Need the right linear actuator

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

Hello,

I’m looking for the right linear actuator to power a homemade automatic bell-clapper. My parents have a very nice bell on their porch and I’ve decided to make them an automatic clapper that rings on the hour.

I know I’ll need a microcontroller and a cable and a power source etc. etc., but for right now I’m just trying to find the right actuator.

My idea is to set up the clapper on a hinge with the actuator below it, and the clapper itself (which weighs about two pounds) on a lever that is perpendicular to the actuator, which will both reduce the range required of the actuator and give it some leverage on the weight, by virtue of the separation.

I’m not new to making things, but I am new to this whole world of do-it-yourself electronics, so any help would be appreciated. Trying to do this with a minimum of expense, obviously, as long as it is reliable.

Thank you.
Jacon

2

Thanks Coleman, that’s really helpful.

3

We have 2 model in liquidation. Take a look in this section of our website:

Maybe you will find what you are looking for

Good luck

4

There are not many weather resistant servos out there which can handle wide ranges of temperature as well as rain, snow etc. These are fairly new on the market:
Hitec HS-5646WP Waterproof, High Torque Digital Servo
HS-646WP Waterproof, High Torque Servo
There are not many “real time shields” because the electronics needed for an RTC don’t cover even a fraction of the size of a shield, so the rest would be wasted space - easier to buy a separate RTC and hook it up.

5

You will likely need something fast actuating - most DC linear actuators will not operate fast enough to get any sound. Also, if it’s outside, the system needs to be weatherproofed. Consider a solenoid. You could use a small microcontroller to activate it, though you would also need a real time clock.

6

Thanks for getting back to me. Yes, I know I will need a real time clock, and I’ve been investigating various arduino shields that take care of that problem.

I’m actually think now that I will use a servo. Apparently one common method of ringing bells is to tie a piece of line to the clapper and suspend it close to the bell, and then a second piece of line perpendicular to the first, horizontal piece. Then the vertical piece is connected to the bell-playing instrument (typically), or in my case to a servo. Any recommendations about real time arduino shields or weather-resistant servos?

Thanks again.
Jacon