Tech Tips

No. 2 - Decoding Motor Part Numbers

The subject for this tech tip is how to decode manufacturer part numbers for two popular brands of hobby motors, Mabuchi and Pittman.

First, let's take a look at Mabuchi part numbers. The full coding system consists of the following groups of letters and numbers;

AA-NNNAA-NN(N)NN
Where A is an alphabetic character and N is a numeric character.

The first letter gives the motor shape; R = round, F = flat, S = Square.
The second letter gives the brush construction; E, A & U are stamped metallic brushes, F & D are stamped forked metallic brushes, C, K, H, S, & T are carbon brushes.
The first number is the code for the armature diameter. No specific data is given but, the bigger the number, the larger the armature.
The second number is the code number for the magnet size or case length. No specific data available.
The third number is the code for the number of poles; 0 = 3 poles, 5 = 5 poles & 3 = 12 poles.
The next letter is the magnet type; R & C are segmented isotropic magnets, T & Y are ring isotropic magnets, S, P & V are anisotropic magnets, C = synthetic rubber magnets.
The next letter is used to specify various options; A = standard end cap (plastic), B = variation of standard end cap, D = special performance, F = built-in cooling fan, H = end bell made of metal and plastic, M = lower mechanical noise, Y = armature with special winding.
The next 2 numbers give the diameter of armature wire in millimeters and the last two or three numbers give the number of turns.

So, if we take a Mabuchi part number such as;

RS-540RH-7522
We can tell the motor has a round can, carbon brushes, 3 poles, anisotropic magnets and a metal and plastic end bell. Further, the armature is wound with 22 turns of .75mm wire.

Next, let's take a look at Pittman part numbers. The smaller Pittman motors are the 8000 series which are round motors 1.175" in diameter and have 7 poles. The part number consists of the following groups of letters and numbers;

AA 8NNNANNN
Where A is an alphabetic character and N is a numeric character.

The first two letters, if present, will be GM to indicate a gearmotor, if the letters are missing, the motor has no gears.
The "8" indicates the series.
The next number indicates the type of terminal, leads and mounting holes; 3 = 3 hole mounting/side terminals, 4 = 4 hole mounting/side terminals, 5 = 4 hole mounting/rear terminals, 7 = gearmotor side terminals, 8 = gearmotor rear terminals
The next number indicates output; 1 = standard performance 2 = high performance.
The next number indicates can length; 2, 3 or 4 where 2 is shortest and 4 is longest.
The next letter and final 3 numbers is the factory assigned configuration and I have no information on how to decode this. It is safe to assume it contains information about wire size, number of turns and the type of bearings.

The larger Pittman motors are the 9000 series which are round motors 1.580" in diameter and also have 7 poles. The part number consists of the following groups of letters and numbers;

AA 9NNNANNN
Where A is an alphabetic character and N is a numeric character.

The first two letters, if present, will be GM to indicate a gearmotor, if the letters are missing, the motor has no gears.
The "9" indicates the series.
The next number indicates the type of terminal or leads; 2 = lead wires, 4 = side terminals, 5 = rear terminals.
The next number indicates output; 1 = standard performance 3 = high performance.
The next number indicates can length; 2, 3 or 4 where 2 is shortest and 4 is longest.
The next letter and final 3 numbers is the factory assigned configuration and I have no information on how to decode this.

So, if we take a part number such as;

9433D129
We can tell the motor is 1.580" in diameter, has 7 poles, no gears, side terminals, high performance, and medium can length.


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