How To

This article is the first part of our “Linear Actuator Control" series. We will be discussing everything from the most basic control methods that utilize limit switches to accomplishing sequential control with the use of relays. In this first article, we will cover how to limit a linear actuator’s extension and retraction stroke using the AC-24 external limit switch. All of the Progressive Automations linear actuators have built-in limit switc...

Welcome to Part II of our guide on how to monitor the load feedback of a linear actuator. In Part I we went over the wiring process and the basic coding needed for the example. In today's guide, we will be going over in detail the different sections of the coding as well as some ways to edit it. To begin we will be looking at the latchButtons() section of code. The first thing we want to see is the button debouncing, so when the left button is...

In today’s guide, we will go over how to find out how much force a linear actuator is applying by monitoring the amount of current it is using. This will be one of our more advanced guides and will require some complex coding, calibrating and programming. We will be covering the monitoring of analog input and how it utilizes its functions. For this project, we’ll be using a MegaMoto Plus, a linear actuator (we are using our PA-14 mini actuator...

Welcome to Part II of the article "Intro to Arduino Microcontrollers". Last time we went over the basics of Arduino and some of the different board models that we carry in stock. Today we’ll be going over a couple more of the boards that we have as well as how to get started with programming and coding them. The last two boards we’ll be discussing have some more advanced features than the ones we went over in Part 1, the Arduino Mega and the A...

We’ve been expanding our line of control systems with the addition of microcontrollers, shields and other hardware, including becoming an official distributor of Arduino products. Arduino is one of the leaders in open-source electronic platforms and one of the most popular hardware brands in the industry. Starting in Italy in 2005 they have gradually expanded over the years, with many manufacturers and distributors opening around the world. It...

In this post, we will be going over how to use relay boards to control the motion of linear actuators. We have 2-channel, 4-channel and 8-channel relay boards available and each one does the same thing, the only difference is how many channels are being used. We will be combining the relay boards with our LC-066 Arduino Uno to show off their control capabilities. The relays control the direction in which the actuator moves. They work by using...