Motors
An electric motor is an electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Most electric motors operate through the interaction between the motor's magnetic field and electric current in a wire winding to generate force in the form of torque applied on the motor's shaft. An electric generator is mechanically identical to an electric motor, but operates with a reversed flow of power, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
See our Motors Page for more details on how motors work.
Motor Encoders
An encoder is a sensing device that provides feedback. Encoders convert motion to an electrical signal that can be read by some type of control device in a motion control system, such as a counter or PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The encoder sends a feedback signal that can be used to determine position, count, speed, or direction.
Encoders work by measuring the distance a disc rotates where each unit will be a degree or less. This disc will sometimes be a fine tooth gear that will count each tooth that passes, or on more precise encoders, a laser that passes through equally spaced slots that are read by a light sensor. The light sensor is attached to a control unit that will output a high pulse square wave each time light is sensed. This can further be associated and read to be a degree or less at a time.
Incremnetal vs Absolute Signals
Encoders may produce either incremental or absolute signals. Incremental signals do not indicate a specific position, only that the position has changed. Absolute encoders, on the other hand, use a different “word” for each position, meaning that an absolute encoder provides both the indication that the position has changed and an indication of the absolute position of the encoder.
TETRIX® MAX TorqueNADO® Motor
Take your TETRIX® robots to the next level with a stronger 12-volt DC motor with 100 rpm and 700 oz-in. of torque. The motor features a built-in, high-resolution Hall effect encoder for precise motor control and comes with an encoder cable.
A 60:1 gearbox comes standard on the TorqueNADO motor. Additional gearboxes are available.
Based on user feedback and created specifically to withstand the stress of intense robotics competitions, this is our strongest TETRIX motor yet. TorqueNADO® is compatible with all TETRIX MAX DC Motor Mounts, sold separately.
Specifications
Weight: 324 g
Operating Voltage: 12 V
Length: 134.1 mm/5.28 in.
Gear Ratios: 60:1
Diameter: 37 mm
Shaft: 6 mm D shaft
Stall Torque: 700 oz/in.
No-Load Speed (RPM): 100
Motor: DC brushed
20:1 Planetary Gearbox Encoder Specifications
TETRIX® MAX TorqueNADO® Motor Reduction: 60:1
Free Speed (RPM): 100
Cycles per Rotation of the Encoder Shaft: 24 (1 Rise of Channel A)
Counts per Rotation of the Output Shaft: 1440 (72 Rises of Channel A)
HD Hex Motor 20:1 Planetary Gearbox
The HD Hex series motors and gearboxes all feature integrated encoders and power that plug right into your REV Expansion Hub or Control Hub. The HD Hex series gearboxes all feature a 5mm hex output shaft that makes it easy to connect gears, sprockets, wheels, etc. Encoder cable and power cables are always included with motor. Motor specifications are similar in size and power to other FTC motors with a more convenient output shaft. The HD Hex Motor 20:1 Planetary Gearbox is compatible with the 15mm Metal Flat Planetary Motor Bracket (REV-41-1564) and 15mm Metal Bent Planetary Motor Bracket (REV-41-1563).
Specifications
Weight: 436g (including motor)
Output Shaft: 5mm hex
Output Shaft Length: 40mm
Free Speed: 300 rpm (31.4 rad/s)
Stall Torque: 297.4 oz-in (2.1 Nm)
20:1 Planetary Gearbox Encoder Specifications
Core Hex Motor (REV-41-1300) Reduction: 20:1
Free Speed (RPM): 300
Cycles per Rotation of the Encoder Shaft: 28 (1 Rise of Channel A)
Counts per Rotation of the Output Shaft: 560 (72 Rises of Channel A)
HD Hex Motor 20:1 Spur Gearbox
The HD Hex series motors and gearboxes all feature integrated encoders and power that plug right into your REV Expansion Hub or Control Hub. The HD Hex series gearboxes all feature a 5mm hex output shaft that makes it easy to connect gears, sprockets, wheels, etc. Encoder cable and power cables are always included with motor. Motor specifications are similar in size and power to other FTC motors with a more convenient output shaft. The HD Hex Motor 20:1 Spur Gearbox is compatible with the 15mm Metal Bent HD Hex Motor Bracket V2 (REV-41-1487) and the 15mm Metal Flat HD Hex Motor Bracket V2 (REV-41-1486).
Specifications
Weight: 350g (including motor)
Output Shaft: 5mm hex
Output Shaft Length: 40mm
Mounting Holes: 10 - M3 tapped - use a 5mm length or shorter bolt
Free Speed: 300 rpm (31.4 rad/s)
Stall Torque: 297.4 oz-in (2.1 Nm)
20:1 Planetary Gearbox Encoder Specifications
Core Hex Motor (REV-41-1300) Reduction: 20:1
Free Speed (RPM): 300
Cycles per Rotation of the Encoder Shaft: 28 (1 Rise of Channel A)
Counts per Rotation of the Output Shaft: 560 (72 Rises of Channel A)
HD Hex Motor 40:1 Spur Gearbox
The HD Hex series motors and gearboxes all feature integrated encoders and power that plug right into your REV Expansion Hub or Control Hub. The HD Hex series gearboxes all feature a 5mm hex output shaft that makes it easy to connect gears, sprockets, wheels, etc. Encoder cable and power cables are always included with motor. Motor specifications are similar in size and power to other FTC motors with a more convenient output shaft. The HD Hex Motor 20:1 Spur Gearbox is compatible with the 15mm Metal Bent HD Hex Motor Bracket V2 (REV-41-1487) and the 15mm Metal Flat HD Hex Motor Bracket V2 (REV-41-1486).
Specifications
Weight: 350g (including motor)
Output Shaft: 5mm hex
Output Shaft Length: 40mm
Mounting Holes: 10 - M3 tapped - use a 5mm length or shorter bolt
Free Speed: 150 rpm (15.7 rad/s)
Stall Torque: 594.7 oz-in (4.2 Nm)
40:1 Spur Gearbox Encoder Specifications
Core Hex Motor (REV-41-1300) Reduction: 40:1
Free Speed (RPM): 150
Cycles per Rotation of the Encoder Shaft: 28 (1 Rise of Channel A)
Counts per Rotation of the Output Shaft: 1120 (72 Rises of Channel A)