Ok, i am not an electrician and understand very little, but here's what i want to do. I have a reversable 12V dc motor. What I want it to do is turn on automaticallly with a timer in one direction and shut off (with a limit switch?) after about 2 seconds. About 2 hours later I need the opposite action. Both actions automatic using a timer with DC power. The application is a door opening and closing veritcally .
Hello Amir From the sounds of your application you would require the use of an Arduino microcontroller and a motor driver. You can learn more about this and how to achieve different forms of motion control in our Instrustables post about controlling an actuators motion here - www.instructables.com/id/Controlling-the-timing-of-an-Actuators-Motion/. If you need any more information or have any other questions, let us know. Best Regards
If this is all you need to accomplish then using an arduino is overkill and takes time to learn it. I made a playlist with a few wiring diagrams that do just that. the third one on the list is the one you will need. th-cam.com/video/w2gOUIUESjs/w-d-xo.html
hello, I want to hook up a 12v actuator with 240v dc. I dont totally understand the relay stuff as much but, can it be as simple as plugging in a 12v wall power supply, to say a 15 amp rated momentary switch doing fwd and reverse, then to the actuator with 2 15amp fuses, 1 on each postive that runs fwd and reverse? as long as the actuator draws less then 15 amp under high load? am I thinking about this right? thank you
Hello, You are on the right path! Relays are not required if you have a DPDT momentary rocker switch and power source that can already handle the voltage and current draw requirements of the actuator being used. Here's an example video of wiring an actuator directly to rocker switches: th-cam.com/video/H7zg7ZdD13Y/w-d-xo.html In general, fuses aren't meant to protect the actuator from overloading as they require a significant amount of either time overloaded, or a significant spike. They are still useful for protection in short circuit situations and other similar events. For more information, feel free to contact 1-800-676-6123 or sales@progressiveautomations.com We're happy to help! -Progressive Automations
You may be able to consider using relay combination logic or microcontroller programming with H-bridges for this. Ensure the devices that have power running through them and going to the actuator have sufficient current draw ratings to handle the actuator current draw requirements.
i need to control 2 of the actuators simultaneously and a 3rd one as a single function. do you recomend to use the relays SPDT or something else. can synchronization be skipped by simply connecting the 2 wires to + and 2 wires to the (-). I also need to use the reverse function.
You can use SPDT relays in a similar way to what is shown in this video as that would allow for the reverse function while letting high current draw through the circuit without damaging the switch from over current. It is possible to wire the 2 actuators in a parallel circuit if you did not require the 2 actuators to travel the same speed (motors can have a +/- 10% speed tolerance), synchronization with positional feedback is for applications where the 2 actuators are needed to travel the same speed with more accuracy and precision.
Yes, it is possible to wire 4 actuators in a parallel circuit to 1 rocker switch as long as the current draw of the 4 actuators combined never exceeds the current rating of the switch being used. For example, our PA-14 actuators draw 5A at max rated load capacity while our RC-12 rocker switch is rated for 20A. The 4 actuators multiplied by 5A results in a 20A draw if all were at full load so this example switch will be sufficient in this use case.
Solved! + goes from battery to 87a and to switch. + out on one side of switch to 86 of one relay then other switch + to 86 of other relay. 85 & 87 of both relays go to - gnd. 30 of one relay to actuator + 30 on relay 2 goes to - actuator. No switch pressed creates a live + lock on actuator no movement. You can put optional on/off sw between battery+ and relays to de-energize when not it use. When sw is pressed up it powers relay coil that switched + of 87a flowing to 30 (actuator one side) to 87 - changing polarity actuator moves one way. Flip sw to other on reverses.
Hi Rob, Yes, we can confirm that 1 DPDT relay can accomplish the same task as 2 SPDT relays. If you have any other questions for us, feel free to reach out to us at sales@progressiveautomations.com!
just to confirm, in your diagram you have the two 87a constant on attached to the actuator + and - terminals. Then you have the switch activated 86 terminals from both relays going to the negative 85 terminals on of both relays. These 4 are tied together on battery negative?
