Engineering project help...

[parkerbender]

I'm working on a steering system for a 1/4 scale tractor that is electronically controlled. I'm trying to put together a new system that auto-centers, using a linear actuator. The question is how does a person make a controller for let's say a nook 8" linear actuator, that goes back to center without an input? Would the easiest way be to use an actuator with a built-in potentiometer, and a voltage comparator? The tractor is being used for exhibition purposes by the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

Ideas? Opinions? Thanks for anything!

-Parker Bender

[Trucks]

Just out of curiosity what will be making it go back to center? Is it following something, or is the purpose just to make it center after it has been moved?

[parkerbender]

well, the tractor is currently steered with a joystick, and a dpdt switch that is normally open in the center, i'd like to make the steering go back to center when it's open, so the tractor would turn, then when you put the control back to center, the tractor would straighten out, instead of having to turn it the opposite direction to balance it out.