Simple Linear Actuator

This is a simple linear actuator that can be used in all sorts of halloween or other holiday displays. I used a cheap yardstick for the rod with a GT2 pulley and belt system connected to a NEMA 17 stepper motor.

I used this design to make a fun project for an Intel Edison Hackathon. The piranha plant movement was triggered by people sending tweets.

Check out my blog to read about my other projects: http://matthewcmcmillan.blogspot.com/
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Watch my 3D Printer make things: @MattsPrintrbot

GT2 pulley and belt: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WW256TY
Stepper Motor: https://www.adafruit.com/products/324
Stepper Motor Mount: https://www.adafruit.com/products/1297
Stepper Driver: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12779
Limit Switches: Any long arm microswitch should work. I used VT16031C2
Bearings: Flanged 11/16"OD, 1/4"ID. McMaster-Carr 6384K342 should work.
Bolts for Bearings: 1/4-20 1" long


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCev5