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Motor for back and forth

lowyrpc

Oct 16, 2017
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Oct 16, 2017
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I'm building a business sign, and I want it to wave it's hand back and forth. How can I accomplish this? Is there a particular type of motor? If so, I'd prefer it to be DC.
 

kellys_eye

Jun 25, 2010
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Depends on the motor - some come with the movement 'inside' (single wiper cars) others rely on external linkages (dual wipers).
 

Minder

Apr 24, 2015
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Try and find an auto wrecker where you can strip your own, this way you can use whatever you need or adapt.
The other option is a linear actuator, but not as cheap, maybe!
M.
 

lowyrpc

Oct 16, 2017
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Oct 16, 2017
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Thanks for the answers. I have a friend that runs a scrap yard I was gonna talk to him. I could probably use a rear wiper because it's single.
 

lowyrpc

Oct 16, 2017
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I'm working on getting the parts now. My next question is: Is it possible to power this by solar? Say have a 12v batter that a panel charges. Will that work?
 

Minder

Apr 24, 2015
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If the system has the capacity, but if the sign is running 24/7, or for long periods at a time, you may have a problem.
M.
 

lowyrpc

Oct 16, 2017
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What would you recommend? Where I intend to place the sign really has no power to plug in to. My concern with solar is the battery getting drained and can't recharge
 

Minder

Apr 24, 2015
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You would need to monitor and document the mean current when the mechanism is in proper operation under different conditions , for e.g. will it be exposed to wind resistance etc.
M.
 

kellys_eye

Jun 25, 2010
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...expanding... the motor power consumption depends on the load place upon it. Heavy 'hands' and/or wind resistance working against the 'hands' will increase the demand on any battery.

Measure the 'off load' current (nothing fixed to the drive shaft) and you can work out how long a specific battery (if you know its ampere-hour rating) will last - best case.

Thereafter you will NOT get 'best case' and may need to adjust your thinking/solution depending on how you implement the final design.
 
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