I am working on a project where I need to control a linear actuator based on speed of a rotating drum to go back and forth. I am esentially trying to recreate a winch level wind reversing screw using electronic controls. Similar to this: [video=youtube;_NR64WYU38A]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NR64WYU38A
The one shown is simply controlled by a couple of non-contact switches and the actuator speed isn’t linked at all to the spool speed. Its just a constant movment back and forth. I would like to to build a somewhat more sophisticated version of the one in the video that could be tied to the spool speed to get a more uniform distribution of line on the drum. Direction isn’t that important to me.
I’m brand new to the field of controllers so this will be a pretty good size undertaking for me but I have had some experience using a handiboard in college for a mechatronics class. I think we used C+ for that one but I am willing to learn a new program language if necessary…
Can someone help guide me to the simplest type of controller that could be used to perform this and perhaps one or two other functions? Also any thoughts on the type of actuator would be great.
Hi Cbenson,
What are other components or parts are needed for this application with Arduino Uno? Can you provide us details like part number with any references materials?
Not entirely sure why that application needed such a large linear actuator, but nevertheless, you’d ideally need a linear actuator with position feedback to get a better idea of the actual speed. This would be connected to a DC motor controller which is controlled by a microcontroller. You’d need a rotary encoder mounted on the spool holder to get the actual speed, and this too would be connected to the microcontroller. If you’re fairly new to robotics, we’d suggest an Arduino such as the Uno. The microcontroller would read the encoder counts and calculate the speed while at the same time reading the linear actuator’s position and assigning the next position (signal sent to the motor controller). Alternatively, isn’t there some way to do this using gears?
You would need the Arduino Uno, a decent motor controller (shield format would save you from some wiring), a power supply such as a battery and the associated wiring. You would also need a USB cable and wiring between the actuator and the motor controller. The choice of linear actuator is up to you, but we’d suggest one with position feedback. As for the encoder, it will be based on where you can mount it. You’ll also need to get an idea of how much force the actuator will need to exert and at what speed. Once you have this we can help you narrow the field of products.
