I am trying to create a device which simply raises and lowers a sign or small banner, roughly 24" x 24" in size, from ground level to approximately 4-5 feet. The intent is to have it out of view behind a screen until it is activated, at which time it would rise into sight; then, it will need to lower to its original position when activated again.
I could either go straight up and down, or start near ground level and then rise at an angle until it is upright (I don’t know if that makes since … but it could pivot up as on a hinged base).
It has to be portable, but weight isn’t really a problem.
The biggest issue I have is that I need to be able to activate it remotely, from up to 300 yards away.
I tried a linear actuator, which worked okay but had a range of only 30 yards.
Suggestions anyone?
(I am a complete and total newbie with regard to electronics and robotics, so please simplify any explanations.)
I appreciate any and all suggestions!
Hello @GhostRiverRetrievers and welcome to the RobotShop forum!
Could you give us more details about the actuator you already have? The problem is not really the actuator but the transmitter/receiver you are using to activate it. Maybe you just need to upgrade your transmitter/receiver for ones with better operating range, like this one:
If you prefer to buy a new combo of actuator+controller+transmitter+receiver then it would be ideal if you could specify how much force it needs, if it needs to be fast, among other things. You can find some good options on the Actuonix and Firgelli Automations sections
Thank you for the reply!
The actuator that I’ve tried is the Actuonix T16-300-64-12-S. As mentioned, it worked for my project, except for the range which seemed limited to about 30 yards, but I need range of around 300 yards.
If the Actuonix T16 can be set up with the transmitter and receiver referenced in your email, that’d be great.
Would it be as simple as cutting the wires of the present receiver and connecting the wires of the new receiver? (As I mentioned, I am a total rookie on this stuff!)
Or if there’s something closer to plug-n-play, I’d be happy to get the necessary components.
So far as the amount of force, the item to be lifted will not weigh more than 2 - 3 pounds.
The item to be lifted into view would need to move at least 12", but 24" would be perfect.
It doesn’t have to be particularly fast … even 15 + seconds to complete the motion would be fine.
Again, thank you!
GRR
BIf the Actuonix T16 can be set up with the transmitter and receiver referenced in your email, that’d be great.
Yes! That is actually the same model shown in the video I shared.
Would it be as simple as cutting the wires of the present receiver and connecting the wires of the new receiver?
As the T16 isn’t an RC model I’m assuming you already have a brushed motor controller and the receiver is plugged to that and if it is a 5V receiver maybe a BEC or other battery to power the receiver as well. So yes, you would simply need to change the receiver.
There’s nothing closer to plug and play than that, maybe if you use an L16 R series (so you wouldn’t have to use the motor controller) but you would still need the receiver and transmitter.
