5 interesting projects with an electric actuator that you can do yourself at home

Electric actuator and the automation of simple manual activities

There are many activities that we do manually every day, and we don’t see anything wrong with it. We have been doing this for a long time, so we accept the current conditions. What else to do when some fancy systems cost a fortune? The media created the image of automation as something futuristic, expensive and complex. This is not really the case because we can implement many interesting ideas ourselves and at a low cost. Taking advantage of the fact that while I am writing these words there is a Coronavirus pandemic on the loose and many of us are at home (or in a bunker), it is worth using this time to do something productive. Hey, I’m not talking about watching the next season of your favorite series, so turn Netflix off. And if you’re reading this when the pandemic is over, it’s worth using your spare time to do something fun. Choose the best actuator for your project, and you’re ready to go.

So let’s go back to the activities we do every day and move on to the first project.

1. Automated entrance to the basement, attic or bunker

Once we’ve bought toilet paper and pasta, it’s good to hide it somewhere. So, how to open the hatch to the basement when we hold so many precious things in our hands? Putting down and then bending over after we spent so much time in the queue? Our back might not take it. In this case, a good choice will be to construct a flap with remote control, voice control or some kind of proximity sensor. This solution will allow you to easily save a moment and you will not have to strain yourself. In a one-off case, it is only a moment, but if the quarantine would last a year, imagine how much time you would save on going down to your supplies every day. If you want to see what it looks like, take a look at our videos with hatch and attic stairs.

2. Self-opening window

It’s good to breathe fresh air, especially when we prepare a new stock of high-percentage disinfectant. You have to keep an eye on every drop here, so why get up when the window can open by itself? Similarly, when we have a window somewhere high, and we would have to specially pull a ladder from our inventory. There is not much work to do with it, but what effect! This solution is also very functional if you add a rain or temperature sensor. Then we can fully automate the operation of such a system in our home, greenhouse or wherever we want.

3. Hidden passage

If we are already at windows and flaps, it is also worth mentioning the doors. There is no point in the automation of ordinary doors, but the matter is different if we want to be the only ones who can open a door. Do you remember all those secret passages from the movies opened by pulling a specific book on the shelf? It’s a nice thing, especially when we’ve been locked together with other people for two weeks, we’ve gotten bored with all forms of entertainment and are already at our throats. It’s good to have your oasis of peace then, where you can read an interesting survival book without any problems. Once again, actuators will come to our aid (assuming, of course, that we have a place to make such a room). Below you can see an interesting project and check how you can easily do it yourself.

4. Animal husbandry automation

Man does not survive by pasta alone. So if you have chickens or other farm animals, I envy you. Eggs, for example, are a great source of protein and fats. However, the hens need to be released and kept safe for the night, so that a fox or other predator does not creep in. Here’s a simple matter, just make a sliding door or any other door that is moved by an electric actuator and add time or twilight control to it. Similarly, you can do simple fodder or hay dispensers, where the actuator will slide in a certain distance, thanks to which the fodder will be properly dispensed, and the actuator will close the flap at a given moment, or whatever you come up with. Of course, this fodder has to be put there somehow and I will not help here, but we saved a lot of time, so let’s go home so that we do not get a nasty virus.

5. Increasing the efficiency of the home solar installation

Solar energy has recently gained popularity. It’s good to be somewhat independent of the energy supplier, you know, just for the worst-case scenario. If we already use solar energy, why not do it 100%? What if something happens, and we just lack the power to recharge the phone and it will not be possible to text a funny meme to a friend. Generally, the method applies mainly to installations on movable racks, where the actuator can initiate movement following the sun thanks to solar tracker. Thanks to this, we will be able to increase the efficiency of our panels by up to 30%. Or, you can customize your exercise bike to generate electricity. You can use some exercise because there is no need to overdo it with automation. Let us make sure that we do not turn into couch potatoes because it is also not desired. Especially when they lock us up at home and there is no way to go out for a run. ;)

DIY with an electric actuator – summary

As you can see, the actuators can be easily used in everyday activities, and there are more such examples than the 5 I have listed. There is no need to buy complicated systems, with dedicated controllers, etc. You just need to order actuators, simple controls, spend some time making the layout and it’s ready. You do not even have to leave home for shopping because everything can be conveniently ordered online. Later you can be proud of the results of your work and impress your family and friends at the same time.

Follow our channel on YouTube, where we upload interesting solutions to the home and more from time to time. And if you have any interesting ideas for unusual projects, write in the comments.

As for the virus, remember to take the calls to stay home seriously, as this is our joint fight for our health. If you can – stay home and do something productive.

#stayathome