Advice on experimental dome drive system.

[Nigella Bryant]

Hi all, I've stripped down an old mobility scooter for the motor and bought a variable speed and reverse controller. The motor is 24v so was going to get a 24v DC to AC adapter. Now it's going to be simple just to move the rotation of the dome around and whilst observing/imaging. No fancy computer link up. I'm not completely sure but are the connection points to the side of the motor negative and positive. How do I tell what is which? Thanks for reading.

[Stuart1971]

Don’t think it matters re the wiring, either can be positive or negative, it will just mean that if the wires are swapped the motor will go in other direction....as it’s just a DC motor... 👍

[Nigella Bryant]

Okay, a little forward today. Had a 12v DC to AC adapter and motor was perfect. Reversed, slowed down and speeder up in both directions. Really chuffed. 

[Nigella Bryant]

53 minutes ago, Stuart1971 said:

Don’t think it matters re the wiring, either can be positive or negative, it will just mean that if the wires are swapped the motor will go in other direction....as it’s just a DC motor... 👍

Thanks Stuart

[Nigella Bryant]

Okay, so I've got the motor working. I'm thinking attaching a T10 pulley. I've got a small 5mm belt pulley, pic attached but what belt width? Is 10mm to little? Should I go for 25mm belt? 

Edited August 14, 2020 by Nigella Bryant

[Stuart1971]

Is this for rotating the dome..?

If so why not just a solid rubber wheel, and if it’s running against the fibre glass of the dome it will turn it via friction...😀

[Nigella Bryant]

15 minutes ago, Stuart1971 said:

Is this for rotating the dome..?

If so why not just a solid rubber wheel, and if it’s running against the fibre glass of the dome it will turn it via friction...😀

Yes it's for dome rotation. I wonder if a rubber wheel would work. 

[steppenwolf]

My Pulsar system uses friction drive, actually three motors with the lip of the dome sandwiched between them (two behind, one in front) but on a previous system that also worked well, I had a single motor and rubber wheel with an idler behind to clamp it.

If the design of your dome allows it, friction drive is probably the easiest to implement.

[Stuart1971]

3 hours ago, Nigella Bryant said:

Yes it's for dome rotation. I wonder if a rubber wheel would work. 

I think it would, and @steppenwolf has now confirmed it would...and should be easier and cheaper to sort, with minimal parts and fuss... 👍😀

[Nigella Bryant]

Hi all, I'll explore this avenue, thanks. 

[Stuart1971]

Just now, Nigella Bryant said:

Hi all, I'll explore this avenue, thanks. 

Keep us informed on the outcome.... 👍😀

[Nigella Bryant]

2 minutes ago, Stuart1971 said:

Keep us informed on the outcome.... 👍😀

Will definitely update the progress Stuart, thanks. Need to get all the bits and bobs, lol.

[sloz1664]

Hi Nigella, Sorry for not contacting you regards automating your dome as I wanted to make sure my shutter design is working consistently. I've had some teething problems that have now been resolved.

If you want to move your dome using a drivebelt you will need at least T10 20mm wide drivebelt and the motor will need to be sprung loaded onto the dome flange to iron out any discrepancies in the dome circumference. I know presently you are not going down the computer controlled route but have a look at this DIY dome automation set-up

 

Steve

[inFINNity Deck]

1 hour ago, sloz1664 said:

... but have a look at this DIY dome automation set-up

Steve

Hi Nigella,

I use that LesveDomeNet system that Steve suggested for my dome, and it works like a charm! Used almost the same motor, but using a chain and sprocket to drive the 450kg dome. On my website you will find how I installed it, including diagrams for providing enough power in a safe way (although I think your dome will need less power, being lighter than mine).

Nicolàs

 

[Nigella Bryant]

Thanks Steve and Nicolas, much appreciated.