Hi,

If I want to use this linear actuator as part of my payload integration design. How would I wire it up to the pixhawk 4? Is there other actuator would you guys recommend?   
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NA7AULQ/ref...R1VY?psc=1 


Thanks.

I am no expert, but I can gave you some information to start. The actuator you linked is a 12V DC actuator. To activate, you apply 12V. To retract you apply -12V.

So to use that actuator, you will likely need a PWM actuator controller to interface between FC servo control and the actuator. The other option would be to get a PWM actuator.

I have never use any of this setup. Anyone with a better idea can chime in.

Depends on how you want to use it and what firmware you are running. You need to consider whether you want to be able to pre-program it into an autonomous mission or simply activate it with an RC channel from your transmitter. It looks like these actuators take a PWM input, but I am not certain?

like Voodoo mentioned, you will need some sort of intermediary to isolate the control signal and the power. Do not try to power a device like this directly from the PH4 unless you have reviewed the power consumption and are certain it is within the limits of the outputs. (PH outputs are very low output current - i doubt it would work). For one, the PWM outputs on the pixhawk are 5v. I recommend using a 12v BEC to power it and wire the PWM signal to an output pin on the Pixhawk. Look into

If you need position control such as "move to 50% stroke", you will need to set up a PWM system. If you are only looking for full open or full close control, this could be simplified with a simple relay output. What firmware are you running? The arducopter firmware is capable of configuring its outputs to act like a 3.3v or 5v relay switch.

There are some details here, but I am not familiar with the PH4 in particular.

https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/parame...1-function
https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common...pping.html
https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-relay.html
https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common...tions.html

You will almost certainly have better luck getting pixhawk specific guidance over at the ardupilot (one of the original groups who contributed to the dev of the pixhawk) forums:
https://discuss.ardupilot.org

(12-Jul-2021, 05:36 AM)Ekliptiko Wrote: like Voodoo mentioned, you will need some sort of intermediary to isolate the control signal and the power. Do not try to power a device like this directly from the PH4 unless you have reviewed the power consumption and are certain it is within the limits of the outputs. (it is very low output current - i doubt it would work)

If you need position control such as "move to 50% stroke", you will need to set up a PWM system. If you are only looking for full open or full close control, this could be simplified with a simple relay output. What firmware are you running? The arducopter firmware is capable of configuring its outputs to act like a 3.3v or 5v relay switch.

There are some details here, but you will have to dig into the BRD_PWM_COUNT parameter and output groups. I am not familiar with the PH4 in particular.

https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-relay.html

Hi Ekliptiko,

Thank you for  your advices. Im running arducopter yes. My team is planning to use the H bridge L298 controller but we still need to figure out how to wire it up to pixhawk 4. 


https://intofpv.com/t-l298n-pixhawk-4-question