mount control

Noob question here..<BR>We are trying to complete a motor actuated mount system running on an standard 12v automotive system using a 12v gear head motor for left right movement and a 12v linear actuator for up and down movement.<BR>I came across your controllers and they look like they might do the trick.<BR>The questions:<BR>Can an analog joystick be connected directly to the controller allowing control for both left or right and up or down simultaneously ie: when the joystick is pushed to a diagonal it would control movement for example left and up.<BR>For our left right movement and up down movement does the controller change the polarity to allow the motor to reverse?(our motors all have only 2 wires + and -<BR>Using the optical sensor option can we limit the degrees rotation of the rotary motor ie: to only allow a max of 320 degrees(don't want to rip off those pesky motor wires : )<BR>Lastly which controller would be the most economic model that would accomplish our goal. <BR>Sorry for the noobishness of the above questions.<BR><BR>

Our controller would probably do the jog.

It will take an XY joystick to control both motors. It will also do forward/reverse.

Using the optical encoder to limit travel is a bit trickier since encoders do not return an absolute position. In any case, our controller's software is not able to detect count and automatically use these to limit travel. The best is to use limit switches.

The controller model to chose depends on the Amps that your application draws.

We would recommend the AX3500 which has the encoder &amp; limit switch inputs.

Thats impressive, an answer on the weekend, looks like we found the right company for sure!!
Will any analog joystick work ie 15 pin pc type, or is there a brand/model joystick you recommend.<BR><BR>Will any limit switch work or is there a brand/model you recommend?<BR><BR>Is it also possible instead to have mechanical limit switches at the motor where we simply cut power for that direction only allowing the motor to only move in the oposite direction vs being controled at the controller level or will the controler be confused by the power loss to the motor?

Were basically looking for the lowest cost to function in all areas.<BR>

The limit switches that are found on some of our controllers will allow the motor to run in the opposite direction after a limit is reached.

Note that you can also implement limit switches using an electromechanical solution as the one shown on page 103 of the AX1500 manual <A href="dev.roboteq.com/dev1/files/manuals/ax1500man17-110305.pdf" target=_blank>dev.roboteq.com/dev1/files/manuals/ax1500man17-110305.pdf

This solution has the benefit of being totally independent of the controller so it will survive any malfunction. It is limited by the number of Amps that is allowed by the limit switch, although additional electromechanical relay can be used to let small limit switches to cut off high motor current.

Ahh, some of your products have built in limit switches? that would be perfect, which models have the limit switch.
BTW this has been great customer service, especially since my questions are probably considered remedial : )

The models with built-in switch sensors are the ones with encoder support: AX2850 and AX3500. The AX1500 may be fitted with the optional encoder module but this not the most economical solution.

Looks like we'll be going with the 2550, unless the 1500 or other lower cost controlers is available in an enclosure?