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GA12-N20 Gear Reduction Motor Micro DC Gear Motor 3V/6V/12V 15-1000rpm Smart Car Electronic Lock Robot Low Speed High Torque
GA12-N20 Product Overview
The GA12-N20 is a classic micro DC gear reduction motor featuring an ultra‑narrow 12mm metal gearbox design that delivers high torque and precise speed control in an extremely compact package. Available in 3V, 6V, and 12V voltage options, the GA12-N20 offers no‑load speeds from 15rpm to 1000rpm. The all‑metal gear construction ensures high durability and long service life. The GA12-N20 is widely used in smart cars, electronic locks, robots, camera gimbals, and other space‑constrained applications.
GA12-N20 Core Features
Ultra‑Compact Size: The GA12-N20 measures only 12mm wide, approximately 34mm long, and 10mm high, easily fitting into miniature devices.
All‑Metal Gearbox: The GA12-N20's all‑metal gearbox provides superior durability and stable output compared to plastic gears.
Multiple Voltage and Speed Options: The GA12-N20 is available in 3V, 6V, and 12V. No‑load speeds range from 15‑1000rpm (3V), 30‑2000rpm (6V), and 60‑4000rpm (12V). Custom speeds available upon request.
Low Speed, High Torque: The GA12-N20 delivers higher reduction ratios for greater torque and quieter operation. Rated torque up to 1 kg‑cm or more on some models.
D‑Shape Output Shaft: The GA12-N20 features a standard 3mm D‑shape shaft that prevents slippage when connecting to loads. Couplers available for various transmission needs.
Self‑Locking Function: The GA12-N20 maintains position when power is off, with low noise and high torque.
Low Power Consumption: The GA12-N20 has a rated current as low as 30mA with efficiency up to 78%, ideal for battery‑powered devices.
Wide Operating Temperature: The GA12-N20 operates in a temperature range of 40‑50℃, suitable for various environments.
GA12-N20 Applications
The GA12-N20 is widely used in:
Smart Cars / Robots: As drive motors, the GA12-N20 provides stable low‑speed, high‑torque output. For example, the Cutebot smart car uses the GA12-N20 300rpm version.
Electronic Locks / Door Locks: The GA12-N20's self‑locking function enables reliable locking and unlocking.
Camera Gimbals: The GA12-N20's compact size is ideal for pan and tilt mechanisms.
Micro Automation Mechanisms: The GA12-N20 is suitable for automatic curtains, precision medical instruments, automated production lines, etc..
STEM Education / Maker Projects: The GA12-N20 is ideal for robotics competitions, smart home prototyping, and educational kits.
GA12-N20 Key Advantages
The GA12-N20 is a trusted classic in micro transmission applications. The GA12-N20's 12mm ultra‑narrow width allows easy integration into space‑constrained devices, solving the problem of oversized motors. The GA12-N20's all‑metal gearbox provides superior durability and torque compared to plastic gears, ensuring long‑term reliable operation. The GA12-N20's wide range of voltage and speed combinations allows flexible selection based on project requirements – from low‑speed, high‑torque to high‑speed, low‑torque applications. The GA12-N20's D‑shape shaft design, combined with optional couplers, greatly simplifies mechanical connections and transmission design. Whether you are a STEM educator, robotics competitor, maker, or product developer, the GA12-N20 is a trusted micro power solution.
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1. What is the GA12-N20 geared motor, and what does the model number mean?
The GA12-N20 is a standardized micro DC geared motor widely used in smart cars, electronic locks, robots, and automation models. The model number has specific meanings:
GA = Gear Motor series code
12 = Motor housing diameter of approximately 12mm
N20 = Core drive unit using N20 specification coreless or iron-core rotor
This motor integrates a multi-stage metal gear reduction gearbox, delivering high torque and low speed in a compact package.
2. What voltages does this motor support, and how does speed vary by voltage?
The GA12-N20 geared motor supports DC 3V, 6V, and 12V standard voltages. At the same gear ratio, higher voltage = higher no-load speed:
| Voltage | Typical No-Load Speed Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3V | ~35–200 rpm | Low-power, battery-powered devices |
| 6V | ~60–500 rpm | Smart cars, robots (most common) |
| 12V | ~100–1000+ rpm | Higher-speed automation equipment |
Actual speed depends on the selected gear ratio. Common options include 15, 30, 50, 60, 100, 200, 300, 500, and 1000 rpm.
