Finding a suitable linear actuator

[Jean-Marc Douroux]

Simon, a New Zealand correspondent found the same IP67 65mm/s (300N) and 150mm/s (150N) actuators sold under the AKIWO brand.

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005011757515243.html

With the 150mm/s, it is better to have a potentiometer to measure the position and allow the controller to stop the rod before the stops. You must contact the seller so that he can make you an offer.

[SimonH]

Simon, a New Zealand correspondent found the same IP67 65mm/s (300N) and 150mm/s (150N) actuators sold under the AKIWO brand.

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005011757515243.html

With the 150mm/s, it is better to have a potentiometer to measure the position and allow the controller to stop the rod before the stops. You must contact the seller so that he can make you an offer.

[SimonH]

When I contacted the Hakiwo store, they supplied this link for the Potentiometer which is to be purchased at the same time as the actuator.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNDqZ9z

Simon

[dave42w]

Hi,

I'm not sure I understand the "with a clutch" I have been looking at Linear Actuators with clutches and these seem to be to protect the Linear Actuator from breaking if the load is too high. 

I assume I need some way of the Linear Actuator going into a free movement condition so that I can steer using the normal wheel without the linear actuator stopping me. I had assumed this was the normal "no power" mode of a linear actuator - am I incorrect?

Thanks for the help.

Dave

Hi,
A linear actuator with a clutch is then required.
A friend has set up a Raymarine T1 with a clutch as a backup, which he can quickly couple with a pin.

[Jean-Marc Douroux]

Hi Dave

With a linear actuator without a clutch, it is mandatory to disengage the actuator from the tiller in order to steer manually.
I have not yet seen a Chinese linear actuator with a clutch solenoid as Raymarine T1

[dave42w]

Hi,

Thanks, for all the help.

As my time is limited before launch I think our first primary system will have to be a Nautinect with a wheel drive.

When I have a bit more time I can setup a Pypilot with our old Neco motor that uses a chain drive. We didn't really want to do that as we are concerned about deterioration of 50 year old bakelite in the motor. Finally when I can afford it we add a marine Linear Activator with clutch solenoid that the Pypilot can control.

The goal is plenty of redundancy for ocean sailing as we cannot fit windvane self steering (electric yacht conversion with lots of solar an a mizzen means no space). Long term the Pypilot can control any of the drive units (Nautinect wheel drive, Neco and Raymarine) and the Nautinect autopilot can control 2 of them (their wheel drive or the Raymarine).

Dave

Hi Dave

With a linear actuator without a clutch, it is mandatory to disengage the actuator from the tiller in order to steer manually.
I have not yet seen a Chinese linear actuator with a clutch solenoid as Raymarine T1

[Jean-Marc Douroux]

NECO actuators are very robust. I already have two Pypilot users with 24V NECO actuators who have installed a 12-24V 30A motor controller.
Pypilot helps reduce the shock during start-up and shutdown.

Here is the link to the wiring diagram and a photo.

https://navitop.fr/data/files/logo/contr...rmotor.jpg
https://navitop.fr/data/files/logo/contr...tation.pdf

[dave42w]

Thanks, that's a lot clearer than a YouTube video we saw. Will check our parts to see if they match.

Dave

NECO actuators are very robust. I already have two Pypilot users with 24V NECO actuators who have installed a 12-24V 30A motor controller.
Pypilot helps reduce the shock during start-up and shutdown.

Here is the link to the wiring diagram and a photo.

https://navitop.fr/data/files/logo/contr...rmotor.jpg
https://navitop.fr/data/files/logo/contr...tation.pdf