Pololu 4796 / 4797 Micro Metal Gearmotor HPCB 6V - 380:1

The Pololu 4796 / 4797 Micro Metal Gearmotor HPCB 6V with 380:1 gear ratio is a compact, high-performance brushed DC motor designed for robotics, automation, and precision mechanical applications requiring controlled low-speed, high-torque output. Professional roboticists, embedded systems engineers, and automation technicians rely on this motor for mobile robot platforms, conveyor systems, and mechanical actuators where space constraints and power efficiency are critical. This motor solves the challenge of delivering substantial torque in a miniaturized form factor while maintaining excellent speed control through PWM regulation.

Product Overview

The Pololu Micro Metal Gearmotor series combines a precision-engineered brushed DC motor with an integrated planetary gearbox to deliver exceptional torque multiplication from minimal input power. The 380:1 gear ratio achieves significant speed reduction from the motor's nominal RPM, converting high-speed motor rotation into controlled, powerful output suitable for driving wheels, lifting mechanisms, and rotational loads. The HPCB variant features high-performance carbon brushes that extend operational life and reduce electromagnetic noise, making it ideal for sensitive applications requiring clean power delivery and minimal interference in control circuits.

Operating at 6V nominal voltage, this gearmotor delivers approximately 0.5 kg-cm of stall torque with current draw under 1.6A at rated load, providing excellent power-to-weight ratio for mobile robotics and portable automation systems. The motor's compact cylindrical housing measures approximately 10mm in diameter and 28mm in length, enabling integration into space-constrained designs. Pololu's precision manufacturing ensures tight tolerances in the gearbox, resulting in minimal backlash and smooth, predictable motion control essential for odometry calculations and positional accuracy in autonomous systems.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Brushed DC Micro Metal Gearmotor with Planetary Gearbox
Brand	Pololu Robotics and Electronics
Origin	Original/Authentic
Warranty	7 days on manufacturing defects
Shipping	1-5 days from Bengaluru
Delivery	7-8 days across India
Support	24/7 via Email and WhatsApp
Nominal Voltage	6V DC
Gear Ratio	380:1
No-Load Speed	Approximately 50 RPM at 6V
Stall Torque	Approximately 0.5 kg-cm at 6V
Motor Diameter	10mm
Motor Length	28mm
Brush Type	High-Performance Carbon Brushes

Key Features

• High-Performance Carbon Brushes: Extended brush life and reduced electrical noise enable clean PWM control and longer operational intervals between maintenance
• Precision Planetary Gearbox: Minimal backlash design with tight tolerances ensures accurate positional control and reliable odometry feedback for autonomous navigation systems
• Compact Form Factor: 10mm diameter housing fits seamlessly into confined spaces in mobile robots, quadcopters, and miniaturized mechanical systems
• Efficient Power Delivery: Low internal resistance and optimized gear train deliver maximum torque output per watt of input power, extending battery life in portable applications
• Smooth Speed Control: Compatible with standard PWM motor drivers for variable speed operation from 0 to 100% without cogging or vibration
• Robust Construction: Metal gearbox housing and precision-machined gears withstand continuous operation under load with minimal wear

Applications and Use Cases

• Mobile Robot Drive Systems: Powers differential-drive platforms and wheeled robots requiring precise speed control and torque delivery for terrain navigation and obstacle avoidance
• Robotic Arm Actuators: Drives joint rotations in multi-axis robotic arms and manipulators where compact size and controlled torque enable precise object manipulation
• Conveyor and Automation Systems: Operates conveyor belts, sorting mechanisms, and automated assembly line components requiring consistent, controllable rotational force
• Wheelchair and Mobility Devices: Powers electric wheelchairs and personal mobility platforms where efficiency and compact motor design extend operational range
• Camera Pan-Tilt Mechanisms: Enables smooth, controlled movement of surveillance cameras and imaging systems in monitoring applications
• Robotic Grippers: Actuates pneumatic and mechanical gripper mechanisms for precise object grasping with controlled closing force

How to Use

Connect the motor's positive and negative leads to a 6V power source through a motor driver module such as the Pololu DRV8835 or TB6612FNG dual motor driver. For variable speed control, connect the motor driver's PWM input to a microcontroller GPIO pin configured for PWM output. Set the PWM frequency between 10 kHz and 20 kHz to avoid audible noise while maintaining smooth torque delivery. For direction control, use the motor driver's direction control pins to reverse polarity and achieve clockwise or counterclockwise rotation.

Mount the motor securely using the provided mounting brackets or custom mechanical fixtures, ensuring the output shaft couples to your load mechanism through a flexible coupling or gear interface. Implement current limiting in your motor driver circuit to prevent stall currents exceeding 1.6A during normal operation. For odometry applications, attach a quadrature encoder disk to the motor shaft or use the motor's natural gear reduction ratio to calculate distance traveled based on rotation counts. Always include freewheeling diodes across the motor terminals to protect driver circuitry from back-EMF spikes during rapid deceleration or direction reversal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 4796 and 4797 variants?

The Pololu 4796 and 4797 are functionally identical motors with the same 380:1 gear ratio and 6V specifications. The primary difference lies in the shaft configuration: the 4796 features a standard cylindrical output shaft, while the 4797 includes a D-shaped shaft for secure coupling with gears and wheels. Select the 4797 if you require positive-engagement shaft coupling to prevent slippage under load.

Can I operate this motor at voltages other than 6V?

While the motor is rated for 6V nominal operation, it can tolerate voltages between 4.5V and 9V for extended periods. Operating below 6V reduces speed and torque proportionally, while exceeding 9V increases heat generation and accelerates brush wear. For voltages above 6V, implement current limiting through your motor driver to protect the motor and control circuitry.

How do I calculate the motor's output torque at different load speeds?

The motor exhibits a linear torque-speed characteristic. At no-load, it delivers approximately 50 RPM with minimal torque. At stall (zero RPM), it delivers maximum torque of 0.5 kg-cm. For intermediate speeds, use the formula: Torque = Stall Torque x (1 - Speed / No-Load Speed). This relationship helps you determine if the motor can sustain your mechanical load at desired speed.

What is the recommended PWM frequency for smooth operation?

Use PWM frequencies between 10 kHz and 20 kHz for optimal performance. Frequencies below 10 kHz may produce audible cogging or vibration as the motor responds to discrete PWM pulses. Frequencies above 20 kHz exceed the motor driver's switching capability and reduce control resolution. Most Arduino PWM pins default to 490 Hz, which may cause audible noise; reprogram the PWM timer to achieve higher frequencies.

How much backlash does the gearbox introduce?

The Pololu planetary gearbox design minimizes backlash to approximately 3-5 degrees of input shaft rotation, significantly lower than spur gear alternatives. This low backlash enables accurate odometry calculations in mobile robots and precise positioning in robotic arms. For applications requiring zero backlash, consider implementing a dual-motor differential or backlash compensation algorithm in your control firmware.

When will I receive my order?

Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.

What is your return and warranty policy?

We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.

Are bulk discounts available?

Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.

Why Buy from The Engineer Store

• Genuine Products: Sourced directly from authorized distributors with authentication
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• Fast Shipping: Dispatched within 1-5 days from our Bengaluru warehouse
• Pan-India Delivery: 7-8 days to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata
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• Technical Support: 24/7 expert guidance via email and WhatsApp
• Returns: 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only

Buy Pololu 4796 / 4797 Micro Metal Gearmotor HPCB 6V - 380:1 Online in India

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