Choice of powerful low latency actuator control and power system

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

Hello,
I am looking to develop a musical installation, a kind of rhythm machine with powerful actuators as percussionists. I have already developed a version with a teensy controlled in MIDI which controls MOS modules with a very satisfactory result for small solenoids.

I would like to develop the project towards more powerful actuators (large solenoids or powerful low latency actuators). It is important that I can vary the intensity of the power (to vary the velocity of the percussions)

Can you help me with these three questions:

  1. What type of actuator would you recommend to have the best high power / low latency ratio?
  2. Can you tell me a suitable motor controller for these actuators?
  3. Do you think a Raspberry could replace the Teensy for these functions, and would it be more efficient?

Thank you !

4

Hi,

  1. For actuators, you might be interested in the Micro Linear Actuators or more specifically, the PQ12 Linear Actuators. The speed and force of these actuators will depend on the gear ratio. You can take a look at this video to have a better idea.
  2. These actuators can be controlled with the Actuonix Linear Actuator Control Board
  3. This will depend on your needs and your application, the Teensy is a microcontroller development board whereas a Raspberry Pi is a single board computer. The Actuonix Linear Actuator Control Board can be controlled via USB Mode or PWM Mode, therefore, both a Raspberry Pi or a microcontroller board like the Teensy can be used.
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