I am wanting to build a device to move a trailer loaded with a light boat. To power this thing I would like to use a 12 volt D.C. motor, possibly a starter motor from a car. This is where my lack of knowledge begins. I don't know how to control speed and rotational direction of a motor, or if even possible with a starter motor, if not, I'm sure I could find something suitable on E-BAY. I want to use the 12 volt,40 amp D.C. outlet on boat as a power source. Could I power a 24 volt motor with 12 volts without damage to motor, I realize I would have less torque and R.P.M. but that might be acceptable. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Please don't use abbreviation's regarding electrical gear I would be lost, I'm a mechanical kind of a guy. Thanks.
2007-02-26 15:53:49 · 4 answers · asked by luther 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
The starter motor would work, but I see more technicalities with you applying the motor to a device that will pull a boat trailer. Controlling the motor could be as easy as a on-off type switch, but if you want to vary the speed it could get interesting. You're looking at either using a rehostat or an H-bridge configuration of high-power mosfet transistors. I'm just the opposite. I could build the circuit and control the motor, I'd just have a hard time mounting the motor in a way to pull a boat trailer.
2007-03-06 06:22:47 · answer #1 · answered by joshnya68 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A starter motor would not be very good for this application unless you use a lot of reduction gearing. If you reduce the speed of the motor enough, though, you don't have to worry about speed control. I have seen something like this used to move small personal planes at airports. It is a 1HP DC motor that is geared down, and then the front wheel of the plane is clamped against the shaft of the reduction gear. The only control is a momentary rocker switch that will activate the motor in one direction, then stops when you let go. To go the other way, the polarity of the motor is reversed. I have used one of these myself and they have to be used carfully because of the momentum of the object. Almost rammed a plane into a wall...
Attached is a link to different version you could make with a DC motor, chain and sprocket drive, and a wide ATV tire.
2007-03-06 08:07:26 · answer #2 · answered by dancerman_77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Starter motors are very inefficient and need a lot of current (200 Amps) You would be better off with a Golf Cart Motor. Yes you can power a motor with a lower voltage than it was designed for however it will run slower. You can probably also get a used Golf Cart Motor Controller to go with the motor.
Take a look at Ebay
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=golf+cart+motor
2007-02-26 16:03:34 · answer #3 · answered by rscanner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Move it how far, how often?
Why not just buy a winch?
http://www.autopartsauthority.com/parts_catalog/buy.php?make_text=toyota&model_text=4runner&ml=4ru-v6-006&year=2006&part_name=winch&brand_name=superwinch&my=1&make_code=
2007-02-26 16:02:31 · answer #4 · answered by arbiter007 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