This project is a linear actuator with two positions and a repeat function.   The project is ideal for moving  items between work stations or for moving product between two robots.

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Length of the actuator is what ever length you might need, many different standard length actuators can be purchased from several vendors.  We prefer actuators from PBC Linear.

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This project uses a Galil DMC 30017 single axis motion controller.   These are really robust and friendly motion controllers that support either servo or stepper motors.   This project is set up for stepper motors. You will need a separate stand alone 24 volt power supply and some terminal blocks.

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You will need a stand alone pc to run the java code and interface with the Galil motion controller.  We developed this project on a laptop running Windows 10 pro.   If you want to get really industrial, we would recommend Beckhoff controls equipment.

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This website was built on the Wix.com platform and at this point, Wix does not support direct downloading from the website but if you send me an email request, I'll send you a zip file with the motion control code and the java front end.  I've kept the java code as simple as possible and we use text file for storing the position information.   By using text files we avoid the use of more complex java products such as an embedded data base.   With just a bit of trial and error almost any marginally skilled computer person  can put this project together.

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The java program was written on NetBeans 8.2 ( free download from netbeans.org)

We developed this program on Java version 1.8.0_144 and java runtime environment 1.8.0_144-b01

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Here is a link to a youtube video showing the development actuator

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