Abstract: A system for compensating for the backlash of a drive mechanism of an actuator that can be controlled manually or switched to automatic, with the starting position indeterminate. The actuator includes a position transducer for the actuator. Impulses are supplied to the drive mechanism to energize the drive mechanism in discrete steps in a first direction. In response to a change in the actuator position being sensed by the position transducer, the supply of impulses to the drive mechanism is terminated. Because of backlash in gearing included in the drive mechanism, each of the impulses to the drive mechanism does not necessarily result in a change in the actuator position. In response to movement of the actuator being sensed the drive mechanism is energized in a direction opposite to the first direction through a distance equal to the sum of the backlash and the amount of movement of the actuator detected by the position transducer.