ML6984, ML7984 SERIES 4000 DIRECT COUPLED VALVE ACTUATORS
9 95C-10939—11
OPERATION
Each time actuator terminals T5 and T6 are (re)powered, 
the microprocessor will cycle the valve through a full stroke 
to calibrate its position. Any stroke between 1/2 in. (13 
mm) and 1 in. (25 mm) will be divided into 30 equal steps. 
Run time is proportional to stroke length and power supply 
voltage. The actuator will also slow down as the valve 
closes off the seat. The LED lights when terminals T5 and 
T6 are powered, and flashes when the actuator is in motion. 
T5 is connected to Terminal R in ML6984 and to Terminal 
W in ML7984. 
NOTE: Initial calibration does not apply to ML6984 
installed for 3-wire control or installed for 5-wire 
control without the 272630D position feed-
back/auxiliary switch module. Span and start 
positions will need to be set during controller set-
up. See ML6984 Operation 3-wire, below. ML7984 
always conducts a self-calibration sequence when 
(re)powering up. 
ML7984 Operation 
The microprocessor responds to the signal across the input 
terminals based on the configuration DIP switch settings. 
When correctly connected to the actuator, a control signal 
between signal input terminals is converted to a digital run 
time and compared to pulse counts from the first gear in 
the gear train. When these counters are equal, the drive 
motor and drive shaft are stationary. 
As long as the value of the controlled medium remains at 
the controller setpoint, the control loop circuit is in 
balance, and the actuator does not run. When the 
controller set point or controlled temperature changes, the 
controller output voltage is changed, causing the counters 
to differ. As the actuator moves in the direction to correct 
the difference, the counters increment or decrement, and 
stop the actuator when the input and gear counts agree. 
At the end of the valve stroke, the actuator develops the 
necessary force for positive valve close-off. The motor 
stops automatically when the motor draws a 
predetermined current which corresponds to a force level. 
The digital counters are reset and calibrated at each end of 
stroke. 
Modulating actuators will automatically travel to the 
position corresponding to analog input signal following the 
self-calibration cycle.
Disconnect power supply before beginning 
installation to prevent electrical shock and 
equipment damage. 
All wiring must comply with applicable local 
electrical codes, ordinances, and regulations. 
Make certain that the voltage and frequency of the 
power supply correspond to the rating of the device.
DO NOT electrically operate the MLx984 actuator 
before assembly to the valve because damage not 
apparent to the installer may occur. 
DO NOT connect 24 Vac between any ML7984 
signal input terminals. DEVICE FAILURE WILL 
RESULT. 
NOTE:
1. The ML7984 must be field configured with the 
DIP switches which are located beside the ter-
minal block. See wiring diagrams for details. 
Turn power off before setting any DIP switches. 
2. There is a 1.5 second delay in actuator 
response to every signal change. This occurs to 
screen out electrical noise. 
3. For proper operation, voltage on the T5 and T6 
must not be less than 22 Vac or 24 Vdc during 
running or force generating stages. Increase 
transformer VA rating or use a model with better 
regulation if voltage drops below 22 Vac when 
the valve is closing off. 
ML6984 Floating Operation, 5-Wire 
The motor is controlled by a microprocessor. Connecting B 
to R for 1/10 second or longer tells the microprocessor to 
cause the actuator to drive upwards. Connecting W to R will 
cause the actuator to drive downwards. For “floating” 
control, the actuator will remain in the last position when 
there is no connection to R. 
At the end of the valve stroke, the actuator will develop the 
necessary force for positive valve close-off. As forces are 
developed, the current to the motor increases. The 
microprocessor stops the actuator automatically when 
motor current and force reaches the factory-calibrated 
level. 
NOTE: There must be at least 1.5 second delay between 
successive floating input signals. The actuator will 
ignore floating signals during calibration cycle 
and does not remember any pulses sent during 
this period. The controller may need to run 
through its own calibration cycle before use. 
ML6984 Operation, 3-Wire 
ML6984 may be installed like a conventional (non-
electronic) floating actuator. The interface electronics are 
powered at the same time as the motor. Pulses must be at 
least 100 ms long with a delay of at least 1500 ms between 
pulses. When ML6984 is not powered between terminals 
T6 and T5/R, self-calibration will not occur. The controller 
must drive the valve through a cycle manually to calibrate 
stroke to the controller.