John W. Radtke
Advanced Mechatronic
Technology
Advanced MechatronicTechnology
Advanced MechatronicA sample of work across industries and disciplines. Filter by the type of project.
Embedded / ElectronicsNetwork-addressable OEM controller — isolated pulse counting, analog/digital I/O, Modbus TCP. Custom board, embedded firmware, and bootloader.
ControlsAutonomous leak-detection and valve-control system — flow, pressure, and pump monitoring with automatic shut-off. Fail-safe; runs through power and internet loss.
MotionGeneral-purpose multi-axis positioning platform using stepper motors — controller, drives, and motion software.
AutomationConcept-to-production machine that builds medical poly-tube assemblies automatically — servo tubing feed, rotary cut-off, bowl-fed clip placement, and self-identifying quick-change tooling.
VisionPC-based calibration of a three-axis robotic machine with integral PCB conveyor — four color cameras with custom pixel-measurement software, two lasers, and CMM-certified tooling plates.
MotionReal-time focal-distance tracking for a laser beam delivery system — capacitive sensing and a stepper-driven linear actuator in the gas jet / lens assembly. ±0.0005" at 1.0"/sec.
TestTwo-station test stand for small synchronous timing motors — hi-pot, then speed and direction resolved within one second using gear sets and optical encoders, with electronic-brake load testing.
AutomationWire-to-PCB soldering cell — air-cylinder fixture traverse, stylus-dispensed solder paste, and a masked, non-contact infrared line heater. Eliminated soldering-iron maintenance and improved joint reliability.
ElectronicsSingle-drop flux dispensing head with a separate drop-frequency control module and pressurized supply (1.5–15 psi). Retrofits into selective-soldering machines; serviceable without tools.
VisionNon-contact measurement of objects up to 1000 mm (40") using a line laser, shadow sensor, and touch-screen PC.
MotionFeed-index control for web, strip, and material handling — operator screen for feed and reverse length, speed, and delay, with manual / auto modes.
SoftwareWindows 10 / 11 control software for MC-66 audio controllers — zone on/off, channel select, volume and mute, 25 presets, and multiple-controller support.
ElectronicsBidirectional motor drive and solenoid switching module with an H-bridge topology for OEM embedded builds.
ElectronicsFull-wave drive for permanent-magnet DC motors, built for bi-directional indexing — 115 Vac in / 0–130 Vdc out, optically isolated PLC-compatible inputs, instant forward / reverse.
ElectronicsNetworked embedded controller for remote monitoring and control — board-level design for OEM integration.
ElectronicsInterface to the standard controls of a commercial CO₂ laser — adjustable ramp-up / ramp-down and pre / post power-on duration for special cutting and annealing operations.
ElectronicsDIN-rail module converting a −10 to +10 Vdc control signal to a 0–5 kHz output.
ProductCordless, battery-powered tool for winding horse leg wraps — custom form tool and single-button operation, with the capacity to run all day at a horse show.
Additional projects across decades. Ask about your application →
Describe what you're building and I'll provide a direct assessment of scope and design approach.
Start a Project →