I want to set up a rail with an object moving on the rail. My goal is to control the object and register data by use of MatLab software. So far I have figured out I need a linear actuator, a motor and a controller.
I found this linear actuator, which meet my spec demands of 600 mm stroke.
If someone more experienced could assist me in what equipment I would need to complete my setup, I would be very thankful. Also, if you have links/guides to similar setups it would also be of very much help.
You probably need a servo motor driver, capable of handling the 12V and ? A.
You’d generate an error signal to drive the servo driver. I see limit switches, do you need continuous position feedback? Or just go/no go motion.
Thank you for your response KM6VV. I bought a 12V power along with a LAC-board. I needed a 30" inch actuator, so I had to settle with a Firgelli Heavy Duty Rod and a 35" potentiometer along with it.
The following pictures shows wires to the LAC.
The left picture shows the swipe wire from the potentiometer (VC) and power (+/-).
The right picture shows the potentiometer max/min (P+/P-) and actuator (M+/M-).
The LAC light diode does not light up, meaning it will not accept my setup. I have tested each component individually, and they respond well. The LAC Configuration Utility does not detect my device, but I guess that is no surprise.
Could someone assist me in the setup? I have not yet given my potentiometer a ground reference. What should the ground reference be in this case? Would it be necessary?
Are you using the linear potentiometer separately or is it connected to the actuator?
You need to use X4 for the large actuator where:
P-, P+ and P are for the potentiometer, M+ and M1 are for the two leads from the linear actuator.
X6 is used for power (- for GND and + for 5-24V DC).
You also need to set P2 to max/min, and then P1 for speed.
Last, you need to know how you are sending signals to the LAC, as there are many modes:
In the pictures:
The X4 is used for actuator (M+/M-) and potentiometer (P+/P-). The X6 is used for potentiometer (VC) and power (+/-). I will send my signal through the USB port.
I did also attempt the setup with everything wired to X4, but did not get any respond.
I followed the setup in the datasheet, but none of the two setups work.
Could this be due to no ground from the potentiometer?
The potentiometer needs to be grounded - it should have three wires: positive, negative (GND) and slider. GND would be connected ot the LAC, making it common.
I power up the board now (with actuator and pot.meter connected to X4), with USB connected to my computer, but still no response. The potensometer has 3.3V between P and P+, power is 12V, check with multimeter. The light is still off and no device detected. The connections are checked for correct direction (+/-).
You are right, I had to install the driver more properly doing the update through device manager and bypassing my computer security. Now my actuator is finally moving!
Alright, the actuator is moving - but not a lot. It keeps stopping and making beeping sounds. The potentiometer is moving along, tracking the position. When I give a position to i.e. 20%, its stopping not close to that position, giving up a beeping sound. Any ideas what I should do?
It sounds like the output of the potentiometer might be different than what you might expect. Note that the center position should provide a voltage on the wiper of 2.5V. The potentiometer’s output values might not match where you want the actuator to be (i.e. maximum extension of the actuator might not correspond to maximum extension of the pot). Some research is required on your end, as well as a better understanding of the pot and the values the LAC excepts.
