Re: motors

[Frank Pittelli <frank-at-pittelli.com>]

Brian_Tomsa-at-tdipower.com wrote:
 > Has anyone found a good source of drive motors? Frank, where did you
 > get those kiddy car motors?
 >

I bought mine many years ago from American Science Surplus (I think),
but I haven't seen them in a while.  Nathan and Mike bought a bunch
recently, but I can't remember where they came from.  The ones they
bought had a slightly better form, but generally where the same kiddee
car motors. I'll check with them for the supplier.

 >
 > I found these  Saturn 'L' series power window motors for $16
 >
 > http://www.meci.com/
 >
 > They are 2 speed so a speed controller wouldn't be needed. With a 4"
 > drive wheel it would go 0.5 and 1.2 mph. Probably have to break them
 > open and remove a gear to get a bit more speed out of them or run it
 > on 18v and hope it doesn't fry.
 >

I've never used any window motors, but you should do some tests to make 
sure that they can run continuously at load for a while.   Unlike 
windshield wiper motors, the window motors probably aren't designed for 
continuous, heavy use, but only some bench tests will tell the truth. 
Over the years, we've bought many dozens of types of motors and it's 
clear that what looks good in the catalog is not always best for the job.

        Frank P.