Micro Linear Actuator Controller - Starter Kit | ACT-U8 (2024)

Description

Get a jump start with the ACT-U8 Micro Linear Actuator Starter Kit! We’ve paired the ACT-U8 DC-112 motion controller with an extremely small Actuonix PQ12 20mm micro linear actuator and kicked in some popular accessories to get you moving on your next motion control project.

The ACT-U8 DC-112 delivers production-quality motor drive, PID closed-loop control, trajectory planning, motion sequencing, triggers, and real-time control, all in a compact, tough steel enclosure. The PQ12 series are Actuonix’s smallest and lightest micro linear actuators. Weighing only 15 g, it boasts a stroke length of 20mm, a max force of 18 N (4 lbf), and a peak travel of 28mm/s. Pair these two amazing products together, and you have a winning combination to hasten your time to market!

What’s Included

This ACT-U8 starter kit includes

  1. ACT-U8 DC-112 Motion Control Kit
  2. ACT-U8 Trigger Board
  3. Actuonix PQ12-P 20mm 30:1 Micro Actuator
  4. Actuonix PQ12 Cable Adapter
  5. Actuonix Extension Cable

Each DC-112 motion control kit includes

  1. ACT-U8 DC-112 Motion Controller
  2. USB Cable: Type A to type Micro-B, 1-Meter
  3. Power Supply: AC/DC wall mount 15V
  4. Short Teaming Cable: RJ11 6P4 crossover cable, 1ft
  5. Long Teaming Cable: RJ11 6P4 crossover cable, 3ft

If you need more force in the same small form factor, check out alternate gear ratios like these PQ12-P micro linear actuators geared at 63:1. Or, if you are looking for a slightly larger solution to handle even more load, check out our Linear Actuator Controller Kit!

Shop our other compatible Actuonix actuators, or head to our ACT-U8 accessories section for additional cabling and interface boards, all for sale by ACT-U8!

Remote Control of Micro Linear Actuators

The ACT-U8 Trigger Board can be used to activate individual motion sequence steps. It offers multiple options for triggering, including a manual remote control trigger through the integrated momentary push button or connecting external trigger sources such as programmable logic controllers (PLC), infrared sensors, or proximity switches using the screw terminals.

Micro Linear Actuator Controller - Starter Kit | ACT-U8 (1)
Use the ACT-U8 Trigger Board for Remote Control

Control Multiple Linear Actuators

The ACT-U8 DC-112 motion controller offers a solution for coordinating multiple micro linear actuators. With the ACT-U8 Teaming Tree™ wired interface, you can create synchronized multi-axis motion systems, eliminating uncoordinated channels.

Connect two or more DC-112 controllers using the provided Teaming cables to synchronize multiple actuators. A team of micro linear actuators will execute synchronized trajectories regardless of gear ratios and end effector load. Leverage this simple system integration tool to operate linear actuators of different stroke lengths and manufacturers, including your custom actuator.

Connect the team of actuators in a tree topology and use the trunk to control all the wired actuators. When running or stopping the root, the entire tree will run or stop. Triggering the root will trigger the whole tree. Use these tool control options to configure actuator controls for a wide range of applications.

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 micro linear actuators. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us; we will gladly help!

How are micro linear actuators controlled?

An electric linear actuator can be controlled manually by connecting to an external power source through a switch, such as an SPDT. The switch connects or disconnects the input voltage to run or stop the DC motor. Most applications, however, leverage products like the DC-112 motion controller from ACT-U8, which provides accurate control over position, speed, and acceleration.

How many amps do 12v micro linear actuators use?

Small 12-volt linear actuators are available in different sizes and types. They typically consume 0.6 to 2.0 amps of power. It is important to ensure your energy source can provide enough power for the actuator.

Can you control the speed of micro linear actuators?

The speed of electrical actuators can be controlled by adjusting the average voltage applied to the DC motor using pulse width modulation (PWM). The DC-112 motion controller from ACT-U8 includes a PWM driver with a trajectory planner and a compensated PID controller for accurate linear motion control.

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Micro Linear Actuator Controller - Starter Kit | ACT-U8 (2024)

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