Hey guys

I'm using a car window motor to drive a lead screw with the standard automotive 12V system. Is there a simple way to put something inline so when the leadscrew reaches the end of the travel and hits a stop, it stops the current to the motor. the stock unit must have something built in but I need different limits. Im trying to avoid mechanical limit switches.

Troy

Hi Troy
If you are against mechanical limit switches because of dust, then you might consider a ceramic magnet on the traverse driven by the lead screw , which operates a reed relay at the limiting points.

Thanks Mr. Nubbage

I am using this to open and close a vent in a shop so you're right that I am worried about dust and other crap in the air (including bugs). I need to open the unit and see where the existing limit switches connect into the circuit. So do you have a manufacturer to suggest for your kind of limit switch, or should I just do an Internet search for something? I'm guessing the current level that the switch needs to carry is pretty low so just about anything will work?

Thanks.

Hi Troy
The beauty of the approach is that the components are readily available and very tolerant of environment.
Just google for "ceramic magnets" and "reed relays", and that should throw up a number of local sources in your area. When you have a handfull (and they are inexpensive) just fiddle around with different arrangements on a test fixture until you get reliable switching every time.
Reed relay contact ratings go up to several amps, and the sensing distance for the ceramic magnet is several millimetres, so tolerances are relaxed whilst still ensuring reliable operation. Ceramic magnets, as you might guess, are high-energy types and can operate up to quite high ambient temperatures without demagnetizing.
Give us some feedback how the project is going later.