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Simple DC Motor setup - NEWBIE HELP!!!

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Discussion in 'General Electronics Discussion' started by sbones, Oct 28, 2018.

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  1. Oct 28, 2018 #1
    sbones

    sbones

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    Oct 28, 2018
    Hello Engineers!

    I am trying to build a grain tumblr for my home brewing system. I live in a climate where germinating barely is really difficult so after soaking the seeds, the must be put in a state of constant rotation.

    I put together a device, mostly made of wood but using an empty 5gal water jug (like the kind for water coolers) that sets on a set of old luggage casters. It rotates pretty easy and even with he weight of the seeds added (3-4kgs) is turns well.

    (Now for the electrical help part)

    I need to get a motor to turn this thing. It will turn this jug, non stop for 2-4 days. I need it to have enough torque to turn the jug but enough power to turn nonstop for days.

    [​IMG]

    (if image doesn't work)
    Here

    The the motor part I need the motor (of course) but what size and voltage? I picked 12v because it looked bug enough to do the job. I also added a speed control. But lastly I need to soder this to a power plug. All the places I look, I can't find the type of plug I need. Keep in mind I am in a country that uses 110 / 220, so what ever plug I use needs to conform to that standard.

    Long story short:

    1. Do you think a 12v motor fits what I am trying to do. If not, what do I need?
    2. What do I need to make a plug for this thing?

    Thanks in advance for your help!!!!
     
  2. Oct 28, 2018 #2
    duke37

    duke37

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    You will need a gearbox to reduce the motor speed and increase the torque. I would try a 12V DC windscreen wiper motor.
    This could be powered with an old style 12V battery charger. This will give the required isolation.The speed could be pre-set electronically or by using one or more series bulbs.

    The run time will depend on the power required and the energy available. If you run on the mains then run time will not be a problem.
     
    sbones likes this.
  3. Oct 28, 2018 #3
    Minder

    Minder

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    It is generally possible to find out the torque needed to turn the jug using measure length of rod etc axially to the shaft and then use a spring fish weigh scale etc to find the point that the drum begins to turn. In-lb, N.m etc.
    I would have used a 24vdc or above motor, but the 12v version may work for you.
    You can obtain simple/cheap PWM controllers on ebay if needed.
    Is that 'germinating barely' or germinating barley'?;)
    M.
     
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  4. Oct 28, 2018 #4
    sbones

    sbones

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    Oct 28, 2018
    So did you see the motor I have in the pic? It's a 12v gear box too. Is that not adequate?

    I get the charger, great idea, thanks!

    What about the speed controller?
     
  5. Oct 28, 2018 #5
    BobK

    BobK

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    You need more than just a plug, you need a power supply that reduces line voltage to 12V. And it must be sized fir the max current that the motor draws and then some for a safety nargin.

    How do you expect to couple the motor to the jug?

    How many RPM does it need to turn at?

    Bob
     
  6. Oct 28, 2018 #6
    sbones

    sbones

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    Oct 28, 2018
    Now that I've read these replies, I'm thinking I should go 24v.

    Yes, power supply is what I searched for first. I guess what I'm asking for is a specific device I can search for on Amazon. Once I make a purchase, I will not be able to return it.

    The jug has a axle made out of PVC through the center pivot. I will fashion one to fit the motor to it.

    I'm not sure the about the RPMs, maybe one revolution every 5 sec.

    Thank you!
     
  7. Oct 28, 2018 #7
    Minder

    Minder

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    The G.B. in your link is 20rpm so a reduction to 12rpm is not far off, I see the link does include the PWM controller.
    Saudi Arabia and you find germination difficult, temp wise? o_O
    M.
     
  8. Oct 28, 2018 #8
    Bluejets

    Bluejets

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    Isn't alcohol illegal there?
     
  9. Oct 29, 2018 #9
    (*steve*)

    (*steve*) ¡sǝpodᴉʇuɐ ǝɥʇ ɹɐǝɥd Moderator

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    And therefore nobody drinks. Bwahahahaha
     
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  10. Oct 29, 2018 #10
    Bluejets

    Bluejets

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    :):):)
     
  11. Oct 29, 2018 #11
    (*steve*)

    (*steve*) ¡sǝpodᴉʇuɐ ǝɥʇ ɹɐǝɥd Moderator

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    Let's keep this in topic, I don't want anyone losing their heads.

    Probably the easiest way to couple the motor to the axle is with a belt and appropriate size pulleys. Depending on the weight of the motor and the amount of torque required, it's weight alone may be sufficient to keep tension on the belt.
     
  12. Oct 29, 2018 #12
    Bluejets

    Bluejets

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    Bit like a tumble dryer.
    In fact, why not use one of them...everything already set up.
    Some have stainless steel tumblers.
    Would handle 4kg no worries.

    As far as duty cycle goes, no worries.
    I've seen some that go for days non-stop.:eek:
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Oct 29, 2018
  13. Oct 29, 2018 #13
    sbones

    sbones

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    Oct 28, 2018
    I actually considered that. I was going to use a mesh baggy to keep the grain together and find a way to disconnect the heat cycle. The problem is no cycle goes beyond 2 hours, I need the grain to tumble non stop for days. that other problem is the mess. So, nope. But thanks!
     
  14. Oct 29, 2018 #14
    Bluejets

    Bluejets

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    Why would that be a problem...simply bridge out the timer and add a two bob external one for $10, set for days.

    Cement mixer then...:):)

    Just no pleasing some....
     
  15. Oct 29, 2018 #15
    sbones

    sbones

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    Oct 28, 2018
    Hello, So here is my final configuration. Please let me know if anything looks out of place.

    Set up.

    Thanks!
     
  16. Oct 29, 2018 #16
    duke37

    duke37

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    You probably do not need to rotate continuously, one minute in each hour should be enough. The germinating floors in the UK used to be stirred with a man with a shovel.

    I do not need any nazal spray.
     
  17. Oct 29, 2018 #17
    sbones

    sbones

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    Oct 28, 2018
    Sorry, my link was wrong!

    Fixed it here:

    Final Configuration.

    Thanks!
     
  18. Oct 29, 2018 #18
    Minder

    Minder

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    Does 5a supply look OK for that motor? What are the spec's on it?
    M.
     
  19. Oct 29, 2018 #19
    sbones

    sbones

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    Oct 28, 2018
    What's there is all I know. What kind of supply do I need for that motor?

    Thanks!
     
  20. Oct 29, 2018 #20
    Minder

    Minder

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    It is a 12vdc motor, but you need to know the current rating.
    For this application a simple linear supply is best, transformer and a bridge rectifier.
    No real need for regulation.
    SMPS supplies are not the optimum P.S. for a motor application.
    M.
     
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