Planning on purchasing my first Arduino board to control a linear actuator needed for a project (this is my first controls project as well). The actuator will follow a basic sequence based on cues from a separate controller. First the actuator will need to drop 1 inch and hold position until the next signal, and then it will drop another inch and hold. This cycle will occur 4 times and then the actuator will return to its original position.
Here are the specs for the linear actuator and wiring
PDF- Linear Actuators | Electric Linear Actuators | FIRGELLI
Website- 12 Volt DC Electric Linear Actuators | FIRGELLI
The actuator will be lifting 40 lbs (180 N) so according to their charts will roughly be drawing 2 amps. The actuator includes a 10k ohm potentiometer, 4 channel remote control system, and non-moveable limit switches. Position control is only semi important. As long as the actuator stays between 1/16 and 1/32'' of the desired position it will be fine.
Any advice on what Arduino products I should look into purchasing for this project or on how to best setup this system would be greatly appreciated. The linear actuator has not been purchased yet so if you know one better suited for this application I would be glad to hear about it.
Thanks