Linear Actuator Controller Kit for Actuonix P16 | ACT-U8 (2024)

Description

Rely on the DC-112 to bring smooth control systems and compact motor drivers to your next motion application. Simple manual control solutions based on rocker switches and direct pulse-width modulators don’t deliver the accurate control you need for smooth, repeatable linear movement. Say goodbye to those ineffective basic control boxes and rocker switches by upgrading to a DC-112!

Our control systems experts solved the most challenging parts of actuator integration to help you quickly acquire precise linear motion. The ACT-U8 DC-112 delivers professional motion control with trajectory planning, a compensated PID control algorithm, and an integrated DC motor drive in a compact rugged steel enclosure. Use the DC-112 to program complex motion sequences governed by multiple triggered control options.

Operate the DC-112 stand-along using the integrated panel control buttons, use a trigger board to interface to external command sources, or operate in real-time from the ACT-U8 Studio software. Whatever your needs, there are a variety of linear actuator control options.

The P16-P is the next-generation position feedback actuator from Actuonix. Pair these two unique products to deploy quick, simple linear actuator controls for your automation projects!

What’s Included

This ACT-U8 starter kit includes the following:

1. DC-112 motion controller Kit
2. ACT-U8trigger board
3. Actuonix P16-P 100mm 22:1
4. Actuonixextension cable
5. iGus rod end bearing

Compatible Actuators

Each DC-112 drives one brushed DC motor with a 12V pulse width modulated signal and receives position feedback via a 0 to 3.3V input voltage. Position feedback actuators with integrated potentiometers divide down an input reference voltage to indicate their extension. The DC-112 control unit provides the 3.3V reference and ground signals to bias that resistive feedback element. Thus, the DC-112 normalizes the feedback signal to drive an actuator of any stroke length with accurate control of travel.

The DC-112 is compatible with the following Actuonix actuators of all stroke lengths.

1. Actuonix L12-P, Standard with integrated position feedback
2. Actuonix L16-P, Larger with integrated position feedback
3. Actuonix P16-P, more robust with integrated position feedback
4. Actuonix PQ12-P, Smallest with Feedback when paired with the PQ12 Cable Adapter

If you create custom devices, don’t fear! The DC-112 can integrate any custom actuator with a 12V (12 Watt) brushed DC motor and resistive position feedback.

Auto-Calibration

We have added a new calibration feature to the DC-112 controller within ACT-U8 Studio. From the calibration view, you can direct the DC-112 to execute an auto-calibration measurement sequence on any connected DC motorized actuator. Over a short period of time, the DC-112 runs an attached DC motor through a series of movements to determine the device’s limits for extension (position), motor speed (velocity), and acceleration for both extension and retraction.

Following calibration, the operating can configure the DC-112 to limit each movement’s position, velocity, and acceleration to be less than or equal to the measured maximums. This allows the sequence editor to predict performance and increases the accuracy of each executed DC motor control trajectory.

Synchronize Multiple Devices

DC-112 controllers are the perfect solution to synchronize the DC motor control of multiple actuators. Configure multi-axis linear actuator controls using the ACT-U8 Teaming Tree™ wired interface.

Coordinate the motion of multiple devices by interconnecting two or more DC-112 controllers using the provided Teaming cables. Connect them in tree topology, and direct all the wired actuators with the trunk. Starting and stopping the root starts and stops the entire tree. Triggering the root triggers the tree as a whole. Use these flexible tool control options to configure actuator controls aligned to your specific application requirements.

Remote Control Linear Actuators

Trigger individual motion sequence steps using the ACT-U8 Trigger Board. Use the integrated momentary push button as a simple manual remote control trigger. Or use the screw terminals to connect external trigger sources such as programmable logic controllers (PLC), rocker switches, infrared sensors, or proximity switches.

Accessories

Shop out other compatible Actuonix actuators or head to our accessories section to find trigger boards and teaming tree cables for remote control, for sale by ACT-U8!

Customer Support

We want you to be successful! All our products are tested rigorously to ensure each device delivers as promised. You can count on our friendly and helpful staff to provide first-class service. We stand by the quality of our products and offer lifetime customer support on every device we sell.

Click Here to View DC-112 User Manual

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding selecting a linear actuator controller. If you have a question not on this list, please don’t hesitate to contact us; we will be happy to help you!

How do you control a linear actuator?

Linear actuators can be controlled using various switches and motor controllers, such as the DC-112 linear actuator controller from ACT-U8. This controller provides the flexibility to adjust different movement parameters and create multi-step motion sequences.

What is the difference between a controller and an actuator?

An actuator transforms energy into motion, while a controller supplies the necessary energy. A controller regulates an actuator’s position, velocity, and acceleration by adjusting the polarity, magnitude, and rate of change of the delivered energy, usually through pulse-width modulation of a constant voltage source.

Do you need a controller for a linear actuator?

Linear actuators rely on an external voltage source to switch positions and carry out actions such as extending, retracting, or stopping the piston. High-tech controllers, like the DC-112 by ACT-U8, provide enhanced control through trajectory planning, PID techniques, and pulse-width modulation.