Powering and controlling Window Motors

[Jonzki]

We are trying to get the Window motors (2011 KOP) going. As lead mechanical and electrical, i am trying to figure out how to connect power and PWM(?) cables to control it.
The Window motor we have has a cable connect for power, but I cannot find any cable in the kit of parts that fits in the connector to power it up.
Does anyone have any documentation for connecting/hooking up the Window motors?

-Team 3481

[Brandon_L]

They are run through a jag just like the cims. to attach power to the motor, we cut away the plastic and put a fitting around the little ends, I don't know the names for it, sorry..

[Jonzki]

How are you able to determine which one is positive and which one is negative?

[AdamHeard]

You can get the connectors online at places like digikey, I've found hte PN by searching on chief before. You can also get them in some autoparts stores.

I'd reccomend just chopping it off and soldering wire right to it however.

It does not matter which is "positive", as it's an electric motor. You can hook it up either way.

[Jonzki]

Thanks for quick reply!
Plastic is stripped and crimp-on quick disconnect terminals are on, next question is what AMP should we connect the cables to on the PDB and what size(gage) on the cables to use?

[Vikesrock]

You should connect the Spike, Jaguar or Victor powering the window motor to a 20A breaker on the PDB. You should use the wire gauge specified in the manual for 20A circuits or larger (smaller gauge number) to make the connection.

[Brandon_L]

Originally Posted by Vikesrock

You should connect the Spike, Jaguar or Victor powering the window motor to a 20A breaker on the PDB. You should use the wire gauge specified in the manual for 20A circuits or larger (smaller gauge number) to make the connection.

I thought it was 40??
We used the 40A breakers last year =/

[Vikesrock]

Originally Posted by Brandon_L

I thought it was 40??
We used the 40A breakers last year =/

Stall current on the Window Motors is right around 20A so a 20A breaker and appropriate wiring would be the best choice.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Originally Posted by Jonzki

Thanks for quick reply!
Plastic is stripped and crimp-on quick disconnect terminals are on, next question is what AMP should we connect the cables to on the PDB and what size(gage) on the cables to use?

The window motors may be controlled by Victor or Jaguar if you need variable speed or by Spike if you just need direction control at full speed. As pointed out above, the stall current is near 20 amps (18.6 amps for right and 21 amps for left). Please be sure that the terminals are fully insulated. A 20 amp breaker and #18 wire will work for the primary wiring of this motor. If it runs in the wrong direction, you can either make a change in software, or simply reverse the output wires of the controlling device.

[Trent B]

Some teams have had issues with window motors + jaguars. If you search the thread there are a few topics on it. Some team don't have issues but the ones that do usually switch to victors and are fine.

Al, why would they stall at different currents with what appears to be identical specifications? Is the left less efficient?

[Ethan Spitz]

We used 40A Breaker with 12 gauge wire for both of our window motors with a Jag. We just used crimp on terminal connectors to hook it up. You can buy the real connector however, but only in a bulk of 1000

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Trent,
My guess is that the left hand motors generally will get more use so they are built a little heavier. Economy of using slightly smaller wire in one design adds up when you are producing a few million units.

[kamocat]

Doesn't this have to do with the brush angle and phase offset?
Many brushed DC motors are more efficient in one direction than the other.

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Trent,
My guess is that the left hand motors generally will get more use so they are built a little heavier. Economy of using slightly smaller wire in one design adds up when you are producing a few million units.

Originally Posted by kamocat

Doesn't this have to do with the brush angle and phase offset?
Many brushed DC motors are more efficient in one direction than the other.

kamocat is correct about the effect of brush angle. But Al's explanation is the right one in this case.

I've been an electric motor designer for many years. Two general rules govern sizing of motors: (1) magnetic circuits (the magnets and steel cores) are sized to provide the required maximum torque, and (2) electric circuits (the windings) are sized to provide the required cycle of service without overheating, and without wearing out the insulation too soon. In this case, the service cycle of Left Window motors is indeed more severe than that of Right Window motors.