6" linear movement

**scott_fx** · 06-28-2006, 09:50 PM

Hey guys and gals,
need some help here. I need to automate a (light weight) panel to move about 6" back and forth. I'm guessing my best choice would be to get a linear actuator, but at $100 it's kind of a steep investment. What other options do i have for reliable repeatable automations?

I was thinking lead screws but by the time i get everything i need it's going to be close to the linear actuator's cost but not be as sturdy.

then i thought about getting smooth gliding track and a motor/wheel assembly with electronic switches at the beginning and end of travel.

any ideas? thoughts? suggestions?

thanks

scott

**kickercivic1** · 06-28-2006, 09:54 PM

car power antenna.

**scott_fx** · 06-28-2006, 09:59 PM

you know what, i suggest that to someone a while ago. not sure how to wire it up though. it's worth looking into. thanks.

**psyrex** · 06-28-2006, 10:34 PM

how much room do you have to play with?

**scott_fx** · 06-28-2006, 10:36 PM

probably 12 inches or so

**kickercivic1** · 06-28-2006, 11:16 PM

WIring is really easy.. I messed around with one, like a year ago. I bought it a discount auto for $19.99

**mbuchman** · 06-28-2006, 11:45 PM

Hah, I saw them use a power antenna as an actuator on Pimp My Ride once. Another possible option would be to basically steal the design of a garage door opener, except scale it down.

-Matt

**Shadow** · 06-29-2006, 10:10 AM

mbuchman, that's what he meant by lead screws

Power antennas are easy. Power, Ground and switched power. Get some NICE roller-bearing drawer slides and mount the panel to that. Then have a power antenna or two push/pull it.

**evandude** · 06-29-2006, 10:40 AM

How fast do you need it to go? I have a friend that built a homemade CNC machine using plain old threaded rod for lead screws... as long as the panel is mounted on nice smooth rails/rods, even a crappy lead screw isn't that bad; mount it in a non-rigid manner so that the sloppier tolerances don't make it bind up (flexible coupling to the motor, etc). Just doesn't move very fast, because of the thread pitch.