Actuator Advice

[SirSteve 10+ year member]

How much of a throw (distance) is needed to lift a very light 35" piece of 1/8" hardwood to display my amps? It would go from a horizontal position to a vertical position. Would a 4" throw work?

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[paikiah 5,000+ posts]

actuators can push much more than that.

As for 4", I guess it would depend on where you install the actuator. If it's with a pivot, you sould not need that much. Good luck workig with hydraulics~

 

[SirSteve 10+ year member]

I am finally ready to do this... 3 years later... same box. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

You can take a look at my box from my Gallery link. I have no idea where to start with this though... I've found actuators that have 4" and 6" strokes with built-in limit switches.... any suggestions?

 

[jrz126 10+ year member]

Are you talking about using motorized linear actuators? or hydraulics?

Its kinda hard to give advice since I cant see the setup. It'll just take some customizing.

Only thing I can suggest is to definitly go with the linear actuators.

 

[SirSteve 10+ year member]

An actuator to lift the lid to display my amps.

 

[SirSteve 10+ year member]

I've done some calculations and I need about a 6" throw. So, if I purchase a 12", I can use the built in limit switch to cut it off at 6", correct? The 12" is the same price as the 6" so I might as well get that one...

I also want to be able to just hit a button once (not hold it) and have it open/close (or up/down). What kind of rocker is needed to accomplish that?

Since that actuator uses a mounting bracket with a quick release pin, how have others solved the problem with it rattling with the bass? I can just see/hear it now... that pin would drive me nuts.

Last question... I would like the neons inside the amp rack to come on at the same time I hit the button for the actuator to open the lid. How would I do that?

 

[djman37 5,000+ posts]

for the bass, I've used plasti-dip applied with a brush to either piece I didn't want rattling.

post what you find out about the N/O or N/C circuits.

 

[SirSteve 10+ year member]

Thanks. I think I've figured everything out but this:

I would like the neons inside the amp rack to come on at the same time I hit the button for the actuator to open the lid. How would I do that?

 

[theCybe 5,000+ posts]

with a relay.

 

[jrz126 10+ year member]

what did you come up with so far as far as controlling the actuator? maybe you can include it in there somewhere.

You could do it with a latching relay, turns on once you hit the open switch, and shuts off when you hit the close switch.

 

[SirSteve 10+ year member]

Control meaning the rocker switch? Here is what I ordered:

12" Stroke, 1"/sec Linear Actuator

Rocker Switch

Two mounting brackets

SPDT Relay (hopefully to turn the neons on at the same time I press the switch for the actuator)

They have a Latch Relay but the guy said I didn't need it... was he mistaken?

I also have a PAC TR-7 that can control the actuator from an old project. Do I need this?

 

[jrz126 10+ year member]

Hmm...I dunno if that switch will do it. It says it operates like a power window switch, so I think you'll have to hold the button.

Also, it says that the limit switches arent movable, so that might make it difficult to cut it off at 6".

How many wires are coming out of the actuator?

 

[SirSteve 10+ year member]

Hmm...I dunno if that switch will do it. It says it operates like a power window switch, so I think you'll have to hold the button.
Also, it says that the limit switches arent movable, so that might make it difficult to cut it off at 6".

How many wires are coming out of the actuator?

Their sales person said the switch will stay in the position until it reaches it limit so you do not have to hold it down.

I don't know what you mean by the limit switches... I just assumed they make it the actuator brake. No?

There is just a black and red wire from the actuator.