I'm new to electronics and have a project that requires my linear actuator to go fully in and fully out in a loop once its started and loop for 2 hours rather than using a rocker switch to reverse polarity. Is there a simple way to do this? Just to clarify I want to turn on the power and have the actuator go fully in and fully out automatically in a loop for 2 hours.

Any help is appreciated!

Rob

 

A bit more info needed. First do you have a link to information on your actuator?

Ken

 

If the actuator has end limit switches you can just use those to energize/de-energize a single relay to change polarity.

 

If the actuator has end limit switches you can just use those to energize/de-energize a single relay to change polarity.

....and a two hour timer to end the process.
Max.

 

....and a two hour timer to end the process.
Max.

yes.. thanks..

 

Of course if there is a little more to it, a Smart Relay may be in order, I see you can get an IDEC on ebay for e.g. for around $60.00 which is around the price of a timer itself?
Max.

 

If the actuator has end limit switches you can just use those to energize/de-energize a single relay to change polarity.

+1

From another project.

 

Couple of issues:
1. Is the actuator rated for continuous operation?
2. Reversing power a motor running full speed is a good way damage it.

Ken

 

The actuator is a 12 inch stroke at standard speed (1 inch per second) with feedback. I bought a 3 position rocker to allow out, stop, and in. It does automatically stop at the end of each end i.e. fully out and fully in it shuts down. I think it has a rest period but I'll put a pic of the unit later today as I'm not sure what other info is on it. I bought two used ones on EBAY a couple years ago.

 

What power supply does the actuator require?
What control signal does it expect?

 

I use a 12v battery and have a 12v 6amp power supply on the way.

 

The information on the Actuator says:

Type: S-12V-A1 - 300(P6212)
Power Rating: DC 12V
Stroke: 300mm
S/N:
Made in Taiwan

Motor: BU/ GR/ +5V Gnd Sensor RA/ BL/ YE/

 

Got a link to a datasheet or other specs on the actuator..
That type # isn't bringing up anything useful for me

 

Unfortunately no. It is similar to one on ebay with this title
(2) 12" Power Linear Actuators trunk tonneau street rod

however I know "similar" is not appropriate in these types of situations. Since I got it used it came with nothing.

 

Appears to have a built in potentiometer for position?
Max.

 

The only thing I know for sure is what is says on the unit and that it is a 5 wire set up which allows feedback.

Sorry I don't have more information...

 

I would hazard a guess that two is for the motor and three is for the pot.
Sounds like the pot was fed from 0 to +5 and the slider went to some kind of logic sensor input?
Max.

 

I think a current sensing design is possible, using the internal limits, with no other feedback.

Haven't had time to draw anything.

If not the internal limits could be brought out to delay relays.

 

Your help is most appreciated!

I feel a little like I'm in a foreign country and only know how to ask were the bathroom is

 

Not getting anywhere on current sensing.

Can you access the internal limit switches, and bring the leads out for control?