How To Category - Progressive Automations Blog

Halloween projects are an excellent way of promoting fun and creativity for everyone to get into the festive mood! Whether you like dressing up in costumes, decorating your home, or just working on electronic projects, Halloween is a great time to express your creative side. If you needed some new ideas for your DIY Halloween decorations or just wanted some inspiration from other Halloween projects by our customers, this is just the article fo...

A home theater experience is something many seek to have for the comfort and convenience of enjoying their favorite movies at anytime. Projectors and TVs offer different benefits and drawbacks; however, most homes will typically use projectors to replicate the theater experience as close as possible. By using a projector lift, users can further enhance the value of their home theater setup. In this article, we will cover the important aspects ...

In every application, there are a variety of alternative solutions that can be considered to help increase the overall value of your project. This is especially the case in applications that require linear actuators for driving the motion of a system. Finding the right balance of performance and costs helps ensure value in your final product to promote the success of your project and overall business. We will be covering the important aspects ...

Electric linear actuators and PLCs are among the major pieces of electronic equipment which play a crucial role in the operation of nearly every machine, process, and equipment we encounter. In the industry, there is a large range of different PLCs and electric linear actuators to choose from. Because of this, compatibility between each device may not always be straightforward, especially if the components were from different manufacturers. We...

The safety of a patient in hospital beds is of the utmost importance, especially for patients experiencing serious health conditions requiring medical treatment. Through the integration of electric actuators and linear motion technology, electrically adjustable medical beds can accommodate different design and specification requirements while offering patients the comfort, safety, and convenience they need. In this article, we will cover how e...

Motion simulators are crucial assets for engineering analysis, training, education, and entertainment as they re-create a realistic feeling of things being in motion. Linear actuators are a popular solution for driving mechanical operations due to the significant benefits they can offer; however, motion simulators can integrate them through many different means for a variety of uses. In this article, we will be covering a few examples of motio...

Having a workbench is essential for accomplishing hands-on work like carpentry, metalworking, and electronics repair. Modular workbenches offer the added versatility of being able to adapt to different conditions by changing the composition and arrangement of their smaller subdivided modules at any given time. If you’re looking for project ideas to help add value to modular workbenches, this is just the article for you! We will be covering exa...

Linear motion can be found in nearly every machine, process, and equipment we use in our daily lives. From something as simple as mechanical pencils, all the way to heavy-duty agriculture equipment, there’s no doubt linear motion plays a crucial role in our society. If you wanted some inspiration for project ideas or were interested in learning about the popular applications which utilize linear motion, this is just the article for you! We wil...

Lead screws can be found in nearly every industry as they are one of the most basic linear electric actuator technologies available. In terms of matching cost with reliability, lead screws are notable components and can be found in quality electric linear actuators at affordable prices. In this article, we will cover the top 10 lead screw questions we frequently get asked which you will find useful to better understand lead screws and how they...

Everyday, the machines and implements in our surroundings often make utilization of brushed and brushless DC motors to provide rotational motion. Both motors may look similar on the outside, however, their design and operation are quite different. It is important to select the right motor and ensure proper configuration for your application to have the best results. In this article, we will cover the difference between brushed and brushless mo...

Whether you are at home, on a road trip or living a mobile lifestyle, the benefits of having a comfortable and luxurious interior is something that many of us sought after. This is because an ergonomic and pleasant environment has long-term positive impacts to our mood, posture, and mental health. In some cases, it may be challenging to enjoy these benefits when there is a limited amount of space to work with. For example, sleeping in a tiny h...

Electric actuators typically operate at a higher voltage compared to Arduino and will generally draw more current than what the outputs of an Arduino can handle. Even with this challenge, Arduino boards are still popular for various projects that require programming logic because of their availability, ease of use and open-source nature. The solution here is to use an Arduino wired with relays that can handle the electric actuator’s higher pow...

The PA-15 High-Speed Linear actuator is one of the fastest actuators in our lineup and due to its unique tubular design, one of our most compact products. Over time, normal wear or misuse takes its toll on the actuators and the motor can fail. Repairing an actuator may be cheaper than a replacement as the actuator repair cost is usually lower. Therefore, this article aims to guide you through how to repair an actuator! You may be wondering how...

