# How to Control a 12v Linear Actuator Using Relays and Micro controllers **URL:** \ **Category:** Arduino\ **Created:** [23 May 2019 02:10 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/how-to-control-a-12v-linear-actuator-using-relays-and-micro-controllers/5410 "2019-05-23T02:10:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Eric87522](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7feea3/32.png) [@Eric87522](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Eric87522)\ **Post date:** [23 May 2019 02:10 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/how-to-control-a-12v-linear-actuator-using-relays-and-micro-controllers/5410/1 "2019-05-23T02:10:33Z")
Hi, For starters Im a total pleb with electronics and arduinos, apologies in advance - I am trying to connect a 12v linear actuator to an arduino that can control the timing of when the actuator moves in and out. I want the arm to extend the full amount and then retract to about half of its length, similar to what is demonstrated in this link: > **[How to Control a Micro Linear Actuator Using Relays and Microcontrollers](https://microlinearactuator.com/control-micro-linear-actuator-using-relays-microcontrollers/)** > > In this tutorial, we will go over the simple step-by-step instructions on how to control a micro linear actuator using relays and microcontrollers. the only difference is that i am using a 12v linear actuator, this one: > **[Linear Actuator 1500N 12V DC Electric Motor Max Load 150KG for Auto Door...](https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Linear-Actuator-1500N-12V-DC-Electric-Motor-Max-Load-150KG-for-Auto-Door-Lifting/271850863080?_trkparms=aid%253D111001%2526algo%253DREC.SEED%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D20160908105057%2526meid%253Dee7bc162185e47bab7de1fe0df278633%2526pid%253D100675%2526rk%253D2%2526rkt%253D15%2526mehot%253Dpp%2526sd%253D273471428656%2526itm%253D271850863080&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%253A19534b2e-7cfd-11e9-b7d3-74dbd1805ed1%257Cparentrq%253Ae261a1ea16a0ad483cf9f914ffe69ace%257Ciid%253A1)** > > Linear Actuator. Multiple Purpose Applications Linear Actuator. Industrial electric lifting system;. These are designed to fit easily onto either end of the actuator with a pin and cotter pin. Agricultural machinery;. I think all i need to buy from your store is this: [https://core-electronics.com.au/5v-2-channel-relay-module-10a.html](https://core-electronics.com.au/5v-2-channel-relay-module-10a.html) as well as ALL the required cables and jump leads - as i have none. All i have is an arduino, 12v linear actuator and imac. can you please guide me in the right direction on this? And to be extra greedy - its very urgent re time. as its for an exhibtion that opens next week - if i could order these parts today and have them express posted before 2pm would be ideal. thanks for your time, ---
**Author:** ![Clinton](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/clinton/32/1515_2.png) [@Clinton](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Clinton)\ **Post date:** [23 May 2019 02:21 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/how-to-control-a-12v-linear-actuator-using-relays-and-micro-controllers/5410/2 "2019-05-23T02:21:12Z")
Hi Eric, From what I can see by that guide you should be right to go with what relay. The only thing I would check is that the current rating on your power supply(battery in the tutorial) is up to what the relay requires. ---
**Author:** ![Eric87522](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7feea3/32.png) [@Eric87522](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Eric87522)\ **Post date:** [23 May 2019 02:39 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/how-to-control-a-12v-linear-actuator-using-relays-and-micro-controllers/5410/3 "2019-05-23T02:39:56Z")
Thanks heaps for your speed reply Clinton - I was also unsure how to about powering the actuator. At the moment its connected to this box that links it to a remote control.I have connected a 15v power supply to the box - that powers the arm - via a remote control. Images of the box below. FYI I dont plan on using the remote control - as i would like it to be completely automated. Re. Power Supply; Am i best to buy a seperate power supply from your store that can co-ordinate with what i want to do. It is essential for my purpose not to use a battery. ![s-l1600-1.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/5/5e294cc061aa0fea11c4bcbcbff52dd2d7aae10c.jpeg) ![s-l1600.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/a/a921d4c65607e316bf1f53c97c7c98c280ac2f4a.jpeg) ![s-l1600-2.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/core_electronics/original/2X/7/70b7fa6881f7aea972ed1c91abe086530d0e49ca.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Clinton](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/user_avatar/forum.core-electronics.com.au/clinton/32/1515_2.png) [@Clinton](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Clinton)\ **Post date:** [23 May 2019 02:52 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/how-to-control-a-12v-linear-actuator-using-relays-and-micro-controllers/5410/4 "2019-05-23T02:52:00Z")
If you can find a way to get that box to be in always on mode you could use it as the supply by connecting the M terminals where the battery would be in the tutorial. If you can’t to that you may need a [DC-DC voltage converter](https://core-electronics.com.au/120w-dc-dc-converter-12vat10a.html) to drop the voltage down to 12V ---
**Author:** ![Eric87522](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7feea3/32.png) [@Eric87522](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Eric87522)\ **Post date:** [23 May 2019 03:10 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/how-to-control-a-12v-linear-actuator-using-relays-and-micro-controllers/5410/5 "2019-05-23T03:10:04Z")
ok great thanks - because im so time poor - im thinking that I wont be able to get the box to stay always on. So I think i will buy the dc-dc converter you are suggesting. Could you also supply me with all the neccessary hardware (cables and stuff) to connect this dc-dc thing to my rig? I would love to to confirm this order with express post before 2pm today if possible. I really appreciate your speedy response time on this - great customer service! ---
**Author:** ![Eric87522](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7feea3/32.png) [@Eric87522](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/u/Eric87522)\ **Post date:** [23 May 2019 03:12 UTC](https://forum.core-electronics.com.au/t/how-to-control-a-12v-linear-actuator-using-relays-and-micro-controllers/5410/6 "2019-05-23T03:12:28Z")
also - im currently using 15v dc from a power supply - I noticed that it made the actuator a bit stronger than when i ran it on 9v or 12v. Am i correct in assuming that the unit can take up to 30v and that maybe i can up the power?