How To Category - Progressive Automations Blog

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...

What force actuator should I buy? We get asked this question every day here at Progressive Automations. Therefore, we have dedicated this article to walk you through the process on how to calculate the actuator force required to successfully lift the load of your application. There are a couple of factors involved when it comes to finding the right force, including the load, the angle at which it is being pushed and the size of the load. How t...

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...

Technology within the automotive industry has seriously improved over the years, from interior functionality to car mechanics and capabilities. One such technological advancement has occurred in vehicle power windows. Electromechanical linear actuators play a critical role in making vehicle power window automation as powerful and seamless as they are. However, power windows do not need to be restricted to cars alone, as window actuators are wi...

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...

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. It is most commonly used to access the basement in a house. A trapdoor can be heavy and hard to open especially for elders and kids. However, you can automate trapdoor by mounting the actuator on the trapdoor so that it can open & close with just a press of a button. You can choose to use one linear actuator or two lin...

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 we...

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 ...

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. To utilize linear actuators positional feedback feature, there are many sensors available for this function. In this article, we will discuss how does limit switch feedback work in actuators. Limit Switch in Linear Actuators First, we wi...

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....

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 but depends on how you wire the unit, you can control it in many different ways. In this article, we will go over 12-volt linear actuator wiring (common methods used) and a basic understanding of how an actuator works. [cta] [cta-content] Check out our range of actu...

Hall effect sensors are one of the feedback options we offer in our linear actuators. 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. What is a Hall effect sensor? A Hall effect sensor is an electronics component that generates a voltage based on the strength of the magnetic field flowing through it. When this sensor is paired with voltage...

It is very important to pick the appropriate power supply for your electric linear actuator. You can have the perfect application design, the best actuator for your need, and flawless mounting setup, but without the right power supply, your system is not going to work at all. In this article, I will be going over a few important points on how to choose the right power supply for your linear actuator. Voltage Input The power input of the power ...

The PA-18 Track Linear Actuator is our largest fixed-length actuator and is commonly used in custom cabinetry, home automation, and robotics. Like many of our actuators, it can be controlled using our selection of Arduino control boards. This article will showcase how you can control the PA-18 with a simple setup that can be easily adapted to fit your application. Equipment 1x PA-18 Track Linear Actuator 1x Arduino Uno 1x MegaMoto Plus H-br...

Power. Wattage. Energy Consumption. All these terms can be used when discussing electric actuator power consumption. Electric linear actuators that are manufactured by Progressive Automations use DC motors. Depending on the force that the actuator can apply, the size of the DC motor will vary. The higher the force, the larger the DC motor. DC motors with a low current draw will typically be used in the actuator with a lower force rating – same...

When operating linear actuators, there are many specifications users need to understand - Speed, force, current draw, etc., but one element of the linear actuator specification can be tricky to gauge: The noise level. The users often won’t know for sure until they run the application with the linear actuators in them to realize the noise level is too high. It is possible to return your actuators and replace it with an actuator with a lower noi...

Adding connectors to wires helps with connectivity and allows for plug and play compatibility with electronic and electrical devices. This guide will provide an overview of adding and removing Molex connectors and housing to wires and the how-to process of doing so. Let’s begin by taking a look at the components that will be involved: Wires. Molex Mini-Fit Jr. Female Power Connectors. Molex Mini-Fit Jr. Male Power Connectors. Molex Mini-Fit ...

A linear actuator is a versatile product that can be found anywhere. It is common to have multiple linear actuators operating in conjunction in a single application. It is great to be able to control multiple linear actuators at the same time, it is also very simple to do so with our linear actuators control system. In this article, we will take you through a few common setups for controlling multiple linear actuators at the same time. PA-30 d...

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. The physics behind these applications is using a ...

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. In this blog, we will help you with a safe way to use a stand...

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...

