using a current sensor to "brake" a motor

[Max Lobovsky]

We are looking at different ways to hold our winch in place (ie not backdriving). In the spirit of minimizing moving parts, i thought up a scheme where a current sensor is placed in series with the motor after a victor. During testing, the current neccesary to just hold the winch in place will be measured. Then, the computer will be programmed to hold that current when the winch has no commands to move. Because the system has a good amount of friction, i think we can get enough accuracy with this system. If anyone has tried this, id like to know. And yes, i realize that the power is cut at the end of the competition......