Thread: actuator??

anyone?

You know the name, obviously...
It's in the title of your post.

To be more specific, a linear actuator.

Thanks for the reply. As I have never done anything like this part of it, any pointers?

Anything I should be looking for?

how would one of these work? I know what I am trying to do, just no idea how it all works. LOL

How much room should I allow to use one of these "linear actuator"

should I be looking as Gas or elec?

Sorry for asking so many questions, just never done this before

I'm not the expert, but I think i can help with some general stuff.

Originally Posted by SoloCon

how would one of these work? I know what I am trying to do, just no idea how it all works. LOL

Basically, you'd have a relay (or possibly two?) that would trigger the actuator to extend or retract. I couldn't help you with that part. I know the general idea, but not the specifics.

How much room should I allow to use one of these "linear actuator"

That would depend on the dimensions of the actuator. They make micro actuators that are only a couple inches long, others that are long enough to open a trunk lid or door and others that can raise a dump truck bed.

should I be looking as Gas or elec?

Electric. Gas actuators are those that slow up the raising/lowering of your hatchback lid.

Sorry for asking so many questions, just never done this before

Heh. neither have I. Realistically, though, mp3car.com isn't going to be your best resource for something like this. I suggest using http://the12volt.com as a starting point.
Now, if you want to have PC control of an actuator, there's lots of information about how to control triggering of relays and whatnot.