Linear Actuator to BS2

Joe33

I have a linear actuator, from a company called thomson apparently, and I can't find any documentation.· I know its 12V DC and maybe 1-2 amps, but I don't know what type of connection it requires (see picture).· Also, any suggestion on a good driver for use·with the BS2?·

Mike Green

This would be handled the same as any solenoid or motor, using a switching transistor. Have a look at Nuts and Volts Column #6. Go to Parallax's main webpage, click on Resources, then choose Nuts and Volts Columns.

Joe33

Just realized I forgot the photos.

remmi870

you could use a h bridge driver, i would try using a 12v batery to test the motor, also suggest using a fuse untill you find out if it is the right voltage, you should narrow down the current and get the propper driver.

Joe33

How could I change the polarity for retraction without switching the wires?

alphamike27

Its a little difficult to ascertain from your photos, but I think I played around with some of these a few years ago.

They are actuated by a worm gear, and are quite powerful (we got one to lift the front of a car).

However, from my recollection, they were were very heavy on current (about 12A)

They have a permanent magnet motor, so reversing the polarity to the leads is the only way to·reverse the motor. As remmi870 suggested, you could use an H Bridge, or four discrete mosfets maybe.

Jonathan

Also, a couple of relays will do the job too.

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erco

I used one of these previously which had internal limit switches that turned the drive motor off in the fully extended and retracted directions. Thus if you only need to stop at the two extreme positions, power can be left on at all times, and one simple DPDT switch or relay can handle polarity reversal for selecting between extended or retracted.

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