Lack of Dart Linear Actuator Availability

[RossMN]

I think these were a popular design choice based on the Robot In 3 Days videos, but it appears there is no availability, and there will be virtually none. AndyMark informed me the expect "tens" of them late this week, and there will be no more this season. I was wondering if teams had found good replacements out there.

[Zyrano]

So Linear acturators are out there, for example, summitracing sells some, maybe you try to adapt one of those to drive off the cim?

[tolefanjh]

Our team purchased two 12" Linear Actuators off Ebay, total cost was under $100. With a little thought and design we were able to remove the stock motor and make an adapter plate to mount a CIM and gears to them. Basically removed the original motor and gears and made our own plate to hold a CIM and belt drive system to them.

It can be done, though it isn't off the shelf. In the long run it was much cheaper than going with the Dart models, though those are off the shelf.

Chris.

[RossMN]

Thanks for the input. So are the stroke speeds pretty much irrelevant since the motor is being replaced by a CIM motor?

[Zyrano]

yup, will depend on the cim loaded speed (if you are using a cim) and gear ratio.

[Nebster]

yup, will depend on the cim loaded speed (if you are using a cim) and gear ratio.

May I ask what kind of linear actuator you purchased that has enough room to mount a cim and is customizable enough to do so? Thanks.

[Mr. B]

We found a nook linear actuator from Bearing Specialty for $100 that has a 14" travel.
They have 70 in stock. weight 15.5 LBS. with motor. Gear bore is same dia as cim except no key-just a flat. Mount is similar. We are using a belt sander to make flat on the motor shaft. If your interested call 1-800-427-0990 during the day. I can post pictures this weekend if there is real interest.

[Gustaf16]

We found a good equivalent to them at

http://www.progressiveautomations.com/actuator-linear-actuators-linear-actuator-stroke-size-force-200-lbs-speed-094sec-p-35.aspx