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Author Topic: Linear Actuators?  (Read 4845 times)

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Offline timmmmehTopic starter

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Linear Actuators?
« on: February 04, 2007, 02:47:17 AM »
Hi guys,  I need some help on a way to automatically level something.  For my project I'm building an autonomous cart which will level itself.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I'm thinking about linear actuators.  I've found some, but I'm not sure if these will do. 
http://www.dcactuators.com/?source=ov 

Also, to control this, I'm planning on using the HC12 based microcontroller.  I have the mini-dragon board, but i'm fairly new to using it.  Has anyone used this kind of microcontroller on something that big of a scale?  I'm just worried about having enough juice to power the actuator.  Anyway, thank you for any help in advance.

Offline Kohanbash

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Re: Linear Actuators?
« Reply #1 on: February 04, 2007, 07:51:39 PM »
How much does the cart weigh?

Also depending on the application using a rack and pinion or worm gear could be cheaper.

While i haven't used that dragon board, you usually don't power the actuator from the micro. You would usually send the micro to a relay, etc.. to control the actuator.
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Offline Hal9000

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Re: Linear Actuators?
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2007, 05:24:55 AM »
Does actuator mean steering in this sense. I would just say servos would be a good choice for a smaller bot, perhaps.
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Offline Admin

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Re: Linear Actuators?
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2007, 08:49:57 AM »

Offline gamefreak

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Re: Linear Actuators?
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2007, 05:38:48 PM »
i thought linear actuators were either fully out or all the way in. Am i wrong on this or would they not be suitable for this because they cant go midway?
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Offline JonHylands

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Re: Linear Actuators?
« Reply #5 on: February 05, 2007, 06:08:09 PM »
You are wrong on that - linear actuators can typically move to any position along their length.

For an example of one that is far too small for your application:

http://www.robotshop.ca/home/products/robot-parts/motors/actuators/firgelli-actuators/index.html

The same principles generally apply to larger linear actuators.

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