So I have very little experience with electronics and software, so what I am about to describe will likely seem like a simple task, though it is somewhat daunting for me.
Problem: I am trying to use an Arduino Uno to control the direction of a Firgelli L12 S type linear actuator in conjunction with the DPDT Relay kit. I found some sample code for the actuator; however, I am unsure if the incorporation of the relay will require additional code. Also, I was provided with a circuit diagram for connecting the actuator, DPDT, and arduino to a 12v DC supply (http://www.firgelli.com/pdf/DPDT_Relay.pdf ); however, I need a visual with a breadboard to see the all the connections. I just want to ensure that with all this trial and error that I do not fry my microcontroller.
I'm still a bit confused. Where would I plug in my arduino? In the circuit diagram http://www.firgelli.com/pdf/DPDT_Relay.pdf, the external switch or signal used to trigger the relay is the arduino uno; however, I don't know what pins to plug into and how to then connect from arduino back to the DPDT as the diagram suggests.
I am basically looking to interface the arduino with actuator using PWM modes and the DPDT relay mentioned above, but I am unsure of the pin connections.
With relays you usually don't use PWM, but use on/off. Do a google and youtube search for "arduino relay" and you will probably find more info than you can stand.
I am looking to use one of those actuators as well, but I don't see any hookup info for the actuator for the arduino. So can anyone give some clarification on this.
EnginGirl17:
I'm still a bit confused. Where would I plug in my arduino? In the circuit diagram http://www.firgelli.com/pdf/DPDT_Relay.pdf, the external switch or signal used to trigger the relay is the arduino uno; however, I don't know what pins to plug into and how to then connect from arduino back to the DPDT as the diagram suggests.
Any digital I/O pin from the Arduino board will suffice, but you'll also want to include a either a transistor or an optocoupler (AKA optoisolator) between the Arduino pin and the relay, as shown here.
You could use an h-bridge for this project, but I imagine you'll probably be running
the actuator on a low duty-cycle. In that case, the relay ckt, with NPN inverter
drivers, should work fine.
If you use the relay circuit, and want to also control the speed, you can insert a
logic-level N-channel MOSFET [eg, IRL540] in the ground pathway of the motor,
and drive it's gate with an Arduino PWM signal.