When looking for a partner to meet your OEM needs, it is crucial to choose a company you can trust with confidence. Since 2008, Progressive Automations has been offering industry leading flexibility, quality, support, and field experience to become the trusted partner for various OEMs worldwide. We will be covering the top 10 questions we get from our OEM customers which you will find useful in your search for a parts supplier of electric line...

The most common electrical linear actuator used in the industry today is the 12VDC version. The function of a linear actuator is quite simple; it moves an object in a linear motion. Depending on how the unit is wired, one can control it in many different ways. In this article, we will go over wiring a 12-volt linear actuator to a rocker switch and control box along with a basic understanding of how an actuator works.

When operating linear actuators, there are many product specifications which users need to understand. Some examples of the actuator specifications that are important may include speed, force, current draw, and dimensions. There is however one element of a linear actuator that can be tricky to gauge, the noise level. Many users often won’t know for sure the ideal noise levels or restrictions until their application with linear actuators are ru...

The most recent addition to our line of TV automation products is the TY-05 drop-down TV lift. The unit is designed to be installed as a drop down TV from the ceiling or against the wall. This lift is operated using a wireless remote and can raise your TV to hide it from plain sight and lower it when needed. In this article, we will discuss how to select the best TV lift mechanism for your application. [cta] [cta-content] Find your perfect au...

Do you need a control box to run linear actuators simultaneously and synchronously? Parallel control boxes can cause 2 or more actuators to extend and retract at the same time, but they do not offer true synchronization. The extension and retraction speed can vary if one actuator pulls or pushes a heavier load than the other. Generally, actuators slow down when they experience a larger load. This can be disastrous in an application where the p...

It is very important to pick the right power supply for your electric linear actuator. You can have the perfect application design, the best actuator for your need, and a flawless mounting setup, but without choosing the right power supply your system will not function. In this article, we will be going over a few important points on how to choose a power supply for your linear actuator. [cta] [cta-content] Browse through our range of linear ac...

Hall effect sensors are one of the feedback options we offer in our linear actuators to provide position and speed information. Our PA-04-HS and PA-100 have Hall effect sensors on the stock units. While several of our other actuators can be custom ordered with Hall effect sensors. [cta] [cta-content] Browse our range of Arduino microcontrollers for ultimate actuator control! Browse Arduino [cta] WHAT IS A HALL EFFECT SENSOR? A Hall effect sens...

Have you ever faced a situation where you must connect a lower voltage actuator with a higher voltage control unit, or wondered about the compatibility of a 24-volt relay for a 12-volt actuator? We offer the PA-VC1 for converting 12 VDC into 24 VDC, however, this device is unable to convert 24 VDC into 12 VDC. Most of our in-stock actuators are available with 12 VDC motors and would not be directly compatible with 24 VDC signals or power. Cust...

Some electric actuators have an in-line or tubular shaped design; however, many models have the motors protruding outwards from its side. Because of this, the mounting holes may need to be rotated depending on the mounting requirements of a project. This can sometimes be due to tight space requirement or a project’s framing being in the way of an actuator’s side motor housing. Please note that certain actuators may have slightly different proc...

Arduino microcontrollers are perfect for controlling a Progressive Automations linear actuator. However, like most microcontrollers, it has pin input/output current limitations. If these limitations are exceeded, it can cause instant and permanent damage to the Arduino, especially when operating a high-powered industrial linear actuator. Even a micro or mini linear actuator could be too much for the Arduino to power directly. The solution is t...

Motion control is a versatile field with numerous utilities; synchronization is one of its most useful applications! The concept is in the name: motion control devices being actuated in a ‘synchronized’ manner and running at the same speed. On the surface, this may seem like an easy task, but it is actually the opposite. Synchronization is not just achieved by simply wiring multiple actuators to the same switch, as some might think. In an idea...

A linear actuator that is controlled with a temperature and humidity sensor has many prime applications. For example, one practical application would be to set up aquaponics and hydroponics where the humidity needs to be controlled – the sensor would detect when the temperature and humidity reach a certain threshold and automatically open/close a door using a linear actuator. This project is a fun activity for novice programmers or hobbyists w...

