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Multiple Control Inputs in Actuator Systems
Multiple Control Inputs in Actuator Systems

Some applications may need more than one control input. Trap doors (access hatches) are a great example, since they need to be opened from the inside and the outside for safety. To have multiple-controls, your system will require relays; this guide will show you how to include these components to...

Tandem Motion Systems
Tandem Motion Systems

When using multiple actuators on the same object, you have 2 options for system-type; Synchronized and Tandem. Both system types will result in actuators moving as one unit without individual actuator control. This article will address tandem systems only.

Automation 101: The Start of Your Project
Automation 101: The Start of Your Project

You want to automate something; it turns out you need two bits of information to get started. You need to know the weight of your load, and how far you want the load-object...

Garage door force calculator diagram
How to calculate the force required to open a Garage door

The Door Actuator Force Calculator estimates the linear force needed to open a hinged door using an actuator. Input door weight, length, and actuator distances for a quick calculation. Ideal for initial planning, it assumes uniform weight distribution and 90° rotation, serving as a rough guide

FCB-1 Wired with Terminal Connectors removed
FCB-1 Information, Functions, and Troubleshooting

Achieve synchronized motion with Firgellis FCB-1! This new controller maintains precise movement within 1/8" for up to 4 actuators, sets limits and speeds, and offers programmable timers. Learn more about the FCB-1 and troubleshooting tips to ensure optimal performance.

Serial Control Functions for Feedback Actuators
Serial Control Functions for Feedback Actuators

This program will home and calibrate your actuators, finding the ends of motion for the unit. It then moves the actuator to the middle point of stroke to wait for further commands. You input a number into your Serial Monitor and the actuator will move to that position. This...

What If My Hinge Is On Top? Technical Guide with Illustrations & Calculator
Bluetooth Controlled Linear Actuator
Bluetooth Controlled Linear Actuator

While Firgelli Automations offers a wide range of wireless remote control systems, you may be interested in a more tech-savvy solution. Thats where the Bluetooth relay kit comes in handy. The TOSR02 V2 Bluetooth Relay Kit allows you to control a linear actuator using a smartphone via a Bluetooth connection.

Controlling Linear Actuators with a Light Dependent Resistor
Controlling Linear Actuators with a Light Dependent Resistor

Light Dependent Resistors (LDR), or photoresistors, are variable resistors that has their resistance value change based on the amount of light that is detected by the photoelectric element.

Firgelli Automation’s Linear Actuator Wiring Diagram Generator
Firgelli Automation’s Linear Actuator Wiring Diagram Generator

Firgelli Automation is proud to present our Linear Actuator Wiring Diagram Generator. This generator has been developed to show you how to connect your linear actuator(s) to our control system products to meet the specific needs of your project.

Motion Detectors & Linear Actuators
Motion Detectors & Linear Actuators

Motion detectors, as their name suggests, are sensors that are used to sense movement. They are commonly seen in security alarms and motion triggered lighting systems but can be used in conjunction with linear actuators for a wide range of cool applications.

Using Proximity Switches with Your Linear Actuator
Using Proximity Switches with Your Linear Actuator

Proximity switches, or sensors, are non-contact switches that can detect the presence of an object in their vicinity. These sensors can be used to tell a linear actuator to move or stop when an object is position in front of the sensor or if an object is taken away.

Utilizing FA-SYNC-X Synchronous Control Board with an Arduino
How to Read Feedback from a Optical Sensor
How to Read Feedback from a Optical Sensor

Optical Sensors, when used with linear actuators, function very similar to hall effect sensors, except they detect light instead of magnetic fields. Optical Sensors operate by using light from a LED or some other light source that is passed through an encoder disk.

How to Read Feedback from a Linear Actuator
Feedback from a Hall Effect Sensor With Video

Hall effect sensors can detect the presence of magnetic field and produce an output voltage when one is detected. Hall effect sensors, when used with linear actuators, are typically positioned inside the gearbox of the actuator along with a magnetic disc.

Potentiometer Feedback from a Linear Actuator With Video
How Do You Control a Linear Actuator with an Arduino?
How Do You Control a Linear Actuator with an Arduino?

Arduino is an open source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. Its intended for DIY projects, artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive projects. Arduinos are microcontroller boards that contain everything you need to easily interface with the microcontroller.

