How To Category - Progressive Automations Blog

In today’s guide, we will go 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 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 actuator...

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. It...

In today's how to post we will be going over the steps necessary to combine 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 the co...

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, to 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 co...

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 o...

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 pur...