I am currently in the process of constructing a simple trash compactor project. I am planning to use the L16-P actuator to simulate the movement of the compactor from the top of the container.
As I understand from the Actuonix website, it is stated that the -P series of actuators are best used with the LAC board in order to fully utilize its functions. However, I would like to check if there are instances whereby such actuators can be used with an Arduino without requiring the LAC board.
I only need the actuator to function like a simple linear servo and I also have no access to an LAC board, which is why I am asking if it is possible to utilize the actuator without said board.
If so, may I know what would be the wiring requirements? I understand that the actuator has to b e powered seperately given its 12v requirement, but how would I wire the actuator to the arduino itself in this case? e.g Which colour wire will connect to the data pin of the arduino?
I would also like to mention that I am a beginner at electronics and Arduino. Therefore, I would really appreciate it if the information can be kept simple for my understanding haha
If you provide links to the documentation on the devices that you are using members will not have to search for said documentation and hope that what they find is the right stuff. Make it easier on us and we will be more willing to help.
groundFungus:
If you provide links to the documentation on the devices that you are using members will not have to search for said documentation and hope that what they find is the right stuff. Make it easier on us and we will be more willing to help.
Updated the original post with datasheets
thanks for the tip!
You can use that actuator with the Uno without the LAC board.
You will need an H bridge motor driver rated for 12V and the stall current (650mA) of the motor on the actuator.
WIRING: (see last page for pin numbering)
1 - Orange – Feedback Potentiometer negative reference rail Uno 5V
2 - Purple – Feedback Potentiometer wiper Uno analog input (A0-A5)
3 - Red – Motor V+ (6V or 12V) H bridge motor driver
4 - Black – Motor V- (Ground) H bridge motor driver
5 - Yellow – Feedback Potentiometer positive reference rail Uno ground
Read carefully the actuator data sheet section: Option P – Potentiometer Position Feedback
Read the pot with the analogRead() function. There are examples in the IDE examples to help understand how analogRead works.
You may be able to use proportional (only) control instead of a full blown PID to control the position. The web has lots of information on PID and proportional control.
groundFungus:
You can use that actuator with the Uno without the LAC board.
You will need an H bridge motor driver rated for 12V and the stall current (650mA) of the motor on the actuator.
WIRING: (see last page for pin numbering)
1 - Orange – Feedback Potentiometer negative reference rail Uno 5V
2 - Purple – Feedback Potentiometer wiper Uno analog input (A0-A5)
3 - Red – Motor V+ (6V or 12V) H bridge motor driver
4 - Black – Motor V- (Ground) H bridge motor driver
5 - Yellow – Feedback Potentiometer positive reference rail Uno ground
Read carefully the actuator data sheet section: Option P – Potentiometer Position Feedback
Read the pot with the analogRead() function. There are examples in the IDE examples to help understand how analogRead works.
You may be able to use proportional (only) control instead of a full blown PID to control the position. The web has lots of information on PID and proportional control.
Thank you so much for the detailed explanation
I would like to mention that I do have access to a L293D H-bridge motor driver, will this be sufficient to control the actuator?
However, I would like to check if its possible to control the actuator position by using analogWrite(pin,dirspeed)? In this case, dirspeed would refer to the duty cycle value which I understand would be between 0 to 255 (feel free to correct me if this is wrong)
I assume analogWrite(pin,dirspeed) will work because this is how I would usually run typical DC motors but not sure if this will work for actuators as well.
It works the same for actuators because inside the actuator there is a DC motor.
L293 might "work", but I would pick a better motor driver. The L293 is ancient and inefficient technology. Its output driver drop 2 to over 4 volts and that goes away as heat. Modern MOSFET drivers are much much more efficient.
Connect the EN pins of the 293 to PWM outputs to control the speed of the motor(s).
