Zhitao asks,
I’m looking for a solution to control a linear actuator with a potentiometer. I am just wondering if you have any kit that I can use to start with?
Thanks for your question Zhitao!
A linear potentiometer is a three-terminal resistor with a sliding contact that forms a variable voltage divider.
We have a number of linear potentiometers available on Little Bird Electronics. A good one to get started with is the Slide Pot - X-Large (10k Linear Taper).
You’ll of course need an Arduino such as the Arduino Uno.
You may want some hookup wire for connecting your potentiometer to your Arduino.
Hookup
Hookup your Slide Pot - X-Large (10k Linear Taper) to your Arduino Uno per the diagram below:
Example Code
/*
Example code for reading a Linear Potentiometer
Reads an analog input on pin A0, prints the result
to the serial port
This example code is in the public domain.
*/
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
int sensorValue = analogRead(A0);
Serial.println(sensorValue);
}
Controlling a Linear Actuator
Zhitao has provided us with more information:
This actuator will be used to depress a pedal in a car:
1500 lbs would be something like 337.2134136645 lbs. we only tested about 270 lbs for the car brake, 1500 newtons is just an over-estimated safety range.
Our line of linear actuators from Pololu includes actuators that can provide a linear force of 50kg (122.47lbs). An example is the Concentric LACT12P-12V-20 Linear Actuator with Feedback: 12" Stroke, 12V, 0.5"/s.
You might be able to combine several of these actuators to get the desired 270lbs force required for your application.