Wiper Motor speeds....

Hey guys, I've recently gotten a hold of some wiper motors to use on some props. I've tested them and have found their lowest speeds. But I was wondering if there is something I can use to make it even slower. Like getting some dimmer switch from
the hardware store or something like that. I don't really want or need to go buy a $60-100 prop controller.

Since the wiper motor is running on a 12v, what would work for a speed controller?

Any suggestion something I can just add to the wiring?

Thanks.

GD

You can get down to 15 rpm by running it on the low speed setting and only supplying 5vdc. It takes at least a 3amp power supply I belive however.

So I got to thinking and think I have found a possible idea. I thought to look into
making a rheostat or use of a potentiometer as a possible controller. I'l experiment today, but found this article....

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_6/chpt_3/7.html#

I'll post my findings if good or bad...lol.


Thx for you advice. If I had more money going into to making it, I'd sure buy one of your controllers. But I'll definitely bookmark your site.

Ok...So I found a potentiometer that worked and will allow me to dial down the speed. Now the thing is, is that after a little while of running, the pot. gets a little warm. So I was wondering if i should use a resistor to help take some of the load off. I basically wired it to like the diagram in the link I posted previously, but had not used a resistor. I'm curious to know if a 470ohm resistor will work best.

Any thoughts would be great. Or I guess I could find a 'pot' that could be rated a little higher. it was a like 3watts with 20% tolerance. basically a volume dial that would go on a radio.

ThX !

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GothycDesigns

Ok...So I found a potentiometer that worked and will allow me to dial down the speed. Now the thing is, is that after a little while of running, the pot. gets a little warm. So I was wondering if i should use a resistor to help take some of the load off. I basically wired it to like the diagram in the link I posted previously, but had not used a resistor. I'm curious to know if a 470ohm resistor will work best.

Any thoughts would be great. Or I guess I could find a 'pot' that could be rated a little higher. it was a like 3watts with 20% tolerance. basically a volume dial that would go on a radio.

ThX !

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In my experience, it's never a bad idea to add a resistor. As a very smart friend put it,"you may get unexpected results, but at least you won't have to go buy another expensive part.."

I went to Radio Shack yesterday and found that I should use at least a 6 watt if gonna use a pot. The girl googled it and that where she came up with it. She lost the page before she could print it out.

I'll try a resistor as well and then the 6 watt pot. But its better than doing a whole major hack. just need to figure on piece...lol.