Arduino Linear Actuator Position Control With Smooth Start

In this Simple tutorial, you will learn how to control the position of a linear actuator using the Arduino and L298N DC motor driver.

Watch the Video!

Step 1: What You Will Need

• Arduino UNO (Or any other Arduino)
• Linear Actuator
• LN298N DC Motor Driver
• Potentiometer module
• Jumper wires
• Power Supply
• Visuino program: Download Visuino

Step 2: Brought by PCBWay

Thank you PCBWay for supporting this tutorial and helping users learn more about electronics.

What I like about the PCBWay is that you can get 10 boards for approximately $5 which is really cost effective for professional made boards, not to mention how much time you save!

Go check them out here. They also offer a lot of other stuff in case you might need it like assembly, 3D printing, CNC machining and a lot more.

Step 3: The Circuit

Step 4: Start Visuino, and Select the Arduino UNO Board Type

The Visuino: https://www.visuino.com also needs to be installed. Download Free version or register for a Free Trial.

Start Visuino as shown in the first picture Click on the “Tools” button on the Arduino component (Picture 1) in Visuino When the dialog appears, select “Arduino UNO” as shown on Picture 2

Step 5: In Visuino Add Components

Step 6: In Visuino Connect Components

• Connect Arduino Analog pin [0] to “RampToValue1” pin [In]
• Connect “RampToValue1” pin [Out] to “DualMotorDriver1” > Motors [0] Pin [In]
• Connect “DualMotorDriver1” > Motors [0] Pin [Direction]” to Arduino digital pin[8]
• Connect “DualMotorDriver1” > Motors [0] Pin [Speed]” to Arduino digital pin Analog PWM[6]

Step 7: Generate, Compile, and Upload the Arduino Code

In Visuino, at the bottom click on the “Build” Tab, make sure the correct port is selected, then click on the “Compile/Build and Upload” button.

Step 8: Play