Speeding up linear actuator

[Mongo]

Time to ask for some advice again lol !!!

I have been playing with my linear actuator trying to get it to extend/retract as quick as possible. So far I have managed to get it upto 45mm/sec (measured approx).
But this is still not fast enough for my needs, so any advice would be appreciated.
I don't really want to go to pneumatics at the moment as don't have enough knowledge (safety).

Thanks

[Maxamuslead]

THIS tread will help you a lot.

[R9000]

Here's the short video I did explaining some of the modification, if you're interested: https://youtu.be/KXR07KbvTKc

[Mongo]

Here's the short video I did explaining some of the modification, if you're interested: https://youtu.be/KXR07KbvTKc

Brilliant I will have a look, thanks

[Mongo]

Great video, I don't really understand the circuitry that you made though, if you are willing to explain a bit I would appreciate it.

[R9000]

Sure, sorry it's a bit cryptic but it's really nothing too complicated. All that little home-made board is for, is to attach two push-to-break switches to the arduino (blue board). The resistors just make it so the arduino can read the state of the switches properly. The arduino is plugged into the reciever, which gives it the signal from the transmitter/controller in your hand. The arduino makes a decision based on the state of the two limit switches, as to whether it should relay the signal to the speed controller (which is plugged into the arduino too) or to output a 'neutral' signal instead. This basically makes it so that if the actuator is at one of its limits (top or bottom) the motor I attached won't try to force it any further, but will still be able to travel in the other direction.

Is that clear or was there anything else you needed?

[Mongo]

Thank you, what resistors did you use ?

[R9000]

I think they were 10k, but it doesn't matter hugely as long as they're decently high. It's just a doubled-up version of the board in this: https://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/Button

[Mongo]

Thanks Rory, you have been very helpful to a newbie