Need help on design project - TTL with BS2

andruuu

Hi, I need some direction on a design project using BS2. Here's the deal - right now I own the BS2+Board of Education. I am hoping to use this to create a 15-20mA 5V TTL signal to control a high speed solenoid driver. The signal should have on-off switching and possibly variable frequency (up to 1000Hz) to control flow rate through the solenoid valve.

I would like to use the solenoid valve fill a function currently performed by a 4-wire bipolar stepper motor. My understanding is that a stepper motor uses wire to signal step direction, and two or more to signal step size. Can I somehow use the stepper motor's "step" signal to trigger the BS2 to output a TTL signal? In other words, rather than have the stepper motor move, I want to send a signal (5V TTL @ up to 1000Hz) to the solenoid driver to open the valve. The stepper motor is driven by a Xylotex stepper motor driver.

Unfortunately I am studying mechanical engineering so my knowledge of electronics/microcontrollers is limited. I would like to know:

- Does this seem possible?
- Any other solutions that seem easier or more obvious?
- Any advice on programming, electrical connections, or generating the TTL signal?

Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for your help.

Andrew