Banebots Doubt

[|_-LuIz-_|]

I was wondering which fuse should i use on banebots motor(MP-36064-540)???
Just asking that 'cause on FRC2007 Goods and Tips guidelines, there's a table that shows the current of this motor is 37A, but, on banebots' website it's providing the information that the same motor has a 42A, so now i dunno which fuse to use on it.

[RyanN]

We're using a 20AMP on our, and it hasn't tripped yet! You must remember that this is stall current, and when it stalls, it burns the motor up.... So better be safe than sorry and use the 30AMP. We used a 20AMP to save weight on the wiring.

[seanl]

i would use the 40 amp

[Jack Jones]

Originally Posted by seanl

i would use the 40 amp

Why? Do you want to start a fire!?

[Doug G]

If you're worried about the motor then use a smaller fuse!! Better the fuse blow than the motor or wire burning!!

[MrForbes]

we have a 20 amp in ours, I sure hope it never sees more than 10 amps

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Banebots lists the current at peak efficiency at 6+ amps. The 20 amp breaker should work for most designs. However, be aware that many teams are reporting that this motor is smoking when under heavy loads. It is essential for these motors to be operated in a range where the fan has adequate RPM to cool the internals. Plan accordingly.

[MrForbes]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

It is essential for these motors to be operated in a range where the fan has adequate RPM to cool the internals. Plan accordingly.

Now I'm really curious...where is this "fan" you speak of?

(yes, I have a 36mm BB gearmotor right here and I've been looking at it)

[Al Skierkiewicz]

If you look at the slots in the side of the motor, you will see a white fan. The blades are on edge. When the motor runs the fan "throws" the air out through the slots and draws air in through the other holes in the motor.

[MrForbes]

When I look in the motor of my new Craftsman cordless drill, I see a white plastic fan, as you describe. But when I look at a BB RS540 motor, I see no fan at all. Here are some pics taken thru the slot in the motor.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Jim,
I could have sworn there was a fan. I will try to check tonight, we are not using the Banebot motors. The Fisher Price motors are a similar design and have an internal fan.

[MrForbes]

The FP motor will fit the BB gearbox, eh? might be a worthwhile swap. Then again, I just ordered 4 more RS540 motors and pinions from BB, for $20 for all 4, plus postage.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

We are using the FP in a custom transmission. We have used these motors for many years and are happy with the performance if you keep the fan turning and the ventilation holes open. We have smoked a few over the years. This years motor has an internal circuit breaker though. I am still researching this, we found it by accident over the weekend.

[MrForbes]

heh....I guess it's better to find a breaker, than to find the magic smoke!

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Not when the arm is half way up! We solder wires to the motor for best reliability but I may have damaged it when I performed the solder operation. It trips pretty easily and has a slow recovery. We will be testing our backup tonight (I hope) or tomorrow.