The PA-18 Track Linear Actuator is our largest fixed-length actuator and is commonly used in custom cabinetry, home automation, and robotics. You can easily control an actuator with an Arduino board, and this article will showcase how to build and program an Arduino controlled linear actuator that can be easily adapted to fit your application!   Required Hardware The following pieces of hardware are required for an Arduino controlled linear ac...

This article will show you how to use the PA-35 Wi-Fi control box to control actuators that require a large amount of current draw. A video demonstration of the PA-17 Heavy Duty Linear Actuator, being controlled using a smartphone, is shown below: View this post on Instagram A brief demonstration of our PA-35 WiFi Control Box controlling our PA-17 Industrial Liner Actuator. Check out our blog at our website to s...

In our latest "How To" post, we will be going over how to control the timing of a linear actuator's motion using a microcontroller. Microcontrollers give a lot of freedom in motion control and this is just one example of an almost endless amount of motion control options available. Depending on your application, the example project in this article can be adjusted to suit your requirements, whether you add another timed actuator or beef up the ...

A linear actuator is a versatile product that can be found anywhere. It’s quite common to have a dual linear actuator operating in conjunction in a single application, making it extremely convenient to control multiple linear actuators at the same time using a single or multiple control systems. In this article, we will take you through a few common setups for controlling multiple linear actuators at the same time by listing the control boxes ...

The world of electronics can be fun and exciting, but often it can seem quite daunting when you are looking at a wiring diagram and have no idea where to start. Moreover, understanding the code that goes on to a microcontroller can be confusing if you are new to this. Thankfully, we are here to give you the information you need to start your learning journey! [cta] [cta-content] Browse our range of microcontrollers to pair with our actuators! ...

Power. Wattage. Energy Consumption. All these terms can be used when discussing electric linear actuator power consumption. But what exactly do they mean and how do you calculate the power consumption of a 12V DC motor or any motor/linear actuator? That is exactly what we intend to show you in this article.

A trapdoor is a sliding or hinged door, flush with the surface of a floor, roof, or ceiling, or in the stage of a theatre. A trap door to a basement in a house is a common use. To make a trap door is the easy part. The problem is that it can be heavy and hard to open especially for elders and kids. However, you can automate a trapdoor by mounting a linear actuator on the trapdoor so that it can open and close with just a press of a button. You...

The following article is an extract from our Actuator Testing Guide eBook, which was created to give you a comprehensive overview on what you need to do before you implement an electric actuator into your system. This guide will ensure you find the right actuator solution for your application and aim to mitigate any issues that may arise from choosing an incompatible actuator. The main guide is covered over seven chapters in the eBook, and alo...

Solar power is one of the most accessible types of renewable energy and is rapidly increasing in efficiency and affordability. In this project, we will show you how we used our PA-14 Mini Linear Actuator to follow the sun through a single axis of motion. Doing this increases the power yield of the solar panel by up to 25% more than a fixed solar panel. In this article, we will show you how we put together our very own Portable Single-Axis Sol...

Sometimes when we are creating a project using a linear actuator, we are trying to solve a problem that could not be solved without the advantages that these mechanisms offer. Other times, we are trying to make a certain task easier by automating it. But every now and then, we will create something just because we can.  This is one of those projects. [cta] [cta-content] Take your linear actuator control to the next level with our Arduino micro...

Welcome to another Progressive Automations’ technical blog! Today, we will be outlining how an Arduino can communicate with our PA-04-HS. A hall effect sensor is an electronic component that allows for precise control of a linear actuator. It is usually positioned within the gearbox alongside a magnetic disc. As the linear actuator moves, the magnetic disc rotates, which creates a magnetic field that passes through the hall effect sensor. This...

While human-like robots are not on our radars just yet, modern technology has reached the stage where making robots at home is quite feasible. While your home-made robot will not be the most highly technical design in comparison to the current market, building simple robots for kids with your kids is a fun experience and will create great designs and memories. How do you go about it? Let’s discuss! [cta] [cta-content] Browse our full range of ...

