I have a small ride on 6 volt car that I converted to a 12 volt dc motor and two 6 volt batteries in series. The problem I'm having is the car jumps out too fast and the powered wheel spins out. Would I just need a variable resistor to control the motor and slow it down a bit?
2007-01-26 10:28:28 · 5 answers · asked by JimS 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Also, what size variable resistor should I go with?
2007-01-26 10:37:15 · update #1
Rudee's variable capacitor is useless suggestion.
A variable series resistor (rheostat) would work but it's very inefficient.
A much better way is to use a switching system - which applies the full battery voltage in pulses, the width of which is variable.
You can probably buy kits for them or you can search for wheel-chair speed controllers - they're the same thing.
2007-01-26 11:01:39 · answer #1 · answered by dmb06851 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
To amplify on what dmb06851 said...
A variable resistor will, in principle, work. However you will likely have a very difficult time finding one with sufficient power capability, and it's terribly inefficient. A switching (PWM = pulse width modulation) speed control would be a much better choice.
If you are determined to pursue the lowest-construction-cost option, go to an auto junkyard and get some of the resistors that are used to control the speed of the heater fan in a car. This won't give you stepless control, but it's an easy way to get a resistor that will handle several amps. Beware, you need to put these resistors in a cooling air stream or they will burn up quickly.
2007-01-26 11:42:49 · answer #2 · answered by AnswerMan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to assume you just want a slower start and not full motor speed control. The simple and cheapest thing to TRY is start your motor off one of your 6 volt batteries, and then correctly switch to both for 12 volt after starting. I can't do a wiring diagram in this forum, but do this ONLY if you know what you're doing. Variables affecting success are of course starting horsepower needed, motor size and efficiency, and current capacity of battery. You could also just brake the drive wheel.
2007-01-26 14:14:43 · answer #3 · answered by carol 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider looking for a power mirror from a car. Maybe EBay or a junk yard. This is already set up for slow movement in two axis.
2016-05-24 03:11:18 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
variable capacitor or potentintiomemeter (sp?) should work nicely
2007-01-26 10:39:16 · answer #5 · answered by rudee 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