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Unread 27-02-2007, 17:26
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Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
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AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
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Re: Lowering the voltage on a spike

As it relates to an earlier question in this post. There is no limit on the length of wire you may use on your robot. As long as the wire size is protected by the specified breaker you may do what ever seems to make it work. However, at a window motor operating current of 2 amps you would need to add 100's of feet of wire to you robot to achieve a reduction in current.

Relays are not happy switching quickly (>2 or 3 Hz) and get really unhappy when the load is inductive, i.e. motors. The switching current causes some arcing as the contacts break open which eventually leads to pitting of the contact surface. Since this damage has a dominoe effect, the eventual failure can be either a permanent open or a permanent close. Neither are desirable. Your only alternative seems to be a change in gearing or a swtich to Victor. Sorry.
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Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
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Storming the Tower since 1996.