Monday, January 25, 2021

Motor Speed Controller

I found this motor speed controller module at an electronics surplus store. This will allow me to build a controller module that I am able to control more than one devise by just plugging and unplugging each device.

 
 
 
Parts Used in Build

 
As can be seen in the first image there is the controller, case for the controller, wire, control knob, male power connector (black and green) and female power connector (black and green).
 
 
 
Put Together and Working



 
 
In the second image you see it put together. I ended up using 2 female power connectors. It was very easy to put together. I connected a DC motor to test how it works. I am very pleased with the device. The power connectors are labelled with 'M' for motor output and 'P' for power input. Using these female connectors I am now able to connect different power adapters(3v - 12v).

The power connectors(found at an electronics surplus store) are also a great find. With these I can create different connectors and adapters. People are always throwing unused power adapters at me so now I can use them no matter what end they have. Wires are screwed in at one end of the connector. Where the wires connect it is labeled with either '+' or '-'. So if you find any get some.

Sunday, January 3, 2021

 Second-Hand Store Finds

Second-hand stores can be a great place to find lab equipment and science kits. Though it is a hit or miss. Many times there is nothing to be had there. The biggest drawback can be the cost of the items. Some places charge outrageous prices for items. So be careful when looking and buying.

I found some electronic equipment I intend to use in some of my experiments.

1) A SOAR Corp. analog CRT based oscilloscope. From the simple tests I have done with it, it seems to be working fine.
 
 

Oscilloscope



2) A Cenco A.C. volt meter.

A.C. Meter


3) A electronic breadboard. To this I had to add the binding posts myself. Luckily I had some in my lab. The posts did not fit the holes. I did not want to buy any new ones so I designed and 3D printed fittings for the holes that the posts fit into. You can see the yellow fittings under the posts.


Breadboard


For less than $30 I picked up some useful equipment for my lab.