07-06-2007, 12:31 AM | #1 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 24
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Solenoids, etc.
Time for Champy's next ignorant question. I'm doing my own wiring on this thing (see pictures) that I'm building, and I'd planned on using the solenoids (without the resistors) to create a custom "speed control" that engages one battery at a time, in series, to the motor. (I tried a version of this system out yesterday, by the way, using a "Controller" built out of an old cutting board and it worked alright, though I only gave it 24 volts just to be safe) Much to my chagrine, however, I've discovered that the solenoids that I got (free) were too rotted by the sun to have their nuts removed; they crumbled in my hands, alas. Now, the question: Has anyone tried using starter solenoids from, say, a Ford truck? It seems like they ought to handle the current just fine, and giving them 12v for the coil is pretty easy, since, as I said, I'm doing my own wiring here. Anyway, I'd really like to know if there's some obvious reason I couldn't use a starter solenoid or relay. After all, they're a LOT cheaper. (I.E. $11.00 at checker auto parts) As always, thanks in advance for your replies and your advice. Meanwhile, here's a few pics of my cutting-board-controlled speed test yesterday. Thanks!
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07-06-2007, 10:36 AM | #2 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 285
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Re: Solenoids, etc.
Theres gotta be a reason their a lot cheaper...but if their not seeing more then 12 volts I don't see why not, maybe someone else does though.
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07-06-2007, 12:20 PM | #3 |
nimda
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 13,022
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Re: Solenoids, etc.
They wont hold up to any more voltage than they are rated. At least not very long. I have run a 36 volt on 48 volts and it didn't hold up very long before the terminals melted. Even if you bought 36 volt solenoids by the time you do all that you could possibly afford a used or even a cheap controller. I have seen controllers less than $300....
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07-06-2007, 02:12 PM | #4 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 24
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Re: Solenoids, etc.
That's a good point. From what I'm reading, it sounds like the coils on most starter solenoids won't stand up to continuous input, even if the contacts can handle it. Rats. I need to find some buried gold or something. . .
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07-08-2007, 01:29 PM | #5 | |
Site Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 2,008
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Re: Solenoids, etc.
Quote:
Follow the Rainbow.... Maybe you will find it there.... |
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