Hi Brinton This greatly depends on the actuator and application. Generally speaking this results in an immediate stop which may cause premature wear on the mechanical components. If the actuator produces an abrupt and jarring stop when used, then it would be advisable to avoid using the motor brake in this way. Hope this helps! Best Regards
Yes, It most certainly does. However, depending on quality of the actuator, the damage is really only noticeable over long periods of time or heavy usage. I myself do NOT like or do not advise people to do that. For two reasons. First. Unless you need it to stop a motor for "hyper" accuracy or something like that then why put any extra wear on the motor. Besides linear actuators pretty much stop on a dime by themselves. Second, and more important to me, is that you will have positive voltage running through both actuator wires and motor. That means that at anytime the wires get cut it leaves more possibility of grounding out. More so when doing maintenance and forget to turn off power. Having the negative be the Home/Rest/Normally Closed position is a better option.
Hi there! You definitely can hook up the RC-09 joystick however the wiring will be slightly different from the RC-13 Rocker Switch. A wiring diagram that may be useful for reference is the Joystick (Four Direction) Control - High Current Draw which you can find here: www.progressiveautomations.com/pages/wiring-diagrams If you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email at sales@progressiveautomations.com or give us a call at 1 800 676 6123
Your smart switch can be used to enable/disable the 120 volts input to any 12-volt DC power supply capable of handling the current (amperage) required by your linear actuator, but you'll still need to reverse the 12-volt polarity to travel in the other direction. You cannot connect the 12-volt DC actuator directly to a 120-volt AC supply. You would also be wise to include an inline fuse in the 12-volt line.
Hi Ronny, we'd love to assist you! Can you tell us more about your application by sending us an email at sales@progressiveautomations.com or please give us a call at 1-800-676-6123
I want to control 6 linear actuators 30mms 200mm reach all at the same time. So to use a low powered controller and two double pole relays should do the trick. What do you think?
Hi James, We recommend having feedback option such as a potentiometer or hall effect sensors for a "true" synchronized setup. Although both actuator are activated at the same time, there may be discrepancies with their speed if an uneven load is applied between the two actuators. Thank You.
@@rathanshidling9832 Hi Rathan, can you give us a call at 1-800-676-6123 so we may assist you? You can also send us an email at sales@progressiveautomations.com
Is it correct to assume that the actuator can continue moving forward after the it was stopped from moving forward by the the toggle switch initiating positive charge lock on the motor.
Hi Gregory, That is correct. If power is removed, the actuator will hold it's position. If +12VDC is again applied to the actuator via switch, the actuator will continue to move forward until it reaches the external limit switch. The same applies in the retracting direction. Thank You !
Ok I purchased one of your 400 pound 1p66 12v 20 amp linear actuators for my solar tracker .the tracker handles 8 amps max at 12v . So I just need 2 20 amp relays and wire the relays to my fuse box with 30 amp fuses from the battery and negative bus bar no fuse and the power ports from tracker to relay trigger side and the linear actuator to each relay 1 positive other negative but reversible load side ? Then my 8 amp 12v tracker can power the 20 amp 12v 400 pound relay?
Hi Donald! Can you give us a call at 1-800-676-6123 or send us an email at sales@progressiveautomations.com so we can assist you with your solar tracker?
My problem is I cannot find directions to wire my single axis solar controller to the trigger on my DPDT 30 amp relay I purchased for my 400 pound 12v linear actuator so that the actuator will go up and down when the controller triggers . The relay will trigger the actuator and it opens up and extends then the trigger stops and the linear actuator closes automatically. I need to wire it so the actuator can reverse pole when trigger says to . I was under the impression that 1 DPDT relay could control a linear actuator in both directions instead of using 2 SPDT relays per actuator. Is there a trick to wiring these to a solar tracker? Did I need to use 2 relays the spdt relays?
Hi Donald! We want to help you with your actuator application. Please give us a call at 1-800-676-6123 so we can assist you as soon as possible! You may also send us an email at sales@progressiveautomations.com
Many people speak faster when they're nervous. As mentioned, click the Cog in the lower-right corner of the vid, change Playback Speed to 0.75. It's perfect.
Ok, i am not an electrician and understand very little, but here's what i want to do. I have a reversable 12V dc motor. What I want it to do is turn on automaticallly with a timer in one direction and shut off (with a limit switch?) after about 2 seconds. About 2 hours later I need the opposite action. Both actions automatic using a timer with DC power. The application is a door opening and closing veritcally .
