PA-T8-6-100-188 Linear Actuator 6V DC - 100mm Stroke, 188N Load, 5mm/s Speed

Specifications

• Operating Voltage: 6V DC (Optimized range: 5V - 7.4V)

• Stroke Length: 100mm (4 inches)

• Max Load (Push/Pull): 188N (~19 kg / 42 lbs)

• Travel Speed: 5mm/s (at No Load)

• Motor Type: Low-Voltage Brushed DC

• Limit Switches: Built-in (Auto-stop at ends, non-adjustable)

• Material: Aluminum Alloy Tube / ABS Housing

• Protection Rating: IP54 (Splash Resistant)

• Duty Cycle: 10% (e.g., 2 minutes ON, 18 minutes OFF)

• Retracted Length: Approx. 205mm (Body + Stroke)

• Extended Length: Approx. 305mm

Key Applications & Projects

• Mobile Robotics: Lift arms or dumping beds on rover robots powered by 6V/7.2V battery packs.

• Portable Vents: Open cooling flaps on portable solar generators or camping gear.

• Science Fair Projects: Safe, low-voltage actuation for student demonstrations (bridges, hydraulic simulations).

• Costume Wings: Carry the battery weight easily with 4xAA cells instead of a heavy 12V brick.

Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution)

• Prerequisite: You've built small contraptions using Continuous Rotation Servos, but they lack the linear push to lift heavy objects.

• The Upgrade: This actuator provides 19kg of linear force. It transforms rotary motion into a powerful straight push, allowing you to build lifting mechanisms that servos simply can't handle.

• Effort Level: Beginner. Safest entry point into linear actuators due to low voltage.

Virtual Technician: Wiring & Safety Guide ⚠️

• Driver Recommendation: Since this is 6V, it pairs perfectly with the TB6612FNG or L298N Motor Drivers.

• Battery Power:

  • Good: 6V 4.5Ah Lead Acid Battery (Best performance).

  • Okay: 4x AA Alkaline Batteries (Good for intermittent light loads).

  • Avoid: 9V Batteries (Too weak, will drain instantly).

• Wiring Logic (H-Bridge):

  • Extend: Positive (+) to Red, Negative (-) to Black.

  • Retract: Positive (+) to Black, Negative (-) to Red.

Accessories

• Included: 1 x PA-T8-6-100-188 Linear Actuator 6V DC - 100mm Stroke, 188N Load, 5mm/s Speed 

• Required (Sold Separately):

  • 6V Power Source (Lead Acid or High-Current AA Holder)

  • DPDT Switch or Motor Driver (L298N)

  • Mounting Brackets (PA-T8)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I run this on 12V?

   • NO! Running a 6V motor at 12V will cause it to spin too fast, overheat, and burn out the brushes within minutes.

2. Will it work with 4 AA batteries?

   • Yes, 4x 1.5V AA batteries = 6V. This is enough for light to medium loads. For full 19kg load, use high-capacity rechargeable AAs or a Lead Acid battery.

3. Can I use a USB power bank (5V)?

   • Yes! It will run slightly slower (~4mm/s) and have slightly less force, but it works safely.

4. Does it hold position when power is off?

   • Yes, the lead screw design is self-locking. It will hold the load even without power.

5. Is it faster than the 12V version?

   • No, the speed (5mm/s) is the same. The difference is just the input voltage required.

6. Can I control it with an Arduino directly?

   • No, you still need a driver (like L298N) because the motor draws more current than the Arduino pins can supply.

7. What is the current draw?

   • At no load: ~200mA. At full load (19kg): ~600-800mA.

8. Is it waterproof?

   • IP54 rated. It can handle rain or water splashes, but do not submerge it.

9. Can I use a LiPo battery?

   • A 2S LiPo (7.4V) is slightly over-voltage but generally safe for short bursts. Do not use 3S (11.1V).

10. Does it come with brackets?

    • No, mounting brackets are sold separately.

11. How do I stop it mid-stroke?

    • Simply cut the power (turn off the switch or relay).

12. Can I use this for a toy excavator?

    • Yes! It's perfect for RC construction models due to the 6V/7.2V common voltage.

13. Why is it slow?

    • High gearing is needed to get 19kg of force from a small motor. Speed is sacrificed for strength.

14. Does it have a potentiometer feedback?

    • No, this is the standard 2-wire version.

15. What happens if I reverse the wires?

    • The actuator reverses direction (retracts instead of extends).

16. Is it loud?

    • It makes a moderate gear-whirring noise, similar to an RC car.

17. Can I use a 9V battery?

    • No. 9V block batteries have very high internal resistance and cannot supply the current this motor needs.

18. Is the rod metal?

    • Yes, the extending tube is Aluminum.

19. What is the duty cycle?

    • 10%. Let it cool down after extensive use.

    • Probots™ LifeCycle Ready ⏳: Avoiding overheating is key to long life.

20. Can I extend the wires?

    • Yes, use standard 20AWG or 18AWG wire. Since it's low voltage, keep extensions under 2 meters to avoid voltage drop.