Automation has played a massive role in transforming our idea of comfortable living throughout the past few decades. From our homes and vehicles to phones, the contributions of technological innovations leveraging automation are remarkable. Undoubtedly, automation can always go further, and we think the same about our product line. It came to our attention that moving and using our table lifts or certain actuator applications was quite tedious...

Having a TV lift can be useful for concealing and protecting a TV from unwanted scratches, dust and accidental damage from pets or kids. The TV lift mechanism is also what allows for extra space saving, as essentially hides your TV when no longer needed. In this article, we will be covering the step-by-step instructions to assemble a TV lift – although our motorized TY-05 can come with different stroke length options to better suit certain siz...

The world of linear motion is fast paced, and constantly evolving. Progressive Automations is determined to remain at the forefront of these technological changes. Remote controlled actuators have become more diverse and dynamic. With this in mind, one of our engineers, Jake, decided to undertake an experiment to determine whether our linear actuators could be controlled from alternative networks. This is indeed possible. Thus, this article wi...

There is currently a huge assortment of linear actuators available in our range, each with varying speeds. This variety allows you to select an option with capabilities that match your project exactly, with varying methods used in regulating these speeds. Many projects require high-speed actuators to achieve faster motion for their project. In this article, we will take you through which high-speed models we have available in our range, and wh...

This article is dedicated to walking you through the process of calculating the force of an actuator required to successfully lift the load of your application. There are a couple of factors involved to find the right force, including the load, the angle at which it is being pushed and the size of the load.

Electromechanical linear actuators play a critical role in making vehicle power window automation as powerful and seamless as possible. Power windows do not need to be restricted to cars alone, however, as window actuators can be widely used in a variety of settings. This article will discuss how automated power windows work and aim to highlight the importance and benefits of window automation.   [cta] [cta-content] Browse through our range o...

At Progressive Automations, we love to receive feedback from clients who have used our linear actuators in innovative and interesting ways! One such project involved our customer, Sam, who built an automated bed with linear actuators to fit inside his tiny house build. Space and head room are always an issue in structures like this, so being able to raise the bed above head height was a great way to utilize the available space. [cta] [cta-cont...

Arduino is a specific open-source community\company\project in one, which specializes in microcontrollers, specifically the building and programming of them. Arduino also offers simple kits made for easy assembly. Arduino controllers are small controllers of microchips and boards which allow for remote control of certain pieces of equipment. These microcontrollers are both digital and analog, meaning they can be used for a wide variety of equi...

Ball screws and lead screws are used for different applications and are often not interchangeable. Both have alternate advantages and disadvantages. If you compare a ball screw and lead screw design yourself, the first thing you might notice is that they are designed to carry loads differently. The way ball screws move a load is through recirculating ball bearings to maximize efficiency and minimize friction. A lead screw relies on the amount ...

 A linear actuator is a common electro-mechanical component used in many applications. The unit is highly customizable and can be modified to fit into different environments and meet various functional demands. There are many sensors available to utilize linear actuators positional feedback feature. In this article, we will discuss how a linear actuator with a limit switch works and linear actuator limit switch wiring to fully understand feedb...

There may be cases when you want to move an object a longer distance than what the actuator's stroke length is. You can achieve this by using a telescoping actuator or you can use the physics of mechanical leveraging to your advantage. Common examples of this are the scissor lift or what our friend Mike Senna, the creator of the Wall-E Robot, did with his DIY Chicken Coop Automatic Door Opener. [cta] [cta-content] The stroke length of our elec...

Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive is to do with IP protection and ratings. What does an IP rating mean? What are the different IP ratings? How does the rating system work? We understand there are many questions regarding this topic, so to help you understand it better, we have created this guide. [cta] [cta-content] Check out our actuators rated above IP65! Click Here [cta] IP rating meaning An International Protection Mar...

Sitting for long periods of time is never a good idea; it can lead or contribute to many health issues including obesity, increased risk of cancer, shorter life spans, and long-term posture problems. But for some, it’s a part of their daily life, primarily those working a desk job that requires sitting at a computer all day. While it is recommended to take breaks and walk away (literally) from your work throughout the day, some people just don...

