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For a hobby project I am developing a solar tracker. For this I obtained a linear actuator. It contains a DC motor, 2 Hall sensors and an end switch. I am using an Arduino Uno and a Polulu motor driver for control. Below is a link to a simple electrical schematic of the actuator

http://www.solar-motors.com/inc/getfile.php?id=783163FD-16DB-4AE0-9A48-C1CD71093105

I have managed to run the motor and read out the hall sensors. My problem is with the end switch. I am not sure how to wire this and read this signal.

I am powering the Hall Vcc with 5V form the arduino, which works well with the hall sensors, but when I connect the end switch to a digital input pin I get no signal when the actuator is at its end.

Does somebody have an idea on how to set this up. Thanks

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1 Answer 1

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You need a pull-up resistor from the output to VCC.

10k ohm will probably work just fine.

Perhaps you can use the internal pullups in the Arduino inputs.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ The question refers to the end switch and not open collector outputs. \$\endgroup\$
    – Andy aka
    Commented Mar 6, 2019 at 10:52
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Andyaka You are right. :-) I edited the answer. A pull-up should still do the trick. \$\endgroup\$
    – Peter Karlsen
    Commented Mar 6, 2019 at 11:44
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks for that. To add to that, I have a 24V power supply (Meanwell SDR-240-24) which I use to power the DC motor. Can I than also use this same power supply to power the hall sensor and end switch? This in combination with the pull-up resistors. \$\endgroup\$
    – roadrunner38
    Commented Mar 7, 2019 at 7:38
  • \$\begingroup\$ @roadrunner38 If you connect the 24VDC supply to the hall sensor, you are operating at absolute max rating. I would use a lower voltage. For the pull-up on the end switch, you should use VCC from the Arduino. If you connect it to 24VDC the Arduino will die. \$\endgroup\$
    – Peter Karlsen
    Commented Mar 7, 2019 at 9:21
  • \$\begingroup\$ OK. I managed to get it working. Many thanks! \$\endgroup\$
    – roadrunner38
    Commented Mar 7, 2019 at 16:30

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