KAM
Well-Known Member
Anyone tried using one of the commercial off the shelf 12v linear actuators as an autopilot ram.
12v linear actuator as autopilot ram
- Thread starter KAM
- Start date
prv
Well-Known Member
I've seen it proposed, but the duty cycle for the part was only 10% so it would have worn out or overheated as a constantly-working steering ram. Check the spec for the one you want to use.
Also, presumably this is for a tiller drive which you will manually lift off the pin when not running? Typical industrial actuators can't be backdriven, so won't work as a permanently-connected below-decks drive.
You should also check that the speed and force are sufficient for your needs, and that you're happy with the IP rating (noting that none of the commercial tillerpilots are entirely waterproof anyway).
Other than those considerations, it should be ok.
Pete
Also, presumably this is for a tiller drive which you will manually lift off the pin when not running? Typical industrial actuators can't be backdriven, so won't work as a permanently-connected below-decks drive.
You should also check that the speed and force are sufficient for your needs, and that you're happy with the IP rating (noting that none of the commercial tillerpilots are entirely waterproof anyway).
Other than those considerations, it should be ok.
Pete
ProDave
Well-Known Member
I have a faulty AH800 which has an electronics fault. The actuator, motor and gearing all work, so would make the heart of a DIY system.
Care to make an offer?
Care to make an offer?
vas
Well-Known Member
torque, duty cycle and IP should be your main concerns as already pointed out.
Speed is also an issue, the higher the speed normally the lower the torque, a loose-loose situation
Having setup a linear actuator to run the governor on my generator I believe it would probably work, but most likely not fast enough to make it viable. I wouldn't expect it to last long either...
Speed is also an issue, the higher the speed normally the lower the torque, a loose-loose situation
Having setup a linear actuator to run the governor on my generator I believe it would probably work, but most likely not fast enough to make it viable. I wouldn't expect it to last long either...
prv
Well-Known Member
At work I’ve used actuators that were faster than a tillerpilot. That particular model probably wouldn’t have had the power, but very likely others will.
The killer is likely to be the 100% duty cycle requirement; most applications for actuators don’t involve constant movement. But there’s at least one small-volume pilot sold which does use an off-the-shelf industrial actuator, so they are out there.
Pete
The killer is likely to be the 100% duty cycle requirement; most applications for actuators don’t involve constant movement. But there’s at least one small-volume pilot sold which does use an off-the-shelf industrial actuator, so they are out there.
Pete
