Data Sheet
 Rev C. 
Model Selection 
The L16 has 3 configuration choices: Stroke, Gear Ratio and 
Controller. L16 options are identified according to the 
following model numbering scheme: 
L16-SS-GG-VV-C 
Feature  Options 
SS: Stroke  50, 100, 140 (mm) 
GG: Gear reduction 
ratio (refer to load 
curves above) 
35, 63, 150 
(lower ratios are faster but push 
less force, and vice versa) 
VV: Voltage  12 vdc or 6 vdc (-R only) 
C: Controller  P Potentiometer Feedback 
S Limit Switches 
R RC Linear Servo 
L16 Controller Options 
Option S – End of Stroke Limit Switches 
WIRING: (see last page for pin numbering) 
1 - Red – Motor V+ 
2 – Black – Motor V- (Ground) 
-S actuators are ideal for manually controlled applications and 
simple two position automated mechanisms. The –S actuators 
have limit switches that will turn off power to the motor when 
the  actuator  reaches  within  0.5mm  of  the  end  of  stroke. 
Internal  diodes  allow  the  actuator  to  reverse  away  from  the 
limit  switch.    The  limit  switches  cannot  be  moved  once  the 
actuator  is  manufactured.    While  voltage  is  applied  to  the 
motor power pins, (1 & 2) the actuator extends.  Reverse the 
polarity  and  the  actuator  retracts.  This  can  be  accomplished 
manually  with  a  DPDT  switch  or  relay,  or  using  an  H-Bridge 
circuit.    The  –S  model  cannot  be  used  with  the  LAC  control 
board. 
Option P – Potentiometer Position Feedback 
WIRING: (see last page for pin numbering) 
1 - Orange – Feedback Potentiometer negative reference rail 
2 - Purple  – Feedback Potentiometer wiper 
3 - Red  – Motor V+ (6V or 12V) 
4 - Black – Motor V- (Ground) 
5 - Yellow – Feedback Potentiometer positive reference rail 
-P actuators are suited to automatically controlled positioning 
systems,  but  they  can  also  be  driven  manually.  The  –P 
actuators have no built in controller, but do provide an analog 
position  feedback  signal  that  can  be  input  to  an  external 
controller.  While voltage is applied to the motor power pins, 
(3  &  4)  the  actuator  extends.    Reverse  the  polarity  and  the 
actuator retracts.  This can be accomplished manually with a 
DPDT switch or relay, or using an H-Bridge circuit.  Position of 
the  actuator  stroke  can  be  monitored  via  the  internal  linear 
potentiometer.    Provide  any  stable  low  and  high  reference 
voltage on pins 1 & 5, then read the position signal on pin 2.  
The  voltage  on  pin  2  will  vary  linearly  between  the  two 
reference  voltages  in  proportion  to  the  position  of  the 
actuator stroke. 
The  L16  –P  actuator  can  be  used  as  a  linear  servo  by 
connecting the actuator to an external controller such as the 
LAC board offered by Actuonix.  This control board reads the 
position  signal  from  the  L16,  compares  it  with  your  input 
control signal then commands the actuator to move via an on-
board  H-bridge  circuit.    The  LAC  allows any  one  of  the 
following  control  inputs: Analog 0-3.3V  or 4-20mA, or  Digital 
0-5V  PWM, 1-2ms  Standard  RC,  or  USB.    The  RC  input 
effectively transforms your L16 into a linear servo, which is a 
direct replacement  for any  common  hobby  servo used in  RC 
toys  and  robotics.    Refer  to  the  LAC  datasheet  for  more 
details.  
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
0 50 100 150 200 250
Speed (mm/s)
Force (N)
Load Curves
35:1
63:1
150:1
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
0 50 100 150 200 250
Current (mA)
Force (N)
Current Curves
L16 Specifications
Copyright 2016 
 Actuonix Motion Devices Inc. 




