I’m looking to automate some cabinet doors, and this will be my first DIY project. I understand that I should rely on linear actuators for the mechanical half of the task, and as I understand it, I’ll need a power supply connected through a couple of relays: one wired to drive the actuator forward a…

Just remember that in a power outage situation where the cabinet is left partway, you’re not exceeding any set time limits when the power comes back. You’re starting from a different starting point. This is a big issue with motorized casement windows, where force applied to the fully open window ca…

Not actually true. Because the actuator has a built-in limiter, it can be supplied power for a half hour without a problem, so returning from power outages should be no issue.

[image] KyleDavis: Edit: For anyone curious, it’s because one of my IR devices is behind this entertainment center door, and I want it to open when I switch to “Watch TV” mode instead of having to get up and walk over to open it myself. And it’s mostly just a nifty first DIY project. You may …

Already did, but my Harmony Hub is further away from the TV so that all devices can see it. Plus I still need to volume up/down and navigate the menus and such, which the Harmony Hub isn’t particular good at. Edit: I guess it does have it’s own remote which doesn’t require IR, but the line-of-sight…

Hmm. Well apparently you can buy these pre-built for practically nothing. 12V, 10A, 2-relays. Exactly what I need. [image] Two SPDT 10Amp Power Relay Module, DC12V Version, Panasonic JS1-12V-F.: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific Two SPDT Power Relay Module Board. Quantity: a lot of 1 …

And apparently, as my first mistake, I grossly underestimated the maximum physical dimensions of short-throw linear actuators. [image]

It’s a 15 inch tube with a 6 inch stroke. The product dimensions in the “product details” section of the Amazon page are wrong. That’s actually unfortunately really common with actuators and machine parts . I usually go back to the manufacturer’s own site and get the dimensions there.

Lesson learned. Are linear actuators the wrong mechanical part for this project? I guess I was picturing something more along the lines of this, though slightly faster and more inline than this… But clearly the part I have in hand is significantly larger. Should I be looking at something smaller a…

Linear actuator is the right device class, just got to get the right size. The ones you want are probably marketed under the term “mini.” Just check the specs for strength. How heavy is the door you’re pushing? Also, slower is safer with actuators. Don’t go for a rush on these.

ZWave or Zigbee Controller for Linear Actuators? (Automated A/V Cabinet project)

Wiki Ideas and Suggestions

KyleDavis (Kyle Davis) November 26, 2016, 5:54am 29

FYI to anyone who might be watching this thread, I’ve now selected and ordered my bill of materials. Each item is pasted below. I’ll update as I make progress on this project.

Open a Drain or Pump Water out of a small Bowl?

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ZWave or Zigbee Controller for Linear Actuators? (Automated A/V Cabinet project)

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