2nd Power supply with Actuonix Linear Actuator Control Board

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

I would like to use a higher powered linear actuator as a rc servo. Since the Actuonix Linear Actuator Control Board can only handle 4amps, I was wondering if I separate the power leads from the actuator and connect them to a higher power source (direct to a larger battery), Connect the feed back wires from the actuator to the Actuonix Linear Actuator Control Board, and then use a 2nd smaller battery to power the Actuonix Linear Actuator Control Board and the rc receiver.

Unless someone can suggest an alternative solution. I’m looking for a faster but stronger linear actuator.

Thanks
Doug

2

Hello @helibuf and welcome to the RobotShop forum,

Unfortunately, that setup is not possible as you would damage the control board. Which linear actuator are you planning on using?

Perhaps this information can help you out:

Regards

1 Like
3

Just curious, but why would this damage the control board, all that would be connected from the linear actuator would be the feed back pot. The high voltage or current that would supply the actuator would or shouldn’t feed back to the control board. Or at least is the way I’m seeing it at the moment.

And thanks for the link and reply / help, I will look at it.

4

Oh, sorry. I misunderstood your setup. Either way, it is not possible to use that configuration because the actuator moves according to the voltage applied to the power pins, so you need to power it using the LAC board. The board has an H-bridge circuit that generates the control signal to move the actuator according to the input method you choose, in this case, it would be RC (btw please make sure to read the documentation before connecting the receiver as you must cut the red wire).

Which linear actuator are you planning on using? It would be easier to suggest a controller suited for your actuator.

Regards

5

I’d like to use the 2nd one listed here but even the firgelliauto current drain no load is out of range. In the end its the stall current that can be really high.

150 lb version of Feedback Linear Actuators | 12v or 24v | Firgelli
or
12" Stroke 560 lb Thrust Super Duty Linear Actuator - ServoCity

Thanks

6

Now I’m wondering if I couldn’t connect a low voltage / current relay to the actuator power leads of the control board which in turn would connect a higher supply to the actuator

7

I’m not sure what you mean but please check the link I shared above.

Exceeding a load of 5 amps

The remote control board is rated for a maximum current draw of 5 amps, which makes it compatible with most of our standard linear actuators including the Premium and Classic series. However, some of our high force actuators such as the Industrial Heavy Duty Actuator are rated for a current draw of 20 amps. Connecting such an actuator to this control board will irreversibly damage the board.

Instead we advise using a pair of SPDT 20 amp relays (and optionally a wiring harness) to isolate the remote control board from the actuator. Wire the circuit as shown in the picture below.