I purchased the 2515 board to control linear actuators to set the parking brakes on my vehicle. The actuators will pull on brake cables to apply the drum brakes (one actuator/cable per side). I would like to retract the LAs until the cable force reaches about 150#, using current sense to remove power from the LAs and hold them in that position.
My concern is that the load will increase quickly after the slack is pulled out of the cables and the shoes contact the brake drum and the controller may not catch the preset max allowable current. . I understand that I can limit the LA travel speed with PWM, and my plan is to slow the LA speed once it senses some tension on the cable.
So, I’m looking for advice on my approach for this application.
As an aside, others have used LAs for this service by simply adjusting the position of the LA so that the brakes clamp at the end of the stroke and the built-in limit switches remove power, but as brakes wear or cables stretch the distance between the LA arm and the end of the cables need to be adjusted to compensate. I’m hoping I can make those adjustments unnecessary.
Thanks for any help!