3. How much torque does this motor provide? What load can it handle?
The GA12-N20's torque varies by voltage and gear ratio. Reference specifications:
Rated torque: approximately 1.5–2.2 kg·cm (0.15–0.22 N·m)
Some high-torque models: up to 2.5–3 kg·cm
Stall torque: up to 0.8–2.0 kg·cm
Key principle: Lower speed = higher torque; higher speed = lower torque. For example, the 12V/1000rpm model has a rated torque of approximately 0.30 kg·cm, while low-speed models (e.g., 30rpm) can deliver over 2.0 kg·cm. Ideal for driving smart car wheels or lightweight actuators.
4. What is the operating current? What power supply do I need?
The GA12-N20's current consumption varies by voltage and load:
No-load current: approximately 10–70 mA
Rated load current: approximately 20–300 mA
Stall current: up to ~1A
It is recommended to use a power supply with a rated output current of at least 500mA. If driving multiple motors or expecting stall conditions, use a 1A or higher power supply for stable operation.
5. What projects is the GA12-N20 suitable for?
With a compact diameter of just 12mm, the GA12-N20 is ideal for space-constrained micro mechanisms. Typical applications include:
Smart cars/robots: Wheel drive motors
Electronic door locks: Self-locking function with high torque
Automated curtains/blinds: Low-speed, high-torque drive
Micro robotic arms: Precise position control
DIY electronic toys: RC cars, models
Medical assistive devices: Precision micro drives
6. Does this motor have a self-locking function? Is it noisy?
Yes, the GA12-N20 geared motor features a self-locking function — it maintains its position when powered off and does not reverse due to external force. This is crucial for applications like electronic locks and robotic arms that require position holding.
Regarding noise: higher gear ratios = quieter operation. The all-metal gear construction ensures low noise, long life, and high reliability.
7. Does this motor support PWM speed control? How do I control the speed?
Yes, the GA12-N20 supports PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) speed control. You can smoothly adjust motor speed by outputting a PWM signal from a microcontroller like Arduino. Here's how:
Use a MOSFET or motor driver module (e.g., L298N, TB6612) to drive the motor
Adjust the PWM duty cycle (0–100%) to control speed
With the encoder version, you can also achieve closed-loop speed/position control
8. What are the shaft diameter and dimensions? Is it easy to install?
Shaft diameter: 3mm (D-shaft; some models 2.5mm)
Shaft length: approximately 10mm
Body diameter: 12mm
Total length: approximately 34mm (including gearbox)
Weight: only about 11 grams
The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to embed into various small devices.
9. How do I choose the right speed and voltage for my project?
Selection guide:
| Project Need | Recommended Voltage | Recommended Speed | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| High torque, slow speed (door locks, curtains) | 6V or 12V | 15–60 rpm | Lowest speed = highest torque |
| Smart car (normal speed) | 6V | 100–300 rpm | Best balance of speed and torque |
| Smart car (faster speed) | 12V | 300–500 rpm | Higher travel speed |
| Battery-powered / low-power | 3V | Depends on need | Lowest power consumption |
Key principle: Speed and torque are inversely proportional. Choose lower speed models for climbing or heavy loads; choose higher speed models for speed-focused applications.
10. Is there an encoder version of this motor?
Yes. The GA12-N20 series is available in Hall encoder versions. The encoder typically provides 7PPR (pulses per revolution) feedback, enabling:
Precise speed control (closed-loop)
Precise position control (angular positioning)
Travel distance measurement (for robot navigation)
Ideal for projects requiring precise motion control, such as self-balancing robots and line-following cars.
- Model:
- GA12-N20
- Motor Type:
- Brushed DC Gear Reduction Motor
- Output Shaft:
- 3mm D‑shape shaft
- Rated Voltage:
- 3V / 6V / 12V optiona
- No‑Load Speed:
- 15‑1000rpm (3V) / 30‑2000rpm (6V) / 60‑4000rpm (12V)
- Rated Power:
- 2W
- Gear Material:
- All‑metal
- Applications:
- Smart cars, electronic locks, robots, camera gimbals, micro automation, STEM education