Has anyone considered using or used some sort of linear servo on the Phoenix or something else to exponentially increase leg strength compared to using your common servos? I have been pondering building a hexapod on the Phoenix platform wondering if I could use something other than servos for all leg movement, I think it would be an interesting challenge!
You can do a board search for linear actuators to see what has been previously posted. You would need to do do a good amount of DIY work to keep cost reasonable, and most available linear actuators are bigger than hobby servos and would require a larger platform.
I have been looking at linear actuators for a while, although never really got round to ordering one to play with.
Try firgelli.com/products.php the L series can come with normal 3 pin servo connections…
wattsie
All of the programs for the hexapods are designed for rotational positioning of each axis. By changing the legs from rotational to pushrod/lever actuation, you will lose the actual position accuracy required to use the preexisting programs. I have doubts that they could be easily adapted to actually work with the modified mechanical arrangement. The last problem is the Phoenix legs routinely travel through the entire 180° range available from the rotational servo. After converting from rotational to pushrod/lever actuation the range would be dramatically reduced to something like 45°-90°.
Some linear actuators that seem to be made compatable with servo controllers.