How Do You Control a Linear Actuator with a Relay?
How Do You Control a Linear Actuator with a Relay?

A relay is an electromagnetic switch that can be operated by a smaller current to turn on and off a much larger current. Relays consist of two isolated circuits, one control circuit, used to control the switch and the other circuit containing the switch.

How Do You Control a Linear Actuator with a Switch?
How Do You Control a Linear Actuator with a Actuator Switch?

There are lots of types of electrical switches out there, so how do you know which one is best for controlling a linear actuator. As you are most likely wanting to extend and retract your linear actuator, you will want to use a Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) ON-OFF-ON switch.

Linear Actuator Calculator
How to Use the Linear Actuator Calculator

One of the most common uses of linear actuators is to automate the opening or closing of a hatch or lid. These situations could include applications like raising a tonneau cover on a pickup truck or opening a trapdoor to a wine cellar.

Preventing backdrive in linear actuators
Preventing backdrive in linear actuators

Back driving a Linear Actuator can occur when the actuator is not connected to a power source: if a sufficiently large force is applied the actuator will not maintain its position and begin to reverse directions (i.e. back drive).

Synchronous Control of Two Optical Linear Actuators using an Arduino
Synchronous Control of Two Optical Linear Actuators using an Arduino

Synchronous motion between mutliple linear actuators can be vital to the success of some customer applications, one common one being two linear actuators opening a trapdoor. In order to achieve this we recommend using the dedicated Firgelli synchronous control box FA-SYNC-2 and FA-SYNC-4.

Using both a Switch and Remote at the same time with Linear Actuators
Using both a Switch and Remote at the same time with Linear Actuators

There are some situations in which having 2 control inputs can be useful: say you want the flexibility of a remote control but also a manual rocker switch as a back up. This tutorial goes over the steps required to make the wiring connections for 3 different types of user...

Using the FA-SC1 Speed Controller with Linear Actuators
Using the FA-SC1 Speed Controller with Linear Actuators

how to sync 2 linear actuators
Options for Achieving Synchronized Motion Using Firgelli Linear Actuators

One of the most common requests we receive is to run our linear actuators in synchronous and one of the most common complaints is why don’t my actuators move in synchronous when wired to the same 12V power supply? 

Potentiometer Feedback Linear Actuator with Arduino
Potentiometer Feedback Linear Actuator with Arduino

In this example we will demonstrate how to use an Arduino to read the signal from Firgelli Feedback Rod Actuator and convert this into a distance measurement of how far the rod has been extended.

Push Button Control with Arduino
Push Button Control with Arduino

This tutorial is broken into two sections: push buttons acting in momentary mode (i.e. actuators stop moving when button is released) and push buttons acting in sustaining mode (i.e. actuators continue moving even when button is released).

Motor Driver Speed Control with an Arduino
Motor Driver Speed Control with an Arduino

The DC motors in linear actuators require a high current (up to 5A), if we were to connect the linear actuator directly to the Arduino this high current draw would destroy the Arduino digital pins as they are only rated for 40mA each.

Restricting motion with external limit switches
Restricting motion with external limit switches

Choosing the correct power supply for your Linear Actuator
Choosing the correct power supply for your Linear Actuator

To ensure you are able to get the most out of your linear actuator(s) it is vital you choose an appropriate power supply. We offer several different power supplies; this tutorial is aimed at assisting you in selecting the one that best fits your needs.

How to control two linear actuators using a 4 channel remote control
How to control two linear actuators using a 4 channel remote control

Control two linear actuators remotely with Firgelli Automations 4 channel remote control kit

How to control a linear actuator using a 2 channel remote control
How to control a linear actuator using a 2 channel remote control

The remote system comes programmed in momentary mode; this means that the actuator will move for as long as your finger is held on the button. In latching mode you only have to press the button once and the actuator will go all the way to the end.

Using Rocker Switches with Linear Actuators
Using Rocker Switches with Linear Actuators

How to wire up a DPDT rocker switch with a Firgelli linear actuator and a 12V power source.

How to adjust friction on slide rails
How to adjust friction on slide rails

Tutorial on how to adjust the central bearing on Firgelli Automations heavy duty (FA-SGR-35) and mini linear track rail (FA-SGR-15N).  Adjusting the tension of your slide rails may be an important detail that needs to be carefully controlled. We go into detail on how to achieve this.