TX2 with ball joints – Novotechnik potentiometric linear position sensor
- Manufacturer: Novotechnik
- Category: Displacement, SENSORS, Potentiometric linear sensors
He TX2 with ball heads Novotechnik it's a potentiometric linear position sensor Designed to measure the absolute and continuous displacement, travel, or position of moving mechanisms. It is available with defined electrical travels of 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mm and uses a resistive track made of conductive plastic that works as a voltage divider.
This implementation incorporates two pre-assembled low-play ball joints that allow compensation for angular misalignments of up to ±12.5°. The articulated mounting facilitates installation between moving parts and helps to reduce the transmission of lateral forces to the sensor stem and bearings.
The TX2 combines a compact body of only Ø 16 mm with protection IP67, independent linearity up to ±0.05 % FS According to the path, repeatability ≤ ±0.01 mm, maximum speed of 5 m/s and a typical lifespan of more than 50 million movements.
- Technology: linear position potentiometric sensor.
- Defined routes: 25 / 50 / 75 / 100 / 150 / 200 / 250 / 300 mm.
- Exit: voltage divider, ratiometric signal.
- Mounting: two pre-assembled low-play ball joints.
- Angular compensation: up to ±12.5°.
- Body diameter: Ø 16 mm.
- Independent linearity: up to ±0.05 % FS depending on the route.
- Repeatability: ≤ ±0.01 mm.
- Maximum speed: 5 m/s.
- Protection: IP67.
- Typical lifespan: over 50 million movements.
- Connection: 3-pole M8x1 radial connector or 2m shielded radial PUR cable.
Applications of the TX2 linear position sensor with ball joints
The ball joint mounting is especially useful when the sensor needs to be installed between two moving parts and small alignment variations may occur during movement.
Mobile and industrial machinery
- Absolute measurement of position and linear displacement.
- Stroke control of mechanisms and actuators.
- Position feedback in automatic systems.
- Mobile machinery and industrial vehicles.
- Construction, lifting and earthmoving equipment.
- Agricultural and forestry machinery.
Cylinders and articulated mechanisms
- External measurement of hydraulic cylinder stroke.
- Measurement of pneumatic cylinder stroke.
- Arms, levers and articulated mechanisms.
- Applications with small misalignments between fixing points.
Test benches and measuring systems
- Position recording during mechanical tests.
- Joint measurement of displacement with force, pressure, torque or other variables.
- Dynamic tests and repetitive movements.
- Verification of routes and final positions.
The IP67 protection allows the sensor to be used in applications exposed to moisture, oil, dust and dirt, always respecting the installation conditions indicated by Novotechnik.
What are the ball heads on the Novotechnik TX2 used for?
The two kneecaps of execution 716 They allow the TX2 to be connected directly between two points of a moving mechanism. They support angular misalignments of up to ±12.5°, allowing the sensor to track small geometric variations during movement.
This is especially useful when measuring cylinders, arms, levers, or articulated mechanisms where the fixing points do not remain perfectly aligned throughout the stroke.
The use of ball joints helps reduce lateral loads transmitted to the stem and its bearings. However, the sensor must be installed so that the main movement occurs along the longitudinal axis of the stem.
Potentiometric output and connection to control systems
The TX2 is a linear potentiometric transducer. Its resistive element made of conductive plastic acts as a voltage divider and generates an electrical signal proportional to the position of the stem.
Unlike an incremental sensor, the position is obtained directly from the potentiometer's output value. Therefore, after a power outage, there is no need to count pulses or perform a reference search to recover the position.
The TX2 does not include a standard industrial output of 0–10 V or 4–20 mA. When the control system requires one of these signals, a compatible signal conditioner can be used to power the sensor and convert the potentiometric signal.
Depending on the selected path, the nominal resistance is 1 to 12 kΩ. The recommended current on the cursor should be kept at ≤ 1 µA and the maximum permissible voltage is 42 VDC.
M8x1 connector or 2-meter PUR cable
The TX2 with ball joints is available with two electrical connection options:
- Code 101: M8x1 3-pole radial connector.
- Code 202: 2m radial shielded PUR cable.
Connection assignment
- Connection 1: pin 1 / BN – brown.
- Connection 4, signal output: pin 4 / WH – white.
- Connection 3: pin 3 / GN – green.
The signal increases when the stem is extended when the positive supply is connected to connection 3 and decreases when the positive is applied to connection 1. The position output is obtained at connection 4.
References and configuration of the Novotechnik TX2 with ball heads
The complete reference identifies the path, mechanical execution, resistive element, and connection type.
Example: TX2-0200-716-002-101 corresponds to a 200 mm TX2, mounted using two ball joints, with a linearized resistive element and a 3-pole M8x1 radial connector. The corresponding Novotechnik article code is 037108.
- 716: execution with single-sided stem, IP67 protection and two pre-assembled ball joints.
- 002: linearized resistive element.
- 101: M8x1 3-pole radial connector.
- 202: 2m radial shielded PUR cable.
Complete references and Novotechnik article codes for each tour are included in the specifications table on this page.
Frequently asked questions about the TX2 with ball joints
What tours are available?
The TX2 with ball joints is available with defined electric travels of 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 mm.
What misalignment can ball joints compensate for?
The pre-assembled ball joints allow compensation for angular misalignments of up to ±12.5°.
Does the TX2 have a 0–10 V or 4–20 mA output?
Not directly. The TX2 functions as a voltage divider. When a standardized 0–10 V or 4–20 mA signal is required, a compatible signal conditioner must be used.
Can it be used to measure hydraulic cylinders?