The new high current DC Speed Controller (AC-26-30) increases the control capabilities for linear actuators in the entire Progressive Automations’ inventory. With a 30A current rating, and 12-48VDC voltage range, the AC-26-30 can control the speed for all of the Progressive Automations’ actuators from 0% to 100% speed. The onboard control knob allows fine-tuning control and a secure “off” position. Four conveniently located screw terminals at ...

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...

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 above the ceiling or against the wall. The 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 correct model for your application. For a full list of specifications, installation manuals and to orde...

Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our customers have to do with IP ratings. What is an IP rating? What does it mean? How does the rating system work? That is why we wrote this guide explaining just what exactly an IP Rating is.  What is an IP rating? What does it mean? How does the rating system work? We understand there are many questions regarding IP rating and to help you understand it better, we have created this ...

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: ACME Screws and Ball Screws. ACME Screw ACME screws use a trapezoidal shape thread to roll on to the lead screw. As the shaft ro...

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...

Sitting for long periods of time is never a good idea; it can lead 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’t have the tim...

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...

This article is a quick guide that will show you the difference between brushed and brushless dc motors.  Brushed DC Motor A brushed DC motor is one of the simplest types of motors. It consists of a few main components which in conjunction with a DC power supply create a rotating motor. The armature, commutator, brushes, and field magnet configuration can be seen in Figure 1 below.   Figure 1 The brushes charge the commutator which delivers c...

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. All of the Progressive Automations linear actuators have built-in limit switch...

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...

Welcome to Part II of the article "Intro to Arduino Microcontrollers". Last time we went over the basics of Arduino and some of the different board models that we carry in stock. Today we’ll be going over a couple more of the boards that we have as well as how to get started with programming and coding them. The last two boards we’ll be discussing have some more advanced features than the ones we went over in Part 1, the Arduino Mega, and the ...

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 this post, we will be going over how to use relay boards to control the motion of linear actuators. We have 2-channel, 4-channel and 8-channel relay boards available and each one does the same thing, the only difference is how many channels are being used. We will be combining the relay boards with our LC-066 Arduino Uno to show off their control capabilities. The relays control the direction in which the actuator moves. They work by using...

In our latest "How To" post we will be going over how to control the timing of a linear actuators motion using some of our microcontrollers. 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. For this example we will be using:  1 x LC-80. 1 x LC-066. 1 x PA-16 (any linear actuator will do). 1 x PA-27 (any 12V power supply will do). Now...

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...

Just recently here at Progressive Automations, we have unveiled a new section in our selection of control systems, PLC controls. We've partnered with Arduino in order to bring you the highest quality PLCs on the market and so you can have more control options than you ever thought possible with linear actuators. So what exactly is a PLC? Otherwise known as a programmable logic controller, it is a digital computing device that is primarily used...

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...

We at Progressive Automations have prepared a step by step guide on how to connect a linear actuator to one of our control box models, specifically, the AC powered PA-20, one of our more popular models. To demonstrate we will be showing you how to successfully connect one of our new PA-18 Track Actuator units to the PA-20 control box. First, let’s start with making sure we have all the correct pieces to begin connecting: PA-18 Track Linear Ac...

Lead screws are one of the most basic linear electric actuator technologies you'll find. In terms of matching cost with reliability, lead screws are your best bet, here are some of your lead screw questions asked and answered. What is a lead screw? A lead screw is any threaded screw that helps create motion by moving a load along its surface. In the case of actuators, lead screws are used to push and pull the stroke. Lead screws come in a vari...

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...

You may have heard these two terms being thrown around in your linear actuator research, but do you really know exactly what each one is, the differences and the advantages of each? Ball screws and lead screws are used for different applications, they are oftentimes not interchangeable and have alternate advantages and disadvantages. The Main Difference for Automated Systems  If you compare a ball screw and lead screw design yourself, the firs...

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...

In this video, you will learn how to connect linear actuator to the dc speed controller.  DC speed controller is very useful to control the speed of an actuator.  It becomes very important when two actuator or more are used at the same time.  The DC speed controller will even out the speed for both electric motors. If you require detailed wiring diagrams, please visit the PDF section of our website or contact us with any other questions you m...