Linear actuator with potentiometer on Arduino

[karimwassef]

I've got a simple linear actuator running on and off through my Arduino and an H bridge relay board. Now I'd like to add position control and this looks to be the solution but I can't find circuit diagrams or a DIY component breakout.

Anyone know how to do this?

 

[mcgyvr]

Are you talking about adding a string pot?

 

[karimwassef]

No. The linear actuators have an internal sensor and a third wire that provides an analog potentiometer output.

I can't find a datasheet or spec sheet that describes how to connect it.

 

[Gorgok]

If its just a linear voltage output for its current position you can test that real quick with a meter to that pin and ground. You just need to know the minimum and maximum values then and you have your relative position...

Depending on the values you could hook it up to an arduino analog pin and read it automatically.

 

[karimwassef]

These are $60-$90 actuators. I wasn't going to buy one until I figure out how to use it.

Looks like a specialty use.

 

[zachts]

These are $60-$90 actuators. I wasn't going to buy one until I figure out how to use it.

Looks like a specialty use.

At that price the manufacture should be able to hook you up. Have you tried contacting them?

 

[karimwassef]

Apparently these are the cheapo consumer grade - no answer from vendors. The expensive ones are $150+.

I'm shopping on eBay for surplus stuff...

I'll reach out to the expensive makers in an attempt to learn more.

 

[karimwassef]

Also experimenting with feedback encoder linear actuators. So much to learn.

 

[formula409]

http://www.openpump.org/

More graduations m8, and libraries and bulk people have done it
follow the herd

 

[karimwassef]

Thanks!

 

[john08007]

curious, what is the plan with the actuator once you get it going as you want?

 

[karimwassef]

I have several projects that need this. One is a surge valve where I want to control the flow continuously. Another is an automated Alk tester that applies precise quantities of liquid from a syringe. The two actuators are very different in size, power and accuracy - but the basic need is to have positional feedback without an external ultrasound or IR sensor.

 

[john08007]

probably $$$$ but what they use in hospitals for morphine pumps and probably a lot of other drugs consists of a machine that doses using a syringe. I image because it is a lot more accurate than a typical doser that we all know in the aquarium world.

 

[karimwassef]

I found them for $90 - potentiometer versions. I need to get some and experiment.