DIY Magnetic Actuator

[micro_builder]

Hey folks,

Posted this the other day, thought I'd share it here, complete with mistakes so you know what to avoid lol I plan on doing another version with the remote style actuator, and then after that a video on building an entire micro RC plane that uses actuators. I know most micros these days utilize the servo/esc bricks, but you can only build so small with those, actuators allow a whole new size to venture into.

Nick

I included a link and some more info I didnt think of during the recording of this for determining the resistance of the coil you'll end up with in the Description box on youtube.

 

[JimCR120]

I don't recall this being discussed before but what a benefit to have this posted. I was just talking about this with someone who's done this in his microbuilds.

Thanks for posting this.

 

[TazRC]

Nice! Where are you getting your magnets?

 

[micro_builder]

Thanks, Jim, expect a couple more in the near future, I left a bit on the table with this one.

TazRC, thanks! Magnets were ones I already had laying about (rather, stuck to the refrigerator). I dont have one particular source to get them from, but if you do a search for something like 1mm (or whatever size you need to fit your coil) magnets you'll get a ton of results. Try to go with neodymium, you'll get the best performance out of your coil with those magnets.

Nick

 

[micro_builder]

Next step would be installing your fancy little coil, so here we go.

I'm ordering a handful of different actuators and a few DSM2 micro receivers that can run actuators in the next few days, once I get the receivers I'll do a complete video of building an entire plane from start to finish.

Nick

 

[TazRC]

Very nice! I think I would need a magnifier headset, and switch to decaf coffee too!

 

[micro_builder]

Thanks! You'd be surprised what caffeine can do when working with these little things, I had just finished a Dr. Pepper when I first tried recording that video and had to wait a while so my hands would stop shaking lol

 

[FoamyDM]

Great Post, Thank you. do you typically repurpose the copper wires from old speakers, or other electronics?