It works well for my application (basically moving a bellows back and forward at different speeds to create a ventilation), although I think it’s way too powerful for my needs. My concern is with the noise, I really need somethink almost silent - which isn’t the case for this model. So my ideal specs would be: 6" stroke, a little faster then this one and mainly really quiet.
Any model to suggest? Control type and power supply aren’t issues.
And since you’re having all of these in stock, which one has the lowest sound? A couple of years ago I used to go directly to your offices… can I still do that to compare the sound of these actuators?
If it’s made to be used with variable speed, why does it start only to move at 70/255 (digital pwm) ? Before that I can hear the motor (so loud!) but it doesn’t move. Furthermore, for the same pwm the actuator will go faster forward then backward…
Ok just a bad mystake, I used an old routine I had fo another motor… so no difference between forward and reverse. Still no movement below 70/255… and so loud! My robotshop.com/firgelli-2-150lb-linea-actuator.html was more quiet…
Almost all linear actuators (including the one you specified) are variable speed (of course up to their maximum speed). Not many linear actuators have a DB rating, and most we have tried are not quiet; the principle behind almost all is a DC gear motor turning a lead screw; a process which is not very efficient and converts rotational motion to linear motion while at the same time producing heat and noise. If you don’t have the option to test many actuators, try to sound-proof it using foam (just ensure it can still dissipate heat).
For example, the PQ12 and L12 series are rated at 55dB at 45cm distance from the actuator. The larger actuators tend not to have dB ratings. The FA-35, FA-70, FA-150 and FA-240 series are advertised as “low noise” but don’t have a dB value or anything to compare it to.
Given the range of products, it’s not possible to play with all of them, let alone to remember which ones were the most silent.
We suggest you choose a few actuators and we can contact the manufacturer(s) on your behalf to see which they can test or provide insight on.
RobotShop is no longer setup as a retail location and we cannot give customers free access to our warehouses, so no in-person testing
Hmm… we’ll have to bring in that controller. Connect the motor directly to the power supply and see if the same thing happens (and also if the speed is different in FWD/REV. PWM should have the actuator moving even at low speeds, and there should be no difference between forward and reverse. Obviously try the actuator without anything else connected. Can you upload a video? As always, check your code as compared to what is suggested in the Pololu user guide - may be a simple error you overlooked. If it’s really an issue with the actuator, we’ll certainly proceed with an RMA. Keep us posted.
If you don’t think the actuator suits your needs, you have 10 days to return the product, or 30 days for an exchange (after that it’s the manufacturer warranty). Linear actuators need to overcome a lot more friction than a gear motor, which may explain why there is no motion in the low range.
