motor that spins the disc, and a stepper motor mechanism that acts as a linear actuator to move the diode laser. You could use the stepper motor to animate something, such as opening a door on an engine house. You'd need something like an Arduino to drive the motor.
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v0/1535378819_1/Wholesale-2pcs-B05D-drive-mini-stepping-motor-stepper-motor-2-phase-4-wire-micro-stepper-motor.jpg
Steve S
Someplace I remember reading of a use for the mechanism in old DVD players, but I cannot recall what they would be used for on a model railroad. Am I crazy, or is there a use for them?