2-Wire 12V Electric Lock Mechanism for Payload Release

A compact 12 V electric latch that unlocks when power is applied and locks again when power is removed — a simple way to build a payload-release box, drop hatch or lockable compartment on a drone. With only two wires, any switched 12 V supply can drive it, with no control board in between.

Key features

• Power to unlock, remove power to lock — no signal wire or driver board
• Unlocks in 1 second or less
• Draws about 0.8 A peak only while unlocking, and nothing while locked
• High-strength engineering-plastic body with a metal latch
• Four screw holes for mounting, plus pre-soldered 150 mm leads (red +V, black GND)

Specifications

• Operating voltage: 12 V DC
• Current: approx. 0.8 A peak during unlock
• Control: 2-wire, power to unlock
• Unlock time: 1 s or less
• Material: engineering plastic with metal latch
• Dimensions: approx. 42 × 35 × 10 mm
• Weight: approx. 14 g
• Leads: 150 mm, red (+V) and black (GND)

On a 4S or 6S drone, feed it from a 12 V BEC rather than the raw battery, and switch it with an RC electronic switch or a relay/MOSFET module rated for at least 1 A, triggered from a spare transmitter channel or the flight controller.