Lead screws have been widely used to generate linear motion from a rotary motor. It can convert circular motion to linear motion by turning the screw with the nut fixed in place or turning the nut while the screw remains in place. Today, we will look at two of the most popular screw types in the automation industry, namely, ACME screws and ball screws. Also, how does a ball screw work and how does it compare to an ACME screw? [cta] [cta-conten...

Molex connectors date back to the 1950s. These easily configurable I/O connectors quickly became an industry standard, making assembly and reconfiguration easy and reliable. Adding connectors to wires helps with connectivity and allows for plug-and-play compatibility with electrical devices in consumer appliances, automobiles, or computers. This guide will provide an overview of how to install and remove these connectors, including crimping Mo...

DIY projects outside of your day-to-day can be one of the most rewarding aspects of our busy lives. The excitement of planning them out, the adrenaline of taking on a challenge, the not-so-enjoyable disappointments during execution, the improvements made along the way, and the uplifting sense of accomplishment at the end. Everything about them makes them inventive and completely worth it, and with the help of some useful gadgets, they can be m...

What are the physical characteristics you pay attention to, in an actuator? What are the most important parameters you consider? Although actuators are mainly responsible for linear motion, their rotational motion characteristics make a difference, too. The reason is simple: the actuators produce torque. When it’s transmitted to a drive system, it causes linear motion.Electric actuator torque calculation is a task thousands of engineers and te...

Motorized television systems have existed for a long time, but people perceive them as an expensive system that requires specific skills to install. The invention of do-it-yourself technology has provided inexpensive options for using an electric process that facilitate quick movements. With a broad range of do-it-yourself electronics constructing a drop-down TV lifts are available in many places. Space is one of the biggest problems within ma...

Over time, electronic components will require a repair or replacement as they age. Sometimes it may be due to frequent usage, harsh climates/environments, vibrations, or heavy loads. This would also be the case when it comes to electric linear actuators. Our PA-14 electric actuator repair cost for certain individual components is usually a lot lower than the cost of buying a brand-new actuator. Linear actuator repair practices can also help th...

An outdoor TV is a dream to many homeowners. Just imagine sitting outside enjoying the fresh air, wonderful weather, and watching an outdoor TV. If you like this idea, you have two options to select from: Purchasing a ready waterproof TV with all the needed equipment; Installing a TV outside. Putting a TV outside is not as complicated as you might believe. We have collected some TV setup ideas with detailed instructions. You need to prepare ...

Nowadays, almost any robotics enthusiast can build an automated robot arm. While robotic solutions for manufacturing, medicine, and scientific work are better left to professionals, something small to impress your friends can be constructed by available means. Want to find out how to create a simple robot arm based on the Arduino microcontroller and servomotors? Read on!   Technology meaning A robotic arm is an automated mechanical device con...

At Progressive Automations, we offer many options for controlling your linear actuator. From simple solutions like rocker switches, to our more advanced controllers such as the PA-35 Wi-Fi Control Box, we have many plug-and-play choices. However, sometimes project requirements and customer needs are a little more unique than what these options can offer. This is where microcontrollers can really be our friends. In this article, we will be goin...

One of the mainstream trends in modern society is the drive for automation. Recent decades have witnessed tremendous advancements along the way of streamlining our environment. We ushered robotic technologies into areas such as agriculture, forestry, and healthcare, with these new technologies also now appearing in our homes and gardens. This progressive advancement of automation has also played a significant role in the automotive industry, b...

Depending on where you live, it may be that time of the year when snow starts to fill your sidewalk and the front of your house, making it impossible to get anywhere without clearing a path. Using a snow blower can be the easiest, less labour intensive, option compared to picking up a shovel and spending hours working. Although snow blowers are handy pieces of equipment, they can be made even better by actuating the chute. This would allow for...

Progressive Automations has always been at the forefront in the global motion control market, leading the way with trendsetting innovations and new product releases. Our products are widely considered among the best of their class, which is a testament to our company’s dedication to design and customer service.   A new addition to our product line is the RT-18 Table Lift Hand Remote that allows you to control the height of your table lift/des...

