Suggestions for linear actuator setup

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

Hi all! I'm brand new here. I just found out about the Arduino microcontroller yesterday and I must say I am quite impressed so far!

I am planning to use a linear actuator that will extend out until it finds a surface, at that point it will stop. If the surface it finds is moving, the actuator should retract or extend further, depending on the direction the surface is moving. Basically I want the actuator to stay in touch with the surface. The actuator I am planning to use is the Firgelli L12 series found here: http://www.firgelli.com/products.php. The part number for the actuator I want to use is: L12-100-100-12-I. I would like to use the Arduino Diecimila USB Microcontroller Board.

Now my question... Can someone recomend a way of interfacing the actuator and the microcontroller? What else will I need?

I really appreciate any advice that may be offered.

2

Hi - I've got a PQ12 talking to the Arduino via the Firgelli PQ-CIB controller board - http://www.firgelli.com/pdf/PQ-CIB_datasheet.pdf

One of the interfaces is a PWM input. Basically it works, but for some reason it does have some "jittery" states - not sure why that is. I'm going to try the RC input interface instead.

An alternative I started to look at was building my own controller around a M51660L IC - eg: Servo Driver

Hope that's helpful,
Dave