Flipper (pneumatic) VS Lifter (electric)

[blazerbotics]

I would go for one of these http://robotcombat.com/products/0-TD-RCE225.html they will control your motor, and have limit switch inputs so you dont stall/over-run your actuator.

You can do it with servo/microswitches, but i would use them to switch relays to handle the load, you can also fit limit switched into it as well.

[billy breach]

Thanks for the link and the pointers. Just because it's my first robot I fancy having a go and making a switching unit rather than buying it off the shelf. Do you know how I can wire the micro switches to the relays?

[Laser]

Hey Billy,
I used a bang-bang controller for my first robot which was an electric lifter.
I would use a ESC if u had the maoney as they are far better
The problems with the servo setup are;
It doesnt have a failsafe so when i turn my transmitter off it goes either full forward or backward
It either goes full speed forward or backward so you can't controll how fast you want it to go at.
I am now using an electronize FR15HVR which works perfectrly

[billy breach]

Thanks for the input. I know what youre saying with full forward or backwards. I thought about that. I just thought they be a cheaper way of doing it. With a spektrum 2.4ghz transmitter does that have a fail safe?

[Laser]

spektrums do have failsafes
it is the cheapest option and does work but the only thing is that it isnt reliable

[billy breach]

aye, I know what your saying. you get what you pay for

[Laser]

Thats the thing with robotics

[blazerbotics]

I wouldn't use a speedo on and arm, unless you have limit switches or closed loop.