linear atuator control using raspberry

[uma]

Hi folk,
I'm new to raspberry pi and working on a project which requires two linear actuators with potentiometer (https://www.progressiveautomations.com/ ... entiometer) to be controlled using a python program. can any one help me find the required parts and how to control these using a program.

[wh7qq]

From a brief reading of the scant specs the mfgr gives for the product, it is really hard to know how it is controlled and how one would know where it is or where it stopped. My impression is that they want you to use their control systems and don't provide lots of info on how they work, get their information or output commands. Depending on what you are trying to do and your budget, you might want to look for more basic solutions.

If you want assistance here, you need to be much more explicit in the nature and scope of your project...what are you trying to accomplish and what level of precision you require.

[tenochtitlanuk]

You don't say how much electronics knowledge you have, nor level of Python skills.
Spec. says motors are standard 12V 5A brushed motors. To run two you'll need a hefty power supply, separate from the Pi.
Switching this voltage from a Pi's 0/3.3V output would need a logic-level power mosfet. But to reverse the motor you'll need a bidirectional power driver... or heavy duty relays.
Two GPIO lines on a Pi can detect the two switches per actuator that close at full/zero extension.
A voltage across the potentiometer ends is tapped off to read position as an analog voltage. To read that you need a channel of an analog to digital converter for each actuator.

If most of this makes little sense, start with something simpler- try running something like a 12V dc 21W car sid- light bulb,( and then move on to a motor) from a Pi, with code to turn it off and on at fixed times. Lots of projects like that on this forum and elsewhere. Then try adding detection of a single input switch. If you need the analog feedback potentioneter you'll need to look up Pi A2D converters. A good place to find help might be the Adafruit tutorials...

Do you really need the potentiometer? If the load is predictable and won't stall the motor, it would be much easier to use a stepper motor. If the gearing of the threaded rod needs say 500 turns to extend fully, then 250 will take you half way and you need no feedback to know it's in the right place.

With more info. people here can help you further- but we DO need info on what you are doing and why you chose this type of actuator...
Good luck!