SCN5 Similar Actuators

Hi all, this is my first post.

I've been reading a lot these forums, the wiki and manuals. I can't say I understand everything by now, but I got the idea :thbup:. I'm a programmer, so most things about software and interfaces are Ok to me... but electronics... automation... robotic stuff... those I'm completely clueless.

So Im looking for the easier path to build a race simulator, like anyone in my position. My problem is not to understand the simulation software or to build all the metal stuff... My problem is electronics, wiring, etc!

Thanos seems to have done a great job with his circuits, but this is something I could not imagine to build, and I prefer not to involve third parties to do that for me. I tried that in the past, and all I got was headaches.

So the actuators connected direct to my PC via RS232 or RS485 seems pretty straightforward to me... I already found where to buy the USB > RS485/RS232 converters!!

That was the easiest part... now for the hard and expensive part: THE ACTUATORS! 8)

There's no way I can get SCN5 actuators here in Brazil. I can import them, like I'm used to do with little and cheap stuff, but them I have shipping, custom taxes, etc... so I'm avoiding this option.

Then I started looking for distributors. Someone who could supply me with similar actuators.

I'm posting here my findings, and I hope the experts will take a look and tell me what actuator would fit as a similar to SCN5.

Here is my little list:

IAI's Robo Cylinder (I'm not sure about the right Robo Cylinder rod type model)
Seems to have similar Specs and is RS232 compliant
http://www.intelligentactuator.com/products/erc2_rod.php
http://www.intelligentactuator.com/pdf/02_RoboCylinder2_ERC2_p1-18.pdf
http://www.intelligentactuator.com/pdf/manuals/ERC2-PIO(MJ0158-1A)-E.pdf

OEM Dynamics' VL-CT35
Seems to have similar Specs. But... how do I connect this thing to my PC?
http://www.oemdynamics.com/vl-ct/index.html
http://www.oemdynamics.com/vl-ct/PDF/VL-CT35_specs_CAD.pdf

I will keep looking for more options, and post here.

Thanks for any feedback.

Dear sir,

You need to email these guys and ask them two things:

Ask them what is the Radial Force in Newtons
Ask them what speed in m/s

SCN5 100mm:
Speed = 200m/s
Radial Force = 10N

Then you can compare and find out which are better.

@Fahim
What you have written is wrong.
The radial force does not matter at all.
The maximum speed of SCN5 is more than 400mm/s, and the push/pull force is 10kgf max.

@Marcelo
We have discussed the issue with IAI Robo Cylinders some weeks ago. Currently there is no interface plugin for their built in motion controller. But you could talk to Sirnoname, in case you want to write a plugin for them.

But personally I rather would propose you SCN5 actuators. There are alot more guys with troubleshooting experience than with the IAI units.

Btw, which programming language are you familiar with?

Regards
Christian

I've never writen code for interfaces, I just know the principles... like TX/RX, full and half duplex, jumpers, terminators, etc... I used to solder connectors in the past, so I had to know those things

I'm a Java programmer. My main focus is on enterprise applications, using J2EE and JEE technology. But I came from DBase, Clipper, Basic and MUMPS (believe it or not! Yes, Im a MUMPS programmer!).

Write a plugin would take me some time to get used to the language... but hey... you can't reinvent the wheel!! Programming languages are all if... then... else... ;D

So, back to the actuators... Man these things are expensive!!! good god!!

And yes, seems like SCN5 are the cheaper ones! this is not just marketing... they really are the cheaper ones...

I was looking at some Festo actuators... They have similar specs and the stepper motor has a RS232 connection. Don't know the price, but by the looks, it looks expensive 8)

I will call the IAI distributor here in Brazil, and see if they have these Robo Cylinders... and the price, of course. Maybe an option.... we'll see...

Marcelo,
I am also from Brazil and I have been studying this forum like crazy.
Resuming, I have been checking prices from pcb makers here in Brazil and my strategy is to order Thanos H-bridge and AMC board mounted, then I will have 2 motors (I was thinking about some good dc motors) to move my system.

I have also done a little research about the linear actuators and I would like to know if you have any news about your project. Did you get the actuators? I will be glad share some thoughts about our projects. Perhaps I will be moving to the actuators if it is easier as I am not very strong with electronics.