DC Linear Actuator Projects

HOW TO: Wire a DPDT rocker switch for reversing polarity

When you need to control a DC motor (such as a DC linear actuator) you usually need to be able to swap the polarity on the wires going to the motor.

A double pole, double throw switch is used for this purpose but you have to wire it up correctly to reverse the polarity going to the linear actuator.

Required Materials

You need the following materials:

• -DPDT rocker switch
• insulated disconnect terminals (female) x 6
• -wire
• wire cutter/crimper/stripper tool
• a linear actuator or DC motor to control

       

Connecting wires to the quick connect terminals

First you need to cut a bit off each wire that will be going to the motor. This is the jumper that will allow the polarity to swap.

I’m using blue and brown wire. THE COLOR OF THE WIRE IS NOT SIGNIFICANT. You can use red and black, or any combination of wire color. Because you’ll be swapping the polarity back and forth on the actuator, the color of the wire, and whether they are on the right side or the left doesn’t matter.

Twist together one end of the blue jumper wire and the end of the main blue wire. Then push this into the disconnect terminal and crimp with the wire tool.

Do the same for the brown wire.

At the end of the blue jumper attach another disconnect terminal.

Do the same for the brown wire.

Attach the main blue terminal to one of the poles on the side, attach the main brown terminal to the pole right next to it.

Attach the blue jumper connector to the opposite corner, and the brown jumper to the other corner to form an ‘X’ across the switch.

     

Connecting wires to the quick connect terminals (for power)

Similar to the last step take another wire that will go to the +12V DC (or whatever you are using). I am using blue wire.

Attach this to a disconnect terminal.

Do the same with another piece of wire (I used brown). This will go to ground.

Attach these to the center poles of the switch.

With my switch it doesn’t matter which poles it’s attached to, as there is no up and down for the switch. If you don’t like it just turn the switch upside down. Otherwise test before installing the switch.

Done!

Done! Now we can connect the power to the switch and wire the DC motor to the switch so it can reverse direction.

We use this setup for a simple method of controlling linear actuators, but you can just as easily use these for any DC motor where you need to reverse the polarity to change the direction of the motor.

Cheers!

UPDATE: Wiring Diagram

I’ve had a number of people ask me about a wiring diagram, as the photos may not be enough on their own.

 

Troy
http://www.firgelliauto.com/
These Pop Up TV  Lift mechanisms available at www.popuptv.org are the ideal low cost solution for lifting your Plasma TV Lift  out of a cabinet. low cost Kits at incredibly prices

This automated hood lift, done by Pimp My Ride (Europe), takes a classic car and creates an eye catching car with a few tricks up it’s sleeves.  The hood is motorized with linear actuators and can be controlled with either a rocker switch inside the car or a remote control.

It seems like people are constantly pushing the envelope on what features a custom car should have.  TV shows like Pimp My Ride and industry trade shows like SEMA highlight this constant progression of cool features and double-take looks.

Using DC linear actuators you can motorize anything.  Take the concept of building a hood lift, and run with it.

A project like this one would take from 1 to 4 linear actuators, depending on exactly what you wanted to do, mounting brackets to attach it to the frame and the hood, and a rocker switch or remote control system.  You might want to get a professional to do the installation as minor cutting or welding might be required.

When it comes to DIY projects and linear actuators there are some projects that are more common.  TV Lift Cabinets, tonneau lifts, and hood lifts.  This project uses linear actuators in a way I’ve only ever run across once. 

Using four linear actuators and a modified backyard storage shed, this fellow has created his own automated retractable roof observatory.

With the push of a button or two the roof opens up either completely or part way (to help block background light) allowing the telescope to have a clear view of the sky.  And when not in use it’s fully protected from the elements in what looks like a regular backyard storage shed.

Using four tubular style linear actuators from FirgelliAuto.com each panel of the roof is moved using 12V DC power.  Mounting the actuator is made easier by using brackets for the actuator that allow the linear actuator to rotate close to 180° about the mounting points.

 

TV Lifts and Linear Motion Products: 

When it comes to home automation and entertainment one of the primary concerns is the LCD or Plasma TV location.  Recently people have had increasingly creative ways of integrating their TV into the decor of the room.  Either by using a Mirror TV (TV Mirror Kit) or by having the TV in a TV Lift cabinet. Its also possible to build your own TV Lift using Firgelli Automations Linear Actuators. They have a UK office http://www.firgelliauto.co.uk/ and we have also found they have an Australian office also at http://www.firgelliauto.com.au/