Sometimes our projects need some added security. This can be the case in a variety of different applications such as door-lock mechanisms, prevention of unsafe or unauthorized use of machinery or getting even more niche, escape room props. In this article we will take you through a keypad actuator assembly and go over how you can password-protect the operation of your linear actuator. Here is what we will be using: Arduino Uno. 4x4 matrix key...

A remote controlled linear actuator enables the actuator stroke length to be positioned and controlled through the use of a remote device, acting as the user interface of the linear actuator. The remote provides a convenient way to send signals to the actuator for it to extend, retract, or stop. It’s particularly useful in applications where the actuator is located at height or distance from where it is to be controlled. Depending on the type ...

Boat hatch actuators serve a critical role on marine vessels as they keep the environment from reaching sensitive areas, be it the living quarters or mechanical and electronic equipment. These hatches tend to be heavy due to the nature of their function and as such, it is often difficult to open them by hand when required, especially in choppy waters. This article will explore how to automate the boat hatch with a linear actuator and what fact...

When it comes to choosing the right actuator voltage, it is crucial to consider the number of variables that will enable it to operate at its full potential. These main considerations include the available actuator current, voltage, power (i.e. choosing an appropriate power supply), voltage drops, as well as the speed and force you require from the linear actuator. Moreover, it is not just the quantity of voltage being supplied that is importa...

Agriculture is almost as old as humankind. Together with hunting, fishing, and gathering, agriculture and cultivation have been widely practiced since primordial times and were the staples of the economy in all ancient civilizations. The nature of humans is still the same and, since inedia doesn’t commend itself to the majority of people, farming doesn’t lose its import continuing to provide the ever-growing humanity with food. Being an age-lo...

There are many applications for our linear actuators across many different industries. As the unit is designed to move an object in a linear motion, it has been used for lowering light bars on utility trucks.  Lightbars are used on vehicles to increase their visibility or to provide visual warning lights for the awareness of other drivers around them. The light bars can sometimes be elevated higher to further increase the visibility, making it...

Electric Linear Actuators are used to automate different types of applications in different environments. It would thus be important to ensure that your actuator is well protected from water damage. Effects of water damage Using an actuator in humid or moist environments, submerged in water or used near water can lead to overtime water damage if the IP rating is too low or there aren’t sufficient protective measures. Water damage can cause an ...

Micro linear actuators – the smaller counterpart of standard-sized linear actuators – are relatively new to the market, where their size and capabilities are being installed into a wider automation field. Nonetheless, the active development of robotics and the constant advancement of all modern technologies available to the US make these handy devices more interesting and fruitful for professionals as well as amateur engineers in the long run....

Electric linear actuators are used in many applications. Chances are, there are a few of them around you right now. As an important component in many products, some of the actuators will eventually fail. When that happens, it would save you a lot of money if you can find a replacement for the actuator instead of replacing the entire thing. In this article, we will give you a few tips on how to find a suitable replacement for your actuator. Typ...

“Why won't this work?” “What am I doing wrong?” We hear this a lot!Before you start modifying your actuator, which we have carefully designed and manufactured for you, take a few minutes and read our blog on how to configure an Actuator system. Selecting an Appropriate Actuator Progressive Automations provides a wide selection of actuators that are suitable for many industries. This means that we have tried to cater to as many different applic...

Electric connectors are used as a mechanical assembly to join electrical components together. They are widely used in electrical devices such as an electric linear actuator. It is common for users to install a new connector to wires or change connectors for an existing power cable. In this article, I will go over the tools needed, and the steps required to install a new connector for your linear actuator. Components and Tools Wire. Connector ...

This tutorial will help in understanding the controls of a brushless DC motor controller when paired with an Arduino and a linear actuator. This program can be used to continuously extend and retract the stroke of an actuator. Before we get started, let’s go over the components we will be using in this tutorial: Arduino Mega (Arduino Uno can be used as well). LC-241. PA-14 with brushless motor. PS-13-12 power supply.   Linear actuator has 2 ...

