Help With Circuit Design  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: JackF
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 01:22:48 am
content: I’m looking for some help in designing a 12 volt control system for operating an actuator with a single signal from a timer.From the actuator manufacturerHi Jack,Great question! When using an actuator with your deer feeder timer, the way it opens and closes the slide gate depends on how your timer and control system are set up.Generally, here’s how it works:To open the gate: The timer sends a signal to the actuator, which powers it to extend (or retract, depending on how you mount it) and move the gate to the open position.To close the gate: The actuator will need a separate signal to reverse direction and bring the slide gate back to the closed position.Most basic timers provide a single output, so you may need a control box or relay system that can handle both opening and closing commands. If your timer only sends a momentary signal (like a pulse), you’ll want a control setup that can interpret this and run the actuator in both directions as needed.If your actuator is set up for momentary control, you’ll press or trigger once to open, and again to close—the controller will determine the direction. Some setups use limit switches to stop the actuator automatically at the open or closed positions.

author: moffy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 03:09:50 am
content: If you provide an actual link to the actuator you are trying to control posters will hopefully be able to work from that.

author: JoeyG
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 04:51:56 am
content: May not be exactly what you are after, but always a question: Do you build it or buy it.https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005008877325829.html?

author: JackF
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 11:26:30 am
content: I will be purchasing the actuator, but I will be making the controller, if not to complicated. My goal is to put a slide gate on a deer feeder controlled by this timerhttps://www.allseasonsfeeders.com/products/the-timer?srsltid=AfmBOooz2AwVIRhV18S1j8AWN_pCpAJoxvrhYJlymbpDTaLJUGseo6yOActuator -https://www.progressiveautomations.com/products/linear-actuator-ip66?variant=18277292376131Force rating standard availability: 100 lbs, 400 lbsMaximum current draw:12 VDC Model: 12 AmpsFull load speed:100 lbs Model: 2.16 in/sec400 lbs Model: 0.78 in/secDuty cycle: 20% (4 mins on, 16 mins off)Ingress protection: IP66 (Dust-tight, resistant to high-pressure water jets when the actuator is static)Data Sheet -https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/7717445/PDF%20Manuals/Actuator%20datasheets/PA-04%20datasheet.pdfIn the attached is a picture of the manual gate, it has since been removed, I want to put in an automated gate similar to this.

author: moffy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 12:24:42 pm
content: An Arduino with some relays would work, but it also depends upon how much static current your I assume battery can sustain. The controller you linked too looks like it might be quite low current except when actuating. The other point is how do you want to program it? If it doesn't need to be field adjustable then you don't need a controll pad/switches or display apart from maybe an LED or two, but if you want to adjust it in the field then a keypad and display are necessary. Whenever you have a keypad or display etc. it gets more awkward to seal the unit against the elements, unless you put it all in a sealable enclosure and only open it for adjustments etc.

author: JackF
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 09:14:07 pm
content: Thank you for the response, I sent Arduino support a request for information, waiting on response.