Pitching Machine Motor Calculations

[PAR_WIG1350]

You definitely do not want to base this decision purely on RPM, but, based on your torque concern, it would appear that you already know that. The crucial number here is max power. Power is what lets you move the balls. RPM and torque can be changed by gearing, but the power is fairly constant (friction can reduce it some). If you don't use a motor with enough power, no gear, chain, or belt configuration will be able to fix anything (springs might, but I won't bother you with the details, picking the right motor is really the better solution).

Originally Posted by the man

You definitely do not want the wheels trying to spin at 20,000 rpm. Gears, belts, or chain are your friend. They will multiply torque and reduce speed and reduce current draw. The fisher price motors are what we chose. some where around a 4 or 5 to one ratio. We tested ours and it spun up the wheels at only 5 volts.

Watch out, the jump from 5 to 12 volts is a big one.