Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I slow the actuator down?
Yes, by lowering the voltage you drive it with. The voltage specified for each actuator on the datasheet is the maximum allowed. If you use a lower voltage the actuator will move more slowly, and push less force. To lower the voltage you can use fewer batteries, add a voltage regulator to your circuit, or use PWM of the drive voltage. There is a minimum voltage required to overcome the friction inside the actuator, and this will depend on the load you attach to it. Please note: the minimum voltage for the L12 -I & -R types and the LAC is 3.5 volts, for the control circuit to operate.I've read the datasheet, but what does it all mean?
Check out this TECH NOTE for an explanation of the terms and units on the datasheet. How do they work?
All Firgelli linear actuators use a lead screw driven by a PMDC motor to create linear motion from a DC voltage. When power is removed they will hold their position. If a force large enough to overcome the internal friction is applied, the actuator will back drive. How long will the actuator last?
The life under test conditions is specified on the datasheet. However each actuators life will vary greatly depending on the application. Everything from load, temperature, humidity, speed, duty cycle to voltage stability can affect the life. To get the longest possible life from your actuator see these TIPS. How do I make it move?
The PQ12 and L12 -B, -P and -S models are very simple to operate. Simply apply a 6 or 12v DC voltage to the Black and Red wires and it will move. Then reverse the polarity to make it reverse direction.
See this schematic for an easy circuit that will allow you to drive your linear actuators with a simple manual switch.
Note, this does not work for the Linear Servos (L12 -I or -R types). See the L12 Datasheet for instructions on how to operate these. Can I control the actuator using Labview?
Have a look at our LAC controller. There is even an example Labview program provided!
Another method:
Depending on the DAQ card you have there are several ways to control Firgelli actuators and servos using Labview or other similar software. See this Tech Note for some suggestions to control your actuators with a computer. Will the LAC Advanced Configuration Program run on my 64 bit computer?
Yes, it will. If the installation program does not complete successfully, you just need to install the driver manually.
Connect the LAC to the computer with the USB cable, and apply power to the LAC. A found new hardware notice will show up on the screen. Follow the prompts to install the driver. When given the choice to search for the driver automatically or manually, choose manually. You will find the drivers in the install directory (C:Program FilesFirgelli LAC Configuration Utility). There are two types of 64bit machines(AMD64/IA64), if the driver you choose does not work, select the other one. Will the L12-R replace the servos in my RC car/boat/plane/robot?
The L12-R Linear Servos are designed to be a direct replacement for RC rotary servos, and will work with most RC receivers. See this Tech Note for some tips and tricks to get the most out of your toys. How much are they?
Retail pricing is listed online at our web store. Please pick the items you are interested in and add them to your cart to see prices.
Contact sales@firgelli.com for higher volume quotes. Are they in Stock?
All our inventory is listed online at our Online Store. Please pick the items you are interested in and add them to your cart to see the current inventory. Items IN-STOCK ship within 2 days. Items where the stock column is blank are built to order and are usually shipped within 2 weeks. Items that you cannot add to your cart are on back-order or are no longer available How much is shipping to my country?
Use our online shipping calculator to find the price you will pay for shipping. To do this go to the Online Store. Pick the items you are interested in then press check-out. Enter your shipping address to see the UPS shipping options to your country. See our Shipping Policy for more details.
|
