I’d rather not fry anything, so if someone has done this before, I’d love some input.

I’ve been messing around with a micro linear actuator for a small camera panning project, but I keep second-guessing myself about the wiring. I’m using a 12V model and trying to pair it with a DPDT switch for manual control, but I'm not 100% sure if I need anything in between, like a relay or maybe even a controller to manage direction properly? I’d rather not fry anything, so if someone has done this before, I’d love some input.

2 comments

2 Comments

Valensia Romand

Jun 26

Hey! I’ve been through a similar setup when I used a PA-07 micro actuator for a mini automated drawer in my workshop. You're totally right to be cautious — direct 12V with a DPDT switch works fine for simple extend/retract, but I highly recommend adding a fuse inline with the power supply to protect the actuator just in case something shorts. Also, consider using a momentary DPDT switch instead of a maintained one unless you plan on watching it constantly — I had one get stuck extended and overheat a bit. If you're thinking about automation later, grab a controller that can regulate timing or stroke length. This guide helped me tons when I was wiring everything up linear electric actuator: https://www.progressiveautomations.ca/collections/linear-actuators

Edited

unknown unknown

Jun 26

Replying to

I hear you both — I’ve used the micro actuators in a hatch-opening setup for my drone case. Wiring seemed simple at first, but once I threw in a timer relay and remote control, things got a little tangled. Agree on the fuse, and don’t skip the voltage check with a multimeter. These things are small but can pull a lot more current than you'd expect under load. Good luck!

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I’d rather not fry anything, so if someone has done this before, I’d love some input.