Pacific Scientific 6445-001-K-N Stepper Drive

Description

Technical Specifications

A supplier specification lists 120 VAC (+10%/-15%) or 240 VAC (+10%/-15%), single phase, 50/60 Hz, with 3.5/2.5 A current ratings. Another product reference lists the unit at approximately 6 lb, while Radwell lists 7.54 lb, so shipping weight should not be treated as a dimensional engineering specification.

One important sourcing discrepancy is worth flagging: some third-party listings describe the input as 120–240 VAC, while others use 120/230 VAC terminology. For a direct replacement, verify the nameplate and machine electrical drawings rather than assuming the wording on a reseller page represents the exact installation requirement.

Field Application: The Trench Story

Consider an older automated indexing machine where a mechanical station advances a component, waits for a sensor confirmation, and then moves to the next position. The 6445 is not merely supplying current to the stepper motor; its indexer is part of the machine’s motion-control architecture.

When the original drive fails, maintenance may be tempted to install a modern generic stepper amplifier. The motor may turn, but the machine can still fail because the original indexing sequence, input/output behavior, or motion parameters are no longer being handled locally.

A more controlled replacement process is to document the existing 6445 configuration first, verify the motor wiring and current requirement, preserve the motion program where possible, and then commission the replacement against the original machine sequence.

Specific applications include:

1. Packaging-machine indexing stations — synchronized advance-and-stop mechanisms.
2. Component insertion equipment — programmable positioning of rotary or linear stepper axes.
3. Cut-to-length machinery — repeated positioning cycles where the indexer executes the motion sequence.
4. Automated inspection fixtures — discrete sensor inputs combined with programmed stepper movement.

Pacific Scientific 6445 units are also listed in industrial repair databases specifically as digital programmable stepper equipment, supporting their use as integrated motion-control hardware rather than simple power amplifiers.

QA & Testing Procedure

For new-surplus or refurbished 6445-001-K-N inventory, testing should address both the AC power stage and the integrated indexer.

1. Identification check

Confirm:

• 6445-001-K-N complete part number
• Pacific Scientific identification
• Connector-kit configuration
• Nameplate voltage/current markings
• PCB and hardware condition

2. Power-stage inspection

Apply controlled AC input within the specified range and monitor startup current, abnormal heating, and fault behavior. Inspect the power electronics for evidence of overheating or capacitor degradation.

3. Motion verification

Connect an appropriate stepper motor and verify motor phase operation, direction, indexing response, and current regulation.

4. Controller verification

Where the test setup permits, verify the programmable indexer functions and relevant digital inputs/outputs rather than testing only the motor output.

5. Final inspection

Record the tested part number, physical condition, test results, and any replacement components used during refurbishment.

The model is listed by multiple industrial suppliers as discontinued, meaning procurement commonly involves new-surplus, refurbished, repair, or exchange inventory rather than current factory production.

6445-001-K-N

6445-001-K-N

Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide

⚠️ Trap #1 — Ordering 6445-001-N-N instead of 6445-001-K-N

This is an easy mistake. The available Pacific Scientific product listing identifies the K version as including the connector kit, while 6445-001-N-N is listed separately. If the existing machine depends on the original mating connectors, the suffix can affect what arrives with the replacement.

⚠️ Trap #2 — Treating it as a modern AC servo

Some reseller catalogs place the product under “servo” categories, but the technical descriptions identify it as a stepper motor drive / programmable stepper. Do not substitute servo-drive assumptions for the actual stepper-drive wiring and motor requirements.

PRO TIP: Photograph every existing terminal connection before removing the failed unit. On legacy motion equipment, the wiring documentation is often less complete than the machine itself.

⚠️ Trap #3 — Ignoring the programmed motion layer

A replacement can pass a basic motor-rotation test and still fail the production sequence. Verify the indexer program, motion parameters, I/O assignments, and machine sequencing—not just motor rotation.

⚠️ Trap #4 — Mixing AC input specifications from different references

Published secondary sources use both 120/230 VAC and 120/240 VAC terminology. Verify the actual nameplate and electrical documentation before energizing a replacement.

FAQ

What is the Pacific Scientific 6445-001-K-N?

It is a programmable stepper indexer/drive from the Pacific Scientific 6000 Series. It combines motion-indexing functionality with a stepper-motor power stage.

What input voltage does the 6445-001-K-N use?

Available specifications identify 120/230 VAC-class single-phase input at 50/60 Hz. Some documentation uses 240 VAC terminology for the high-voltage configuration. Verify the nameplate before installation.

What does the K in the model number indicate?

The K configuration is listed as the version with connector kit. Pacific Scientific product references separately list 6445-001-N-N without that connector-kit designation.

Is the 6445-001-K-N a servo drive?

Catalogs sometimes classify it under servo-control categories, but the technical descriptions identify it as a stepper motor drive / digital programmable stepper. It should be matched to the machine’s stepper motor and existing 6445 control architecture.

Is this model discontinued?

Yes. Radwell identifies 6445-001-K-N as discontinued by the manufacturer. It remains available through secondary-market inventory and repair/refurbishment channels.

How do I verify New Surplus authenticity?

Request photographs of the actual unit, including the complete 6445-001-K-N label and connector area. Confirm that the physical configuration matches the K-N suffix, and request functional-test documentation if the drive is being purchased for a production-critical application. A “new surplus” description should not be assumed to mean current factory production.