How do I control a DC linear actuator with these drivers?
The DC motor inside a linear actuator extends and retracts by changing direction; the driver provides this polarity change without contacts. If the actuator has no built-in limit switch, or if you do not want it to strain at the end position, the current-threshold AntiSwitch function of the KS250 and PT500 detects the end of travel and stops that direction.
Installation steps:
- Determine the current requirement. Measure the actuator's current at full load or take the label value. The KS250 is defined for continuous current up to 15 A and the PT500 up to 30 A. If direction control alone is enough and speed adjustment is not needed, the ST42 can be used; the ST42 has no speed adjustment and no AntiSwitch.
- Match the voltage. The modules work with 12V and 24V DC; do not exceed the actuator's nominal voltage.
- Connect the direction inputs. On the KS250, IN1 is clockwise start, IN2 is reverse start, IN3 and IN4 are stop; on the PT500 the A–D digital inputs are used. The command source can be a button, a cabinet signal or an RF receiver.
- Choose the end-point strategy. If the actuator has a built-in limit switch the motion is already cut off there. If not, the current threshold for each direction is set with the A1 and A2 pots on the PT500 and no external limit wiring is needed.
- Set the ramp and the speed. The SPEED and RMP pots on the PT500 and the soft start/stop function on the KS250 smooth the motion; this reduces the shock on the shaft and the screw thread.
If it is going to work outdoors the protection rating is decisive: the KS250 is defined as IP45 and the PT500 as IP67.
The full topic: DC Motor Driver Selection Guide