I want to build an M270 so I will need something to lift the entire missile box, hence a 100 lb actuator. I'm testing how to shoot multiple paintballs with a single air source simultaneously now and once I have it, I'll build my missile box w/ elevate. I have to finish my Abrams first though... On Feb 10, 2009, at 11:16 AM, Frank Pittelli wrote:
> > Thomas Lum wrote: >> Best way to control this linear actuator? >> It has built in limit switches and a built in potentiometer. >> >> http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009021006243189&item=5-1577-4&catname= >> >> Could I use a speed controller and self centering joystick or is >> there a >> better method that utilizes the potentiometer? >> I want to use it for a gun elevate. > > Do you really need an actuator capable of lifting 100+ pounds for your > elevate mechanism? Seems like overkill to me. > > But, to answer your questions: > > 1) You don't need a speed controller, just some on-off switches, to > create a "latched" elevate mechanism. Push joystick to go in either > direction, let go to have it stay in that position. (This is how most > motor-based elevate mechanisms work). > > 2) You could utilize the pot using a microcontroller to turn the > actuator into a powerful "proportional" elevate mechanism. In that > case, when you move the joystick the actuator will move to the same > relative position. However, given the size of the mechanism there > will > probably be a perceptible delay to get from one spot to another, which > will make it difficult to use effectively. > > Personally, I prefer to go with a simpler "geared motor" solution > using > small, but powerful 6 RPM geared motors with a lifting arm and two > limit > switches. Smaller, cheaper ($10) and extremely robust. Both the > Navaronne and Tiger have been using such an approach for years > without a > failure. > > BTW: Within the next month, I hope to have some prototypes built for a > new circuit board that is specifically designed to control such > mechanisms (elevate, rotate, fire control). More details to follow. > > Frank P. > > > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You are currently subscribed to the "R/C Tank Combat" group. To post a message, send email to rctankcombat@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe, send email to rctankcombat-unsubscr...@googlegroups.com Visit the group at http://groups.google.com/group/rctankcombat -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
