I am trying to figure out a way to attach a linear actuator to an arduino duemilanove. I am using a 12V source. I am pretty new to this and any help would be greatly appreciated!
What sort of linear actuator? Most look like a stepping motor, so connect them just like that.
Do i need any other parts? I have pshield with breadboard, solderless wires, power source, and the arduino. Will that with the proper programming make it work? Just wondering if i'm missing any components?
I repeat:-
What sort of linear actuator
What are the current requirements, what is the resistance of the coil? Is it bipolar or unipolar?
Without the full tale I am only guessing at an answer.
If the linrar actuator is similar to the below frigelli actuators, then you would drive it similar to any other small electric motor. Usually relays or h-bridges are used.
We are using an actuator that somebody is letting us borrow. The specs can be found at:
http://progressiveautomations.com/pdf/PA-02_Linear_Actuator.pdf
They said it had a 6in stroke
would something like this work?
so for this project, the materials needed will be:
a power supply
arduino duemilanove
pshield
linear actuator
materials to make an H bridge
potentiometer
is there anything i'm missing? I need to do some research on how to build an H bridge onto the arduino.
For an h-bridge, you may want to consider the TLE52052NK below. I think most linear actuators have built in limit switches to keep from self destruction. Not knowing what your project actually is beyond "attach a linear actuator to an arduino duemilanove" keeps suggestions limited.
https://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_1627518_-1
The project is to use a linear actuator to pivot blades on a ATV disk cultivator between 15 - 40 degrees at 5 degree intervals. What type of motor would you suggust?
I know. This project has seemed kind of irrational from the beginning. The problem is that I have to use the linear actuator we have. The idea you provided is similar to one i already proposed. It was basically shot down due to cost of purchasing materials. They are pretty set on using the linear actuator we already have to help reduce cost. That coupled with the fact that i've never really built anything electrical adds even more difficulty. IF you HAD to use this set up, is there any advice you could give me? I'm trying to work on a parts list to complete this project.
You could incorporate an external pot on the blade linkage to give position feedback to the arduino. You would need to construct/mock up your blade mechanical linkage to determine the type of pot needed and its positioning. Using an external pot and the circuit board from the below servo to drive your H-bridge, you probably could use the servo library to control the actuator positioning.
I'm pretty sure it has built-in limit switches. All the models of this actuator do.
so i'll use the arduino in conjunction with the H bridge you previously mentioned hooked up with a power supply. The H bridge will help control the extending and retracting motions of the actuator. Time how long it takes the actuator to fully extend. Then figure out the time needed to move the blades 5 degrees relates to the voltage output required.
Could this aspect be programmed into the arduino so that a potentiometer could be turned as a control? The command is read and the correct amount of voltage is timed out so that it will reach the next 5 degree increment.
I think you will find trying to use timing to position a geared motor that operates both loaded and unloaded will probably not work the way you want. Using pot position indication and pot position control should actually be fairly simple.
Yes. I meant the 12V source as the power supply. I was initially thinking about rotary switches, but ended up with potentiometers after watching videos. I am going to go back to the rotary idea, because they will hold in place at the selected place on the dial alot easier than a potentiometer.
So, my supply list reads:
Arduino Duemilanove
H-Bridge
Rotary Switch
Pshield and breadboard
solder-less wires
12V battery
Anything I am missing? I really appreciate all of the feedback on this. You have been a HUGE help to me!
We also already established that there is no position feedback in this system, so our next best is to run open-loop. Agreed, it is not desirable (as already discussed), but we have what we have.
There appears is no position feedback internal to the actuatior, so I previously suggested mounting a position pot external to the actuator. Probably fairly easy to do. I don't know of any reasonable open loop setup that can achieve reliable 5 deg incrementing. The poster needs to decide if the blade positioning will be controlled via a digital position input, or adjusted manually via a pot. With $15 and a trip to radio shack, he can the hardware needed to start writing and testing the needed code. Two DPDT type relays are often used with linear actuators when movement speed control is not needed.
No, this is just for a classroom presentation. This would just be like a prototype and won't ever actually be used. It's just to be used as a demonstration.
The reason i'm using the Pshield with attached mini-breadboard is because that's how i've seen the potentiometers/rotary switches hooked up to the arduino