Prototype Development, I need a microcontroller and help

Using Arduino Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
1

Hello all. I have a limited amount of experience with Arduino but, I have enough knowledge to break stuff. Here is my problem. I need to control a linear actuator(12v) via a 4 place relay with a toggle switch to change directions and simultaneously retract 4 Small 1 inch linear actuators after the large actuator is fully extended. I have code to cause the actuator to extend and retract without a switch so it justs extends then retracts automatically. Can anyone help me with this?

2

You have not provided links to the datasheets for the different actuators and you have not posted you program code so it is rather difficult to offer advice.

Also, a more extensive description of the sequence of actions that you want to happen would be useful.

...R

3

thank you for responding. the linear actuator is a simple two wire actuator the 4 small actuators are more like electromagnets I need power to make them all retract at once. the code I found for the linear actuator and relay is as follows:

const int forwards = 7;
const int backwards = 6;//assign relay INx pin to arduino pin

void setup() {

pinMode(forwards, OUTPUT);//set relay as an output
pinMode(backwards, OUTPUT);//set relay as an output

}

void loop() {

digitalWrite(forwards, LOW);
digitalWrite(backwards, HIGH);//Activate the relay one direction, they must be different to move the motor
delay(10000); // wait 10 seconds

digitalWrite(forwards, HIGH);
digitalWrite(backwards, HIGH);//Deactivate both relays to brake the motor
delay(10000);// wait 10 seconds

digitalWrite(forwards, HIGH);
digitalWrite(backwards, LOW);//Activate the relay the other direction, they must be different to move the motor
delay(10000);// wait 10 seconds

digitalWrite(forwards, HIGH);
digitalWrite(backwards, HIGH);//Deactivate both relays to brake the motor
delay(10000);// wait 10 seconds

}

this is just a simple , extend and retract command. I need to know how to implement a 3 way switch so that it works only when the switch it turned and then retract when it is done the opposite way. I am more of a mechanical guy not a programmer so I am trying to learn as I go, but I am running short on time. I appreciate the help.

4

falconvue:
the linear actuator is a simple two wire actuator the 4 small actuators are more like electromagnets

I await links to the datasheets. I am not in any hurry.

...R

5

help me here, what datasheets are you referring to. it is a firgelli 9 inch linear actuator

6

1 inch pull solenoids

7

is there a way to add a toggle switch to control the actuator?

8

falconvue:
is there a way to add a toggle switch to control the actuator?

I am not impressed by the data on the actuator. Obviously written by the marketing dept. How do you make electrical connections to the device? How do the build-in limit switches operate? Do the give a switch close indication? A switch open indication? What is the motor stall current when an end stopper is reached?

Then on the solenoid link, that just gives a whole catalog page, not the unit you are using.

Can a toggle switch control the actuator? Sure, a SPDT type switch that can carry the 5 amps or more needed to run the device. The SPDT has three terminals.

Paul