If you require a quiet actuator for your application where noise pollution is a concern, the best way is to check out the noise rating along with verifying this value with a decibel chart. Decibels were named to honor Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone – the term refers to the intensity of a sound and is often referred to as dB for short. While many people are aware of what the term decibel means, not many can accurately say ...

Have you ever faced a situation where you must connect a high current actuator with a low current control box? Heavy duty actuators like the  PA-17 and PA-13 have a significantly higher current draw than the average actuators and many control boxes are not designed to handle such high current. However, we can resolve this by using relays to bypass the current limit on control boxes. [cta] [cta-content] Bypass the current limit on your control ...

You have recently purchased an actuator and are excited to get your application up and running. However, after wiring all the devices together, the actuator does not extend or retract? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. With this guide, we will help identify possible causes of error and troubleshooting techniques that will help you get your actuator working as intended. Operating an actuator, for the most part, should be easy and straightforward, ...

One of the most important steps in selecting a linear actuator is choosing the appropriate force rating. It is quite simple when the application requires a load to be lifted vertically, wherein the weight of the load being lifted is equal to the force required from the actuator. A more challenging scenario is if you have a hinge-type application, as commonly seen with lids, trapdoors, and windows. In this article, I will use a sample trapdoor...

Our FLTCON control box series is primarily used to operate our table lifts and lifting column sets. They can also be used as an actuator control box for certain actuator models, as long as they have a Hall Effect sensor and a 24VDC input. The control boxes utilize the Hall Effect sensor feedback, allowing the units to travel in sync as well as the ability to program and save multiple heights. The FLTCON series may benefit the user by keeping t...

Our records reveal that the number one cause for actuator failure is motor damage due to these two mistakes:  Obstructions in the actuator’s travel path. Excessive loads for prolonged periods. If you find your actuator lifeless despite repeated attempts to power it, you may want to bring your nose close to the motor for a quick sniff. A burnt smell is a common sign of motor damage. This smell is not similar to slightly burnt meat or a camp...

Electric Linear actuators are driven by either an AC or DC motor. This article will highlight the main differences between these two motor types in order to assist you in the selection of the correct linear actuator motor.  [cta] [cta-content] Want to convert between AC and DC? Our PA-20 has an AC inverter! Click Here [cta] Electrical Definition AC and DC motors run on the same principle. Alternating magnetic fields caused by alternating curre...

A Linear actuator is a common mechanical component in many industries. The applications in which linear actuators are used are very diverse and provide a variety of interesting automation possibilities. It is important to choose the right actuator for the job, but it also needs to be mounted correctly in the application for it to function properly. In this article, we will discuss a few common methods of mounting a linear actuator and what you...

There are two methods of multiple actuator control – parallel and synchronous. Parallel control outputs a constant voltage to each actuator, while synchronous control outputs variable voltage to each actuator. The process of synchronizing multiple actuators is necessary when implementing two or more actuators to move at the same speed.  This can be achieved with two forms of positional feedback– Hall Effect sensors and multiple turn potentiome...

Linear actuators discretely assist us in our daily lives, they can be found on vehicles, in homes, and in the workplace. The majority of them remain behind the scenes ensuring we are able to pull, push, lift, and tilt the world around us with ease. The agricultural industry historically has been dominated by the use of both hydraulic and pneumatic actuators, however, with the advancement of electric linear actuators, these tend to be the favor...

One of the great things about working at Progressive Automations is hearing from customers about how they plan to use our actuators. From home fixtures to industrial applications, the sky is the limit for automation. In order to realize your ideas for using our linear actuators, there are many parameters which must be determined about the intended application. In this series, we present useful design techniques for determining how our actuator...

This article is the first part of our “Linear Actuator Control" series. We will be discussing everything from the most basic control methods that utilize limit switches to accomplishing sequential control with the use of relays. In this first article we will cover how to limit a linear actuator’s extension and retraction stroke using the AC-24 external limit switch. [cta] [cta-content] Using one of our external limit switches will give you ext...

