New member: A Newman motor replicator.

[Kzip]

I have an idea for constructing a commutator.
The idea occurred to me before I looked at your commutator construction but I looks like you have done something similar. I'd like to see where you are shorting out on your com...I think I see but would like clarification please

Just a thought to run by you and the OU community...
How about the idea of making a PCB commutator? circular with the multiple contacts that start very narrow in the center and widen at the circumference? this was the commutator could be adjusted closer to the center or edge to increase or decrease the contact time? I though of mounting a copper plate on the back side for strength and conductivity??? ...all bones tossed my way will be chewed thoroughly:)

Still waiting for your vid...did you get my email?



Peas,
Kevin

[Michelinho]

Hi Kzip,

The commutator uses a firing section followed with a blank section then a wire acts as short and then there is a blank space to allow the brushes to exit the short wire. So Firing-Blank-Short-Blank then all over again. The short is one wire that is threaded all around the commutator (on mine), it is used to reset the coils to zero potential before the contact is turned on again otherwise the flow could meet some bemf ringing leftover (in a multisegments commutator, J.N. uses 20 segments on his big motor).

I would not try a PCB commutator as it would be too lite duty for what I will use the Newman for but for testing purpose it would do fine. I use copper tape, the one used for Tiffany lamp making, it is about $10 cdn for a roll of 36 yards (about 33 meters), it is easy to install, quite long lasting and it can be remove in no time for a new setup. It will even resist carbon brushes for a few weeks.

Take care,

Michel

EDIT: No email yet.

[0c]

Nice work Michel. Maybe I should be asking you these questions? 

Have you checked the magnetic fields of the coils during alternator operation?

0c

[Michelinho]

Hi Oc,

No, I did not check the magnetic field. I just made a new rotor for it and now redoing the commutator. When I am done, I will try to get the measurements with my son-in-law Gauss meter.

Take care,

Michel

[Michelinho]

Hi everyone,

I just finish the new commutator for the Newman motor. I was feeding it with my HV power supply and it did run smoothly from 150VDC to 435VDC (~100 to 400 rpm) which is the power supply max output, the neon (250V) was shinning bright. I just love the smell of Ozone from the high voltage. 

I will make more tests later.

Take care,

Michel