ACTUATOR CONTROLLER FOR MONITORING HEALTH AND STATUS OF THE ACTUATOR AND/OR OTHER EQUIPMENT

A device for controlling an actuator includes a controller mounted within a housing having an outer surface. The controller is adapted for controlling outputs connected to the actuator for controlling an operation of the actuator. A data input interface receives data from the actuator and/or from other equipment being acted on by the actuator. A memory stores expected parameters of the actuator. An operator interface provided on the housing's outer surface accepts operator commands and/or settings for input to the controller. A display and/or indicator on the housing's outer surface displays an output of the controller. The controller compares the data, and/or derived parameters of the data, with the expected parameters, to monitor a health and status of one or both of the actuator and the other equipment. The controller indicates the health and the status to the operator utilizing the display and/or indicator.