

The Windows Linkage app has a feature where you can control the position of inputs manually. I added this a long time ago and I just implemented the first thing that came to mind. What I did was add sliding controls, sort of like scroll bars, to pick the position of the inputs.

The picture shows a mechanism with a rotating input and an actuator (linear input) both with manual controls. The actuator can only extend and the control knob starts at the left edge. The rotating input can move clockwise and counter-clockwise so the control knob starts in the middle. I also created a video of these working here.
My plan for the Mac Linkage app is to use buttons instead of sliders. For real-world applications, such as hydraulics on a tractor, the user has levers that are essentially up-neutral-down controls. I recall seeing a grader doing construction work and it appears to have rotary hydraulic actuators with rotating arms lifting the blade, something that is very uncommon. For a servo mechanism, such as on an RC truck, a specific positioning system might be useful too. I may back out of using buttons. But for now, up and down push buttons are part of the plan.
I also plan on placing these controls in the sidebar. Although I could stack them on top of the mechanism like in the Windows app, adding them to the existing sidebar will be easier. Testing will help me determine if that is the best placement option and if the controls will work as buttons.
Any thoughts? Find my email address and send me a note. Or use the contact form on this blog to let me know your opinions.
Dave