PG71 Gearmotor am-0914 Problems!

[alexander.h]

Hello! I am trying to use connectors (don't ask me for the specific name as I have no idea what they're called!) to connect wires to the PG71 Gearmotor am-0914. The things is that the little tabs (take a look at the left-hand side of the pic) that I try connecting them to are so fragile that one already broke off! I am looking for a solution (other than replacing the motor). Can somebody please help us?

[gpetilli]

You may not want to use "connectors". We typically solder wires to the tabs and then put spade lug connectors on the ends of those wires. depending on how much of the tab is left, it may still be possible to solder a wire to it, if not you are stuck buying a new motor. You should be able to save the gearbox and just replace the motor.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Alexander,
Those are 3/16 spade tabs as I remember. They are available from Digikey. We use right angle females, and then bring a short wire from there to Power Lock APP connectors. Attach the wire to the motor with a tywrap to secure it and prevent breaking the tabs. Always insulate, heatshrink or electrical tape works well for this. If you have broken one off, and there is a little metal left, an experienced soldering person may be able to attach a wire and make an electrical connection that will last through competition. However, heat may melt the plastic end panel and move the terminal. This must be done carefully to work.
Al

[philso]

Alexander,
Those are 3/16 spade tabs as I remember. They are available from Digikey. We use right angle females, and then bring a short wire from there to Power Lock APP connectors. Attach the wire to the motor with a tywrap to secure it and prevent breaking the tabs. Always insulate, heatshrink or electrical tape works well for this. If you have broken one off, and there is a little metal left, an experienced soldering person may be able to attach a wire and make an electrical connection that will last through competition. However, heat may melt the plastic end panel and move the terminal. This must be done carefully to work.
Al

The 3/16 female crimp connectors Al is referring to can sometimes be found in some auto parts stores as a "0.187" or "187" sized connector, or something like that (naming is not consistent).

Defnitely have someone with a lot of experience solder wires to these motors. On these motors, the other end of the metal piece that forms the tab also constitutes one of the brushes. If you overheat the tab when soldering (broken or not), the plastic can deform and that brush will no longer contact the comutator properly leading to an inoperative motor.

[Ether]

I seem to remember someone once posted a rookie "No No" list, but I can't find it now.

"Don't bend the tabs on the little motors" should be on that list.

I suppose these are already on it:

- Don't forget to power the DSC

- Don't put delays in your TeleOp code

- Don't pick up the battery by the leads.

[gpetilli]

Add

Check supply voltage and polarity with a volt meter before plugging in radio (or speed controller)- a freshman fried a radio earlier this week.