Turnabot N30 Planetary gearmotor
Go big. The Turnabot N30 Planetary Gearmotors are the heavy hitters of the 12mm planetary family—built for builders who want maximum torque and durability in a still-compact package. With weights starting at 17.8g and a true 12mm all-metal planetary gearbox, they’re designed to take combat robotics abuse while giving you two clear options: a 2S “torque monster” for brutal push and control, or a 3S-optimized variant for more battle time and thermal headroom at higher voltage.
$20.00
Why a Planetary Gearmotor?
In combat robotics, drive motors are exposed to repeated shock loads, sudden reversals, and side impacts that quickly reveal the limits of traditional spur gearboxes. Planetary gearboxes distribute load across multiple gears and through a rigid carrier and ring, significantly improving impact resistance while increasing torque capacity within the same diameter envelope.
The Turnabot N30 Planetary Gearmotors are built around a true 12mm all-metal planetary gearbox, offering a substantial durability upgrade over spur gear motors of similar size. This design helps resist shaft bending, gear tooth shear, and retention failures that commonly end matches early.
The N30 Advantage: Torque, Thermal Mass, and Match Reliability
If you’re building a drivetrain that needs to keep delivering deep into the match—after repeated hits, repeated reversals, and repeated wall slams—the N30 size brings meaningful advantages. With weights starting at 17.8g, the N30 format provides additional torque capacity and thermal mass compared to smaller options, improving consistency under sustained load and higher current draw.
Two N30 Variants: 2S Torque vs 3S Endurance
Turnabot offers two N30 variants tuned for different use cases:
- TB N30 2S: A high-torque “monster” option designed to deliver enormous push and control on 2S, with correspondingly higher current demands.
- TB N30 3S: Optimized for 3S use, emphasizing improved endurance and thermal headroom at higher voltage—ideal when you want more battle time and sustained performance.
Output Shaft and Wheel Retention
Each N30 planetary gearmotor features a robust output shaft with a machined retention groove and ships with a circlip for secure wheel retention. This system dramatically improves resistance to wheel loss under weapon hits and wall impacts, a frequent failure mode for small drivetrains and smooth-shaft designs.
Speed, Torque, and Electrical Considerations
The Turnabot N30 Planetary Gearmotors are available in multiple speed options to support different drive styles and chassis layouts. Published RPM values should be considered typical measured performance under standard conditions; engraved motor markings may not reflect final output speed once installed in a planetary gearbox or operated at different voltages.
Manufacturer testing and recommendations frequently reference Malenki HV brushed ESCs for N30 applications. Other brushed ESCs may also be used, provided their voltage capability and current handling are appropriate for the selected motor variant and battery configuration. For multi-motor drivetrains and/or higher voltage operation, higher-current ESC solutions may be required. Always verify ESC and battery specifications when designing your drivetrain.
Features
- N30 planetary: maximum push in a compact package: The highest-output option in the 12mm planetary family, designed for builders who want more torque capacity and match consistency.
- Two variants for two missions: Choose the N30 2S for enormous torque and control, or the N30 3S for improved battle time and thermal headroom at higher voltage.
- All-metal 12mm planetary gearbox: Planetary load sharing improves shock resistance, helping the drivetrain survive weapon hits, wall impacts, and sudden reversals.
- More thermal mass for sustained performance: The N30 format helps resist heat soak under heavy pushing and high current draw, especially in longer fights.
- Multiple speed options: Available in a range of RPM variants to support controlled pushers, balanced drivetrains, or higher-speed setups.
- Robust output shaft with retention groove: Retention groove supports secure wheel retention under impact while remaining compatible with common hub styles.
Specifications
Motor Specifications
| Motor Specifications (TB N30) | Value |
| Gearbox Diameter | 12mm |
| Output Shaft Diameter | 3mm |
| Output Shaft Length | 16mm |
| Overall Length | See drawing |
| Mounting Holes | 2× M2 |
| Mounting Hole Spacing | 8.5mm |
| Wheel Retention Feature | Retention groove (circlip included) |
| Typical Weight | Starts at 17.8g |
Planetary Motor Family Comparison
| TB N10 | TB N20 | TB N30 2S | TB N30 3S | |
| Weight (g) | 13.8 | 15.2 | 17.8 | 17.8 |
| 2S Speed (RPM) | 1540 | 1300 | 1250 | 1440 |
| 2S Current (A) | 1.1 | 2.1 | 3.1 | 2.2 |
| 2S Torque (g·cm) | 769 | 1385 | 0 | |
| 3S Speed (RPM) | 2310 | 1950 | 1875 | 2160 |
| 3S Current (A) | 1.65 | 3.15 | 4.65 | 3.3 |
| 3S Torque (g·cm) | 1154 | 2077 | 0 | |
| Recommended ESC | Malenki Standard or equivalent brushed ESC | Malenki Standard or Malenki HV, or equivalent | Malenki HV or equivalent high-current ESC | Malenki HV or equivalent high-current ESC |
| Recommended Battery | 2S–3S LiPo (application dependent) | 2S–3S LiPo (application dependent) | 2S LiPo recommended | 3S LiPo recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the N30 2S and N30 3S versions?
The two variants are optimized for different use cases. The N30 2S is designed as a high-torque option for 2S operation and can demand higher current under load. The N30 3S is optimized for 3S use, prioritizing improved endurance and thermal headroom at higher voltage. Choose based on your intended battery voltage and whether you value maximum push or longer sustained performance.
Can I run the N30 2S on 3S, or the N30 3S on 2S?
In many cases the motor will still spin, but it may not be the best match for your drivetrain goals. As a general guideline, use the N30 2S when running 2S batteries and the N30 3S when running 3S. Higher voltage increases speed and current draw, so verify your ESC and battery ratings before running outside the recommended setup.
Why doesn’t the RPM engraved on the motor match the RPM listed in the specs?
The RPM values listed in the specifications represent typical measured output speed under real operating conditions. Engraved markings on the motor may reflect nominal ratings, different test voltages, or manufacturer labeling conventions and should not be relied on as final output speed once installed in a planetary gearbox. Always use the published specifications when designing your drivetrain.
Do I have to use a Malenki ESC with these motors?
No. Manufacturer recommendations reference specific Malenki models because they are known, tested combinations. Other brushed ESCs can be used as long as their voltage rating and current capability are appropriate for the motor variant and battery configuration you’re running. Always verify ESC specifications before installation.
Do I have to use the included circlip for wheel retention?
No. The retention groove and included circlip provide a secure option for wheel retention under impact, but many builders choose to use set-screw or clamping hubs instead. The retention groove does not prevent the use of common hub styles.
What tools are required to install or remove the circlip?
Circlips are typically installed and removed using small snap-ring pliers or fine needle-nose pliers. Use care during installation and removal to avoid scratching the shaft or generating metal debris. If you prefer not to work with circlips, compatible set-screw or clamping hubs can be used instead.
Will my existing N30 motor mounts fit these gearmotors?
The gearbox diameter follows the standard 12mm planetary format, but overall length and shaft features can differ from spur-gear N motors. Verify dimensions against your chassis or CAD before final installation, especially in tight layouts.
Are these motors only for combat robotics?
While designed to survive the shock loads and abuse common in combat robotics, these motors are also well-suited for any application requiring compact size, higher torque capacity, and improved durability compared to traditional spur gearmotors.