Hi,
I am making an ironman helmet. I am going to use an L12 linear actuator to open the face plate. Can I use a 12v power source and a magnet reed switch or do I have to use the control board?
Thanks
Chris
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Hi @Wolfer and welcome to our forum.
This depends on which type of L12 linear actuator you would use.
If you use, for example, this simple one https://www.robotshop.com/en/firgelli-technologies-l12-actuator-30mm-50-1-12v-limit-switch.html you can use your configuration with 12V power source and reed switch.
While voltage is applied to the motor power pins, (1 & 2) the actuator extends. Reverse the polarity and the actuator retracts. This can be accomplished manually with a DPDT switch or relay, or using an H-Bridge circuit. The –S model cannot be used with the LAC control board.
You can read this here: https://www.robotshop.com/media/files/pdf/L12_Datasheet-2.pdf
Hi , this is the one I was looking at https://www.robotshop.com/uk/firgelli-technologies-l12-actuator-30mm-50-1-12v-limit-switch.html
Is this the same? What size of reed switch would I need?
Thanks
Hi @Wolfer !
That is the same one that I shared so you are good 
According to datasheet, at 12VDC stall current is 185mA so you would need one reed switch that can withstand that current.