I am a bit new to automation, but have done a bit of electronics in the past and have a pretty good knowledge of how they work. I am trying to automate the tailgate for my pickup truck, and have decided on the RB-Fra-27 400lb linear actuator to drive it up and down. I have seen in other discussions people saying you need a controller? I was planning on using a timing relay and connecting the actuator to a solenoid, but do I need something more extensive electronically to drive this? And is there something that can stop the unit when it is fully up/down or should I let the timer handle it?
The problem we have with the linear actuators we sell is that none of them are waterproof or weatherproof. As such, even though they may be able to provide the force you want, they would quickly rust to the point of not being able to move. If you think you’ll be able to waterproof it yourself, can you tell us what force you need as well as the stroke? If it’s simple open / closed, then you only need a DPDT switch.