Actuonix linear servos for gear doors, help
 

hi,

I just got 4 of the P16 Actuonix linear actuators.


I went with the P16 instead of the L series, being that, I suppose, the P16 can run up to 12 volts, and the L-series,. which have the servo connectors, are only rated to 6 volts.

In any event, I am totally new to these.

So i got these 4 P16, and my plan is to use them to move the gear doors on my CARF P47.

currently, I am using pneumatics for the retracts and for the gear doors.

But what I have found, unlike the retracts that lock both ways, the gear doors, once up, the pressure from the cylinder does not hold. SO, during flight, I see the gear doors sag a bit


That was my interest in the linear servos, to see if it can solve the problem,


so, the ones I got have a 50 mm stroke distance / length.

My only concern is, how do i control it?

How can I make it so it works with my radio system?

And, can I program it to stop where I want it to???





https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...f8b29ae618.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...cf550efa84.jpg

you didn't get the RC controlled versions. the ones you got require and external motor "controller" and aren't programmable. They literally go to one end and stop, there is no "in between" like you would get with a servo.

the ones you want are these:

https://www.actuonix.com/Actuonix-PQ...C-p/pq12-r.htm

https://www.actuonix.com/L12-R-Linea...ol-p/l12-r.htm

https://www.actuonix.com/L16-R-Minia...RC-p/l16-r.htm

Correct , ask Ian for help at Actuonix, tell him Lou sent you . I have used a ton of their products but the L series .
See what Ian suggest you will most likely need a retract board similar to Robart

got it working.


I will explain what I did:



you will need one of these:

JP Electric landing gear controllers. ABout 70 dollars.




https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rcu...ff4041d3be.jpg
under 70 dollars


then, since the travel cannot be controlled. It will only be in or out in full travel, 50 mm

so you will need to do trial and error to determine the gear door control arm hole length from hinge line, such that, the door will open and close without binding.



here is a video showing how it works:

use rare earth magnets to hold the doors closed YMMV