Parts Needed For Auto Up/Down Motion

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

Full disclosure, I’m a newbie, so I may be asking super basic questions.

I’m building a model Tardis console from Doctor Who. There is a central column that goes up and down. I found this mini actuator which seems like it will do the job:

robotshop.com/en/firgelli-technologies-pq12-actuator-20mm-6v-potentiometer.html

I want to be able to control the actuator with an on/off switch (or RC). When the switch is on, I want the actuator to go up and down automatically. I have been advised that the actuator should not be left on for an extended time. This will basically be a display piece that I control infrequently for a short period of time.

I was told by someone at Actuonix that I need an Arduino Board and a Motor Shield to do this. I’m searching through the site and I’m not sure which specific pieces I need. Any pieces need to be small enough to fit inside the base of the model, it’s 1:12 scale, so it’s pretty small. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

2

Hi Ritodim,

If you want the “motion” to be controlled with a flip switch you will have to use an Arduino (or other microcontroller) to code the sequence.
In that situation the switch would be an “Input” to the microcontroller to trigger.

Another option maybe would be to use this Servo Trigger circuit

Similar to the microcontroller, this is actually made to control standard RC servos from positon A to B after a trigger input (switch).

Then you would need a PQ12 which has RC input capabilities:

Once you have your Tardis ready, it would be nice to see it.

:slight_smile:

3

Thanks for the advice. I’ll give it a try!