The PTU-E46 is a family of miniature pan-tilt units that provide accurate real-time positioning of cameras, lasers, antenna, or other small to medium payloads.
- Compact (3" tall)
- Light Weight (3 lbs.)
- Rugged
- High Duty Cycles
- Built-in Ethernet/Web IP interface for easy configuration, control, and diagnostics
- Pelco-D support
- Integrated geo-pointing (GPM) support
- Compatible with the PTU Software Development Kit (PTU-SDK)
- Higher command rates with lower latency and jitter
- : We usually have a majority of these items in stock.
Please call or contact us for availability. - SKU: E46
Available Options
This Configuration Guide lists the configuration options and accessories for the PTU‐E46 pan‐tilt units
(PTU‐E46) manufactured by FLIR Motion Control Systems, Inc. Additional information and instructions for
the PTU‐E46 are available in the following documents:
- PTU‐E46 Datasheet
- PTU‐E46 User Manual
- Pan‐Tilt Unit Command Reference Manual

Available Options
The following configuration and options are available for the PTU‐E46:
Type: The PTU‐E46 is available in several types that offer an assortment of resolution, speed, and maximum payload options. Page 2 of the configuration guide.
Weatherization: The PTU‐E46 can be weatherized to IP65. Page 2 of the configuration guide.
Rotation: The PTU‐E46 can be configured for standard or nodal rotation. Page 3 of the configuration guide.
Side Mounting Bracket: You may order a side bracket instead of the standard top bracket. Page 3 of the configuration guide.
Range of Motion: If needed, you may request special limits. Page 4 of the configuration guide.
Pan-Tilt Controls: The PTU‐E46 can be controlled using an ASCII command set, Ethernet/web connection, or binary command set. Page 5 of the configuration guide.
Accessories: Available accessories include cables, converters, power supplies, and starter kits. Page 6 of the configuration guide.
Type
The following PTU‐E46 variants offer an assortment of resolution, speed, and payload ratings:
Type | Pan Axis Resolution | Max Pan Axis Speed | Tilt Aces Resolution | Max Tilt Axis Speed | Rated Payload |
E46‐17 or E46‐17W | 0.013° |
300°/second | 0.013° | 300°/second | 6 lbs. |
E46‐70 or E46‐70W | 0.003° | 60°/second | 0.003° | 60°/second | 9 lbs. |
E46‐17P70T or E46‐17P70TW |
0.013° | 300°/second | 0.003° | 60°/second | 9 lbs. |
Part Number:
E46‐17‐_S‐000‐__ (PTU‐E46‐17)
E46‐70‐_S‐000‐__ (PTU‐E46‐70)
E46‐1770‐_S‐000‐__ (PTU‐E46‐17P70T)
Weatherization
The PTU‐E46 is available with the following IP65 weatherization:
- Clear epoxy coating added to motors
- Silicone sealant around screws and cable attachments
- Rubber seals and plastic washers around knobs
- Gasket sealing around outside edges of motors
- Stainless steel screws
- Interfacial seal on Pan‐tilt head connector
Part Number:
E46‐17W‐_S‐000‐__ (PTU‐E46‐17W)
E46‐70W‐_S‐000‐__ (PTU‐E46‐70W)
E46‐1770W‐_S‐000‐__ (PTU‐E46‐17P70TW)
Rotation
The PTU‐E46 can be configured for standard or nodal (gimbal) rotation. Nodal rotation allows the payload to be mounted at the center of rotation of both pan and tilt axes, which allows you to program payload movement as pure rotation in both axes without translation.
Part Number:
E46‐__-S_‐000‐__ (standard axes)
E46‐__-N_‐000‐__ (nodal axes)
Side Mounting Bracket

Part Number:
D46‐BKT‐ZSTD
Range of Motion
The PTU‐E46 has the following standard factory pan and tilt axis limits. Factory limits define the range of motion allowed for an axis when limits are enabled, and that axis cannot travel beyond those limits.

Pan Range Options
Part Number: E46‐__‐__‐000‐*_
Tilt Range Options
Part Number: E46‐__‐__‐000‐_*
Includes:
- Power supply, 30V
- North American or European AC Cord
FLIR PTU-E46
Miniature Computer-Controlled Pan/Tilt Unit
The PTU-E46 family of miniature pan/tilt units provide fast, precise positioning in an extremely small and lightweight package. They are fully computer-controlled and offer programmability of speed, acceleration, power, and other parameters. The included controller, with built-in RS-232, Ethernet, and RS-485 interfaces, handles precise kinematic motion control according to user-set parameters. The PTU-E46 units accept ASCII and binary command formats and is networkable. Commands can be sent at high speeds for demanding applications, such as laser scanning and video tracking.
KEY FEATURES
Precise control of position, speed, and acceleration at low cost
- Simple to use from any RS-232 terminal or web browser
- Small form factor (<5.2” tall and <3 lb)
- Single DC power input suited for battery operation
- Rigid worm gear design
no belts/pulleys· ASCII command mode for simplicity; binary commands available for high-performance
NEW FEATURES
Built-in Ethernet interface (web or TCP/IP)
- Built-in geo-pointing (GPM)
- Increased command rates
- PTU-SDK (software development kit) supported
- Pelco-D supported
- Backwards compatible with D46
OPTIONS
- Payload brackets (top, side)
- International AC/DC Power Supply
- Weatherization for outdoor use
- Nodal (gimbal) - payload aligned to motion axes
PAN-TILT PERFORMANCE | |
Rated Payload | PTU-E46-17
PTU-E46-70
PTU-E46-17P70T
6 lb (2.72 kg)
9 lb (4.08 kg)
9 lb (4.08 kg)
|
Max. Unloaded Speed | 300º/second
60º/second
Pan: 300º/second
Tilt: 60º/second |
Resolution | 0.013º
0.003º
Pan: 0.013º
Tilt: 0.003º |
PAN-TILT FEATURES | |
Pan Range | +/- 159º (+/- 180º with extended range mode enabled) |
Tilt Range | -47º to +31º from level (78º range) with limits disabled for 80º down (111º range) |
Min Pan Speed | /second |
Min Tilt Speed | /second |
Duty Cycle | Up to 100% Duty Cycle, or 3-5 million cycles |
Acceleration/Deceleration | On-the-fly speed and position changes |
CONNECTIONS & COMMUNICATIONS | |
Host Interface | RS-232 (DB-9 female connector) RS-422/-485 (RJ-12connector), Ethernet |
Networking | Control of multiple pan/tilt units from one or more host computers. Multi-drop RS-485 network using RJ-12. |
Control Protocols | DP (ASCII, Binary), Pelco-D |
ENVIRONMENTAL | |
Humidity | 100% relative humidity, non-condensing |
Operating Temperature Range | -20ºC to 60ºC |
Dust/Sand (Operating) | Sustained exposure to blowing dust/sand |
Color/Finish | Black anodized |
EMI | CE Mark and FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Class A |
POWER | |
Input Voltage | 12-30 VDC unregulated (fastest performance and torque @ 30 VDC) |
Power Consumption | 13 W continuous peak (full power mode) 6 W continuous peak (low power mode) 1 W continuous peak (holding power off mode) |
MECHANICAL | |
PTU Weight | 3 lb |
PTU Dimensions | 3” (h) × 5.13” (w) × 4.25” (d) |
Payload Mounting | Hole for 1/4-20 screw standard. Camera mounting plate removes for easy customizing. |
PTU Mounting | Bottom or front 1/4-20 mounting |
Controller Weight | 8 oz |
Controller Dimensions | 1.25” (h) × 3.25” (w) × 4.5” (d) |