Actuator Technology
I've read the datasheet, but what does it all mean?
How long will the actuator last?
Actuator Applications
Can I control the actuator using Labview?
Can I build something cool for my car using these actuators?
Will the L12-R replace the servos in my RC car/boat/plane/robot?
Orders
How much is shipping to my country?
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 position. If a force large enough to overcome the internal friction is applied, the actuator will back drive.
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.
Can I slow the actuator down?
Yes, by lowering the voltage you drive it with. The voltage specified for each actuator on the datasheets 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 CIB is 3.5 volts, for the control circuit to operate.
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. Everthing 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?
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.
Can I build something cool for my car using these actuators?
Sure, use your imagination. See this Tech Note for some tips and one cool idea.
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 thisTech Note for some tips and tricks to get the most out of your toys.
How much are they?
All our prices are listed online at our web store. Please pick the items you are interested in and add them to your cart to see the prices.
Are they in Stock?
All our inventory is listed online at our web 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 web 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.