Motor controller to keep 3 linear actuators in sync

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1

[font=Arial][size=2]I am seeking a recommendation for a method to keep 3 linear actuators in synk. [highlight=#ffffff] They are 12v, 12amp max, each and they have a potentiometer for feedback. They will travel only to their extremes of travel, and have internal limit switches. But, I need to keep the actuators in sync with each other, otherwise I would simply use a simple power switch to control them.[/highlight]

I have seen many programmable motor controllers that handle 2 DC motors and have the analog input for the control. But, I have not seen any affordable controllers like this that can handle 3 motors. Moog seems to have them, but they are over $3,500 !

Perhaps I just buy 3 single motor interfaces, that I connect to an Arduino. But, I am not sure if the Arduino has enough processing ability to continuously read 3 analog inputs, and control the motors. Perhaps someone else can tell me if that is viable…

Thanks for any recommendations.

-Joe[/size][/font]

2

Hi,

You can certainly use an Arduino with an appropriate DC Motor Controller to control your 3 Actuators.
The motor controller should provide enough current for the 3 actuators (at least 12Amps for each).
Or you can use 3 Motor Controllers (one for each actuator) interfaced with one Arduino board.
The Arduino will read 3 analog inputs from the actuators potentiometers and control the motor drivers.
Please take a look at our 10-30Amps Motor Controllers section.
You could use for example 3 x Pololu 24v12, 5.5-40V, 12A Motor Controller with an Arduino board.

Regards,