Introduction: How to Control a High Current Linear Actuator Using WiFi

By Progressive Automations
About: Progressive Automations is your primary source for electric linear actuators, motion control systems and automation accessories. For over a decade, we have supplied various industries with top quality automati…

This Instructable will show you how to use Progressive Automations' PA-35 Wi-Fi control box to control actuators that require a large amount of current draw.

We will use the PA-17 Heavy Duty Linear Actuator as an example in this article. You can choose a control box rated to provide this much current, but what if you wanted the range and convenience of the Wi-Fi control box? The PA-35 Wi-Fi Control Box limits you to 10 Amps per channel. However, the solution to this problem is to use relays in conjunction with the control box, which allows you to control up to four actuators at any current rating, so long as the mechanical relays are rated to handle it.

Supplies

·1 x PA-17 Heavy Duty Linear Actuator
·2 x SPDT 30A Mechanical Relays
·1 x PS-40-12 110-230VAC 40A Power Supply
·1 x AC-15 110-240VAC 10A Power Adapter
·1 x AC-17 Wiring Kit
·1 x PA-35 Wi-Fi Control Box


(Note: You can take +12V from the PS-40-12, as long as there is sufficient current to supply the actuators and control box.)

Step 1: Open Up Your WiFi Control Box

Unplug all power sources from the Wi-Fi control box before opening it up. From here, you can unscrew the 4 screws shown below.

Step 2: Access the Circuit Board

Once the cover is removed, unscrew the 3 screws to lift the circuit board.

Step 3: Partially Slide Out Your Circuit Board

Lift the side of the circuit board that is opposite of the LEDs. This is to ensure that the circuit board can slide out without bending the LEDs. Note that the circuit board does not need to be removed completely – enough space is required to have access to the connection on the side of the board.

Step 4: Prepping the Components

Once the circuit board is exposed, label the outputs for easier reference to the wiring diagrams of the physical circuit. The connections on the circuit board and labels are shown above for visualization. We can now gather all the components to be ready for preparation:

· Ensure all supplies are placed onto a workbench in an organized manner
· Identify the pin numbers of each component and note them down
· Have wire cutters, strippers, and crimpers at the ready

Step 5: Wiring the PA-35 Control Box

Wire the PA-35 Control Box as follows:

· Connect Positive [+] Input wire to +12 V [+]
· Connect Negative [-] Input wire to COM [-]
· Connect Pin A of Ch1+ to Pin 8 of Left Relay
· Connect Pin B of Ch1+ to Pin 7 of Left Relay
· Connect Pin A of Ch1- to Pin 8 of Right Relay
· Connect Pin B of Ch1- to Pin 7 of Right Relay

Step 6: Wiring the 12 VDC Heavy Duty Actuator

Wire the heavy-duty actuator as follows:

· Connect Positive [+] Input wire to Pin 5 of Left Relay
· Connect Negative [-] Input wire to Pin 5 of Right Relay

Step 7: Completing the Relay Wiring

Wire the remaining pins of each relay as follows:

· Connect Positive [+] 12 VDC to Pin 4 of Right Relay
· Connect Positive [+] 12 VDC to Pin 4 of Left Relay
· Connect COM [-] to Pin 1 of Right Relay
· Connect COM [-] to Pin 1 of Left Relay

Step 8: Activate Your Power Supply

When all wiring is complete, power up the PS-40-12 and connect the control box with your smartphone. We have included a video that explains how you can connect your Android/iOS device to the Wi-Fi Control Box!

CONCLUSION

If you'd like to browse our selection of linear actuators, motion control systems, and microcontrollers then please visit us at www.progressiveautomations.com for all your actuator needs! We can even build a custom actuator or control system for you based on your custom specifications with the help of our highly trained staff of engineers. You can learn more about the custom order process right here!

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