Linear Actuator Controller for Robotic Platform

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Hey All,

I'm a bit stuck trying to find a linear actuator controller that doesn't expect me to use a key fob.  I would rather not roll my own solution if I don't have to but it's starting to look as though I might have to.  I feel this must exist since robotic applications would certainly need something like it.

Requirements are:
Able to control 12V linear actuators up to 20A
Potentiometer input required so that actuator can be set to any length
Must accept commands over some type of digital interface (Ethernet, CAN, serial, etc. are all good) to set actuator length

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[sentry7]

I would check RobotShop; they have wide assortment of robotics parts.

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Hmm...

Looks like all they have is a 4A controller.  Too bad it can't do more as it looks like a good fit otherwise!

http://www.robotshop.com/en/actuonix-linear-actuator-control-board.html

The search continues!

[DaJMasta]

Don't know much about linear actuator drivers, but at least for one I had seen, they required a high current motor driver with a feedback input for servo control - you may not need something marketed as a linear actuator driver if you can find a high current servo motor controller.  Pololu lists their JRK controller line as good choices for linear actuators they sell - could be worth a look.


Not sure how early it will be to find an integrated potentiometer input, but if they're using a micro and it has a few user programmable pins, it may be real easy to add one.

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DaJMasta, that's brilliant!  I'd never thought of looking for something like that.  I'll have to read the specs more but at a cursory glance it looks really promising!