Welcome to Part 2 of our guide on how to monitor the load feedback of a linear actuator. In Part 1 we went over the wiring process and the basic coding needed for the example. In today's guide we will be going over in the detail the different sections of the coding as well as some ways to edit it to your liking. To begin we will be looking at the latchButtons() section of code. First thing we want to see is the button debouncing, so when the ...

In today’s guide we will be going over how to find out how much force a linear actuator is applying by monitoring the amount of current it is using. This will be one of our more advanced guides and will require some complex coding, calibrating and programming. We will be covering the monitoring of an analog input and how it utilizes its functions. For this project we’ll be using a MegaMoto Plus, a linear actuator (we are using our PA-14 mini a...

We’ve been expanding our line of control systems with the addition of microcontrollers, shields and other hardware, including becoming an official distributor of Arduino products. Arduino is one of the leaders in open-source electronic platforms and one of the most popular hardware brands in the industry. Starting in Italy in 2005 they have gradually expanded over the years, with many manufacturers and distributors opening around the world. I...

In today's how to post we will be going over the steps necessary to combine our linear actuator control systems together. Now in order to combine control systems, you must prevent short-circuiting as this can damage your components. Since the control boxes connect actuators to the ground when not activated we cannot use them for direct control in parallel. When combining the systems we use diodes to allow only the current to flow away from th...

Installing can be a simple, easy, pain-free process for anyone. If you find you require some additional help with installation, this guide should be able to set you on the right path. This guide is aimed at helping those with simple automation projects, such as home automation projects, get the best installation possible. If you have any additional questions about the installation process, feel free to get in contact with us by using the conta...

In your search for the proper actuator, you might be wondering what duty cycle is and how it affects your application. When selecting an actuator, the duty cycle becomes important when you risk running the actuator beyond its expected operation. [cta] [cta-content] We have a wide range of electric linear actuators for any application – click to browse! Click Here [cta] What is an Actuator and Duty Cycle? Duty cycle is the ratio of on time to ...

While putting together your home automation project, you may have come across a problem. The stroke is too long or too short for the application. Before you return the device to your manufacturer for an exchange, here are a few options that you can try. Too Long If your actuator extends past the length you need, there are a few different things you can try. This all depends on how far over the limit it’s going. Limit Switches You can try purc...

Linear actuators are mechanical devices that have proven beneficial in home automation and design. Many designers have used actuators in residential and industrial applications to make home and business life easier. Depending upon the force requirements of the project, heavy-duty actuators or mini actuators may be used. Most projects related to garage door automation or swing gates will require the use of heavy duty actuators because of the fr...

Proper actuator installation is key for the best performance. If your linear actuator has been installed correctly, it'll perform better over time and live through its complete life cycle. Use our tips as a checklist before you turn on your project. The risks of improper actuator installation mean two things. First, your actuator may not perform the way you want it to. It may not have enough room, it could bind, or it could stop working altoge...

Actuators come in a variety of speeds. When you want to change the speed of, it's more than just a matter of making the gears go faster. Here's everything you need to know about the speed of the actuator you're buying. Actuation with a Twist Any lead screw creates motion through the rotation. The motor turns the gears, the gears turn the screw, and the screw moves the nut along the shaft. How fast or slow comes down to the pitch. There are al...

Want to know more about linear motion and the other three types? Everything naturally wants to move and change. In the world of mechanics, there are four basic types of motion. These four are rotary, oscillating, linear, and reciprocating. Each one moves in a slightly different way and each type of achieved using different mechanical means that help us understand linear motion and motion control. [cta] [cta-content] Check out our Scholarships ...

Do you know your actuator types? Actuators have three basic types: hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric. They all do the same job, they just have different means of achieving linear motion. Additionally, they also each have their drawbacks and advantages. Knowing how each achieves motion will help you in your decision-making process. Hydraulics While these actuators may be cheap, they do require a certain amount of peripheral equipment that can...

The first step in determining the size of a linear actuator needed to move a specific load requires the user to calculate translational force. To calculate the translational force, four components must be considered: mass, friction, gravity, and other counter-forces within the system. Each component must be solved for in the equation to yield the appropriately sized actuator. A sample calculation will be provided to help users determine the si...