Hello Amir
From the sounds of your application you would require the use of an Arduino microcontroller and a motor driver. You can learn more about this and how to achieve different forms of motion control in our Instrustables post about controlling an actuators motion here - www.instructables.com/id/Controlling-the-timing-of-an-Actuators-Motion/. If you need any more information or have any other questions, let us know.
Best Regards
If this is all you need to accomplish then using an arduino is overkill and takes time to learn it. I made a playlist with a few wiring diagrams that do just that. the third one on the list is the one you will need.
th-cam.com/video/w2gOUIUESjs/w-d-xo.html
hello, I want to hook up a 12v actuator with 240v dc. I dont totally understand the relay stuff as much but, can it be as simple as plugging in a 12v wall power supply, to say a 15 amp rated momentary switch doing fwd and reverse, then to the actuator with 2 15amp fuses, 1 on each postive that runs fwd and reverse? as long as the actuator draws less then 15 amp under high load? am I thinking about this right? thank you
Hello,
You are on the right path! Relays are not required if you have a DPDT momentary rocker switch and power source that can already handle the voltage and current draw requirements of the actuator being used.
Here's an example video of wiring an actuator directly to rocker switches:
th-cam.com/video/H7zg7ZdD13Y/w-d-xo.html
In general, fuses aren't meant to protect the actuator from overloading as they require a significant amount of either time overloaded, or a significant spike. They are still useful for protection in short circuit situations and other similar events.
For more information, feel free to contact 1-800-676-6123 or sales@progressiveautomations.com
We're happy to help!
-Progressive Automations
How can I plug two bistable 6pin switches to control linear actuator? And gate. Operator should ude two hands (two switches)
You may be able to consider using relay combination logic or microcontroller programming with H-bridges for this. Ensure the devices that have power running through them and going to the actuator have sufficient current draw ratings to handle the actuator current draw requirements.
i need to control 2 of the actuators simultaneously and a 3rd one as a single function. do you recomend to use the relays SPDT or something else. can synchronization be skipped by simply connecting the 2 wires to + and 2 wires to the (-). I also need to use the reverse function.
You can use SPDT relays in a similar way to what is shown in this video as that would allow for the reverse function while letting high current draw through the circuit without damaging the switch from over current. It is possible to wire the 2 actuators in a parallel circuit if you did not require the 2 actuators to travel the same speed (motors can have a +/- 10% speed tolerance), synchronization with positional feedback is for applications where the 2 actuators are needed to travel the same speed with more accuracy and precision.
What about inrush current? Don't these actuators need some soft start circuitry?
Can you wire four aculators together to a rocker switch
Yes, it is possible to wire 4 actuators in a parallel circuit to 1 rocker switch as long as the current draw of the 4 actuators combined never exceeds the current rating of the switch being used. For example, our PA-14 actuators draw 5A at max rated load capacity while our RC-12 rocker switch is rated for 20A. The 4 actuators multiplied by 5A results in a 20A draw if all were at full load so this example switch will be sufficient in this use case.
Solved! + goes from battery to 87a and to switch. + out on one side of switch to 86 of one relay then other switch + to 86 of other relay. 85 & 87 of both relays go to - gnd. 30 of one relay to actuator + 30 on relay 2 goes to - actuator. No switch pressed creates a live + lock on actuator no movement. You can put optional on/off sw between battery+ and relays to de-energize when not it use. When sw is pressed up it powers relay coil that switched + of 87a flowing to 30 (actuator one side) to 87 - changing polarity actuator moves one way. Flip sw to other on reverses.
Can you accomplish the same task with one DPDT relay instead of employing two SPDT relays?
Hi Rob, Yes, we can confirm that 1 DPDT relay can accomplish the same task as 2 SPDT relays. If you have any other questions for us, feel free to reach out to us at sales@progressiveautomations.com!
just to confirm, in your diagram you have the two 87a constant on attached to the actuator + and - terminals. Then you have the switch activated 86 terminals from both relays going to the negative 85 terminals on of both relays. These 4 are tied together on battery negative?
Thanks . finally get it !
You're welcome, Robert!
does the positive charge lock cause any damage or extra wear on the electric motor?
Hi Brinton
This greatly depends on the actuator and application. Generally speaking this results in an immediate stop which may cause premature wear on the mechanical components. If the actuator produces an abrupt and jarring stop when used, then it would be advisable to avoid using the motor brake in this way. Hope this helps!
Best Regards
Yes, It most certainly does. However, depending on quality of the actuator, the damage is really only noticeable over long periods of time or heavy usage.
