trying to control linear actuators

Hi -

So, looking at your larger diagram, is the "Alarm Switch (NO)" a momentary switch?  If not, will this setup work with a momentary switch in that position?  I'm working on a project much like a CD drive: push the button once, the mechanism travels to its limits in one direction and stops, push the botton again and it travels to the limit in the other direction.

Thanks!

It is a pin switch.

Yes a momentary will work if you want to operate it by hand.

If I may - I have two questions about the relays in your diagram.

- Are these (should they be) DPDT?

- What amperage would you suggest they handle, would 15 amps be ok?

Thanks again.

SPDT Automotive Relays rated at 30 amps

https://www.the12volt.com/relays/relays.asp

Right, right.  I've read the tutorials, but got confused in looking at other projects.  SPDT @ 30 amps, thanks.

Could you provide some guidance on the limit switches?  How many amps do they need to handle, and got any suggestions for a product?

If the limit switches control the relay, Less than 1 amp.

If they control the Actuator motor that depends on the Amp draw of the Actuator.

Thanks.  Pouring over this some more - if I put a momentary switch in that Alarm Switch position, would that not just cause the coils on the relays to energize only for a second, thus the actuator would only run for that brief instant?  I mean, using this setup as it stands, do I have to hold the button down until it reaches the opposite limit switch?

Ideally, I'd like to touch (and release) my button once and have the actuator run its full length until it reaches the opposite limit switch.  Touch it again, it reverses, like a DVD drive.

Perhaps I'd need latching relays?

Continued from above... my parts aren't here yet so I've nothing to do except try to think this through...

Initially the actuator will be sitting against one limit switch or the other, that switch will be Open, so that relay coil won't be energized.  I hit my button...

Maybe my problem is that you included a Trunk Switch (cool idea).  As it stands, am I correct saying that if I eliminate the Trunk switch, I have no way to reverse the actuator?

Or even better, I'm trying to understand how to throw the "momentary to constant" diagram into this mix:

https://www.the12volt.com/relays/page5.asp#mtc

Could you slam this into your diagram?