spike limiting

[Anton]

can I limit the output of a spike?
like making the speed of a motor half of what it initially is?
if I can, how?

[dez250]

Spikes are on and off with straight power in and outputs with no data signal going to them. You cant limit the output of the spike without limiting the input of the spike or by using a voltage regulator after the spike.

[Jaine Perotti]

I already PMed you Anton, but I will post this so that others who are asking similar questions might understand.

No, you can not limit the output of a spike. The spikes are relay switches, which can only be programmed to be on/off. You either have the full voltage running through them, or none at all.

Here is a simplified version of what would need to be done:

To do what you want to do, you need to use a speed controller, not a relay. Speed controllers have an analog input/output. In your program, their range of values is 0-254, 0 being full reverse, 127 being neutral, and 254 being full forward.

The way a speed controller works is this: based on these values in your program, the speed controller will give pulses of electricity to the motors at a specific wavelength. For a slower speed, the speed controllers will give pulses at a lower frequency, and for a higher speed the speed controllers will give pulses at a higher frequency.

So using a speed controller, set the output to the values that you desire in your program. Using this method, you can easily set a motor to run at half speed.

Hope this helps,
-- Jaine

[Joe Ross]

You cant limit the output of the spike without limiting the input of the spike or by using a voltage regulator after the spike.

And neither of those are legal this year.

[dez250]

And neither of those are legal this year.

As long as a voltage regulator is under the $200 single electronic item cost i dont see a reason why it couldnt be used.

[Mike Betts]

As long as a voltage regulator is under the $200 single electronic item cost i dont see a reason why it couldnt be used.
This would violate <R53> and <R51> and probably a few more.

Use a Victor. Jaine's explanation was correct and more than complete... End of discussion (I hope)?