Electric Underwater Rotary Actuators Online

The actuator supports RS422 (RS485 full duplex on 4 wires) and RS232 serial communication at 19200 baud (8, N, 1). Communication parameters including status message frequency and travel limit switch positions are configurable and stored in non-volatile EEPROM memory, persisting across power cycles.

The actuator uses a 30-bit absolute multi-turn encoder — 14-bit single-turn resolution (16,383 counts/turn) plus a 16-bit turns counter. Position data is retained across power cycles, so there is no need to re-home or re-zero the actuator after shutdown, which is critical for remotely operated subsea systems.

At a gear ratio of 238:1, the actuator delivers a nominal continuous torque of 19 ft·lbf (27 Nm) and a maximum output shaft speed of 30 RPM. The maximum continuous current draw is 2.9 A at 24 VDC. These characteristics make it well-suited for valve actuation and precise positioning in subsea environments.

The actuator supports two primary operating modes: continuous spin (jog) mode for free rotation, and precise position control mode with 0.1-degree resolution at the output shaft. Two software-configurable virtual travel limit switches are also available to define safe operating ranges without additional hardware.

The actuator is fitted with an MCBH8M SubConn 8-pin underwater connector, a widely adopted standard in ROV and subsea instrumentation systems. This connector type provides reliable, waterproof electrical mating for power and RS422/RS232 communication in underwater deployments.

These actuators are designed for underwater ROVs, deep-sea robotic manipulators, subsea valve and equipment control, ocean research platforms, and underwater positioning systems. Their self-contained design, deep-depth rating, and absolute position retention make them a versatile choice for a broad range of subsea actuation applications.