It can be installed externally to measure the stroke of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, provided that the mounting and movement geometry are compatible with the stroke and mechanical conditions of the sensor.
Can it work in dusty or humid environments?
The sensor has IP67 protection according to DIN EN 60529. In the version with a connector, an additional connector with a protection rating of IP67 or higher must be used.
What is the difference between the TX2 with ball joints and the TX2 with clamps?
The version with ball joints is designed for articulated mountings and allows for compensation of minor angular misalignments between the mounting points. The TX2 with clamps secures the cylindrical body using two adjustable clamps and is more suitable when adjusting the mounting position on the sensor body itself is required.
TX2 Selection and Configuration
He TX2 with ball heads It is especially suitable when a Compact linear potentiometric position sensor, IP67 rated and capable of compensating for small misalignments between mounting points.
To correctly select the reference, the following must be defined:
- Electrical routing required.
- Space available for the sensor and its stroke.
- Geometry and alignment of the fixing points.
- Version with M8x1 connector or 2m PUR cable.
- Type of inlet or conditioner used.
- Environmental conditions and number of cycles expected.
When it is preferable to fix the cylindrical body directly and be able to vary the position of the mounting points, the version may be more suitable TX2 with clamps.
Consult our application to select the most suitable route, assembly, and connection.
Properties
| NOVOTECHNIK TX2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS WITH BALL JOINTS | |
|---|---|
| Model | Novotechnik TX2 |
| Sensor type | Linear potentiometric position sensor/transducer |
| Assembly execution | 716 · Two pre-assembled low-play ball joints |
| Angular compensation | Up to ±12.5° |
| Defined electrical paths | 25 / 50 / 75 / 100 / 150 / 200 / 250 / 300mm |
| Electrical Ranges | 27 / 52 / 77 / 102 / 155 / 205 / 255 / 305mm |
| Exit | Voltage divider · ratiometric signal |
| Nominal resistance according to travel | 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 kΩ |
| Resistance tolerance | ±20 % |
| Independent linearity | 25 mm: ≤ ±0.2 % FS 50–100 mm: ≤ ±0.1 % FS 150–300 mm: ≤ ±0.05 % FS |
| Repeatability | ≤ ±0.01 mm |
| Recommended cursor current | ≤ 1 µA |
| Maximum cursor current in case of failure | 10 mA |
| Maximum allowable voltage | 42 VDC |
| Effective thermal coefficient | Typ. 5 ppm/K |
| Insulation resistance | ≥ 10 MΩ at 500 VDC |
| Dielectric strength | ≤ 100 µA at 500 VAC / 50 Hz |
| MECHANICAL DATA | |
| Housing | Anodized aluminum · Ø 16 mm |
| Stem | Stainless steel 1.4305 / AISI 303, swivel, M5 external thread |
| Mounting | Two pre-assembled ball joints |
| Bearing | Sintered bronze bushing |
| Resistive element | Conductive plastic |
| Cursor | Precious metal multi-strand |
| Housing length A | 86 / 111 / 136 / 161 / 224 / 274 / 324 / 374 mm, depending on the travel |
| Mechanical Engineering B | 30 / 55 / 80 / 105 / 158 / 208 / 258 / 308mm |
| Minimum distance between ball joints C | 136 / 161 / 186 / 211 / 274 / 324 / 374 / 424mm |
| Weight, version with connector | 100 / 110 / 120 / 130 / 150 / 163 / 190 / 205g |
| Weight, wired version | 120 / 156 / 160 / 177 / 190 / 225 / 250 / 270g |
| Drive force | ≤ 5 N at 20 °C |
| Maximum initial force | 15 N, depending on temperature and downtime |
| ENVIRONMENTAL DATA | |
| Maximum speed | 5 m/s |
| Vibration, IEC 60068-2-6 | 20 g · 5 … 2000 Hz · Amax. = 0.75mm |
| Shock, IEC 60068-2-27 | 50 g · 6 ms |
| Degree of protection | IP67 according to DIN EN 60529 |
| Working temperature | -40 … +85 °C with connector · -20 … +100 °C with cable |
| Working humidity | 0 … 95 % HR, non-condensing |
| Shelf life | Typ. > 50 × 106 movements |
| ELECTRICAL CONNECTION | |
| Code 101 | M8x1 3-pole radial connector |
| Code 202 | 2m shielded radial PUR cable |
| Connection 1 | Pin 1 · BW / brown |
| Connection 4 · output | Pin 4 · WH / white |
| Connection 3 | Pin 3 · GN / green |
| AVAILABLE NOVOTECHNIK REFERENCES | |
| 25 mm | TX2-0025-716-002-101 P/N 037101 TX2-0025-716-002-202 P/N 037201 |
| 50 mm | TX2-0050-716-002-101 P/N 037102 TX2-0050-716-002-202 P/N 037202 |
| 75 mm | TX2-0075-716-002-101 P/N 037103 TX2-0075-716-002-202 P/N 037203 |
| 100 mm | TX2-0100-716-002-101 P/N 037104 TX2-0100-716-002-202 P/N 037204 |
| 150 mm | TX2-0150-716-002-101 P/N 037106 TX2-0150-716-002-202 P/N 037206 |
| 200 mm | TX2-0200-716-002-101 P/N 037108 TX2-0200-716-002-202 P/N 037208 |
| 250 mm | TX2-0250-716-002-101 P/N 037109 TX2-0250-716-002-202 P/N 037209 |
| 300 mm | TX2-0300-716-002-101 P/N 037110 TX2-0300-716-002-202 P/N 037210 |
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