I myself do NOT like or do not advise people to do that. For two reasons.
First. Unless you need it to stop a motor for "hyper" accuracy or something like that then why put any extra wear on the motor. Besides linear actuators pretty much stop on a dime by themselves.
Second, and more important to me, is that you will have positive voltage running through both actuator wires and motor. That means that at anytime the wires get cut it leaves more possibility of grounding out. More so when doing maintenance and forget to turn off power. Having the negative be the Home/Rest/Normally Closed position is a better option.
How do i hook up your rc-09 joy stick with this?
Hi there! You definitely can hook up the RC-09 joystick however the wiring will be slightly different from the RC-13 Rocker Switch.
A wiring diagram that may be useful for reference is the Joystick (Four Direction) Control - High Current Draw which you can find here: www.progressiveautomations.com/pages/wiring-diagrams
If you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email at sales@progressiveautomations.com or give us a call at 1 800 676 6123
I am looking to control a 12VDC liner actuator with a 120vac smart switch. Can someone recommend a replay and a wiring schematic.
Your smart switch can be used to enable/disable the 120 volts input to any 12-volt DC power supply capable of handling the current (amperage) required by your linear actuator, but you'll still need to reverse the 12-volt polarity to travel in the other direction. You cannot connect the 12-volt DC actuator directly to a 120-volt AC supply. You would also be wise to include an inline fuse in the 12-volt line.
Hi Ronny, we'd love to assist you! Can you tell us more about your application by sending us an email at sales@progressiveautomations.com or please give us a call at 1-800-676-6123
I want to control 6 linear actuators 30mms 200mm reach all at the same time. So to use a low powered controller and two double pole relays should do the trick. What do you think?
Hi James,
We recommend having feedback option such as a potentiometer or hall effect sensors for a "true" synchronized setup. Although both actuator are activated at the same time, there may be discrepancies with their speed if an uneven load is applied between the two actuators.
Thank You.
@@ProgressiveAutomations I'm using arduino n 2relay module. how to control position feedback or how to take feedback of actuator position.
@@rathanshidling9832 Hi Rathan, can you give us a call at 1-800-676-6123 so we may assist you? You can also send us an email at sales@progressiveautomations.com
Is it correct to assume that the actuator can continue moving forward after the it was stopped from moving forward by the the toggle switch initiating positive charge lock on the motor.
Hi Gregory,
That is correct. If power is removed, the actuator will hold it's position. If +12VDC is again applied to the actuator via switch, the actuator will continue to move forward until it reaches the external limit switch. The same applies in the retracting direction.
Thank You !
Ok I purchased one of your 400 pound 1p66 12v 20 amp linear actuators for my solar tracker .the tracker handles 8 amps max at 12v . So I just need 2 20 amp relays and wire the relays to my fuse box with 30 amp fuses from the battery and negative bus bar no fuse and the power ports from tracker to relay trigger side and the linear actuator to each relay 1 positive other negative but reversible load side ? Then my 8 amp 12v tracker can power the 20 amp 12v 400 pound relay?
Hi Donald! Can you give us a call at 1-800-676-6123 or send us an email at sales@progressiveautomations.com so we can assist you with your solar tracker?
My problem is I cannot find directions to wire my single axis solar controller to the trigger on my DPDT 30 amp relay I purchased for my 400 pound 12v linear actuator so that the actuator will go up and down when the controller triggers . The relay will trigger the actuator and it opens up and extends then the trigger stops and the linear actuator closes automatically. I need to wire it so the actuator can reverse pole when trigger says to . I was under the impression that 1 DPDT relay could control a linear actuator in both directions instead of using 2 SPDT relays per actuator. Is there a trick to wiring these to a solar tracker? Did I need to use 2 relays the spdt relays?
Hi Donald! We want to help you with your actuator application. Please give us a call at 1-800-676-6123 so we can assist you as soon as possible! You may also send us an email at sales@progressiveautomations.com
nice belt
Thanks Gerhard!
If adding linear actuators, it will control the vertical 90 degrees.
If you could explain this slower; it will be more beneficial.
replay it as much as you like....
slow the speed down, in the cog settings
Many people speak faster when they're nervous. As mentioned, click the Cog in the lower-right corner of the vid, change Playback Speed to 0.75. It's perfect.
Thank you for your feedback!