ORCA Series Smart Linear Motors feature a deceptively simple design. They are fully integrated, all drivers, sensors and controllers are located within the motor’s chassis. The shaft is removable, leading to a fully-compliant motor and completely cogless operation. Despite this, they are capable of a wide range of abilities across countless applications, including data logging.

Data logging involves the capture and storage of data, typically for later use in data analysis. ORCA motors enable data logging through: the motor’s onboard sensors and high sampling rate, communication rates of up to 2.25 kHz between hardware and software interfaces, and logging methods available in software, including IrisControls and the orcaSDK.

Instant data feedback allows for smooth control over various interfaces, including serial communication. In testing and measurement, it also allows for real-time monitoring of the motor’s temperature, power draw, force output and position all from within the motor’s internal sensors.

What Data Can the ORCA Motor Capture?

ORCA motors can capture: force, position, speed, acceleration, temperature, power, and voltage data in real-time. The simplest way to get started with logging data from your ORCA Motor starts in IrisControls, our in-house GUI. You can download IrisControls through our Downloads Webpage. 

Follow Along with Written Instructions

Within IrisControls, the Position mode and Force mode pages feature live data plots, in the middle of the page. Data from these plots can be saved directly to a text file. Operate the motor with the plot open, and when finished right click on the plot and select save all data, or select save on specific datasets of interest. IrisControls will plot approximately the last 15 minutes of force and position data.

For more flexible, higher resolution data logging, the orcaSDK provides a C++ or Python interface that allows you to integrate ORCA into your application. Consult our orcaSDK, linked on the downloads page of our website for more information.

The ORCA Motor can also be used with MATLAB, LabVIEW, Modbus, C++ and Python.

In PID controller tuning, instant data feedback leads to greater safety in operating the motor, with the user allowed more control of overheating, exertion and friction. To put it simply ORCA Series Motors allow for data-driven decision making in linear actuation.