11 replies to this topic

[lucky77]

Hi All,

 

I have a Proslot 4002FK motor, which has 30 gauge windings. Can I use lead wire as small as 30 gauge without bottlenecking performance, or is there some other law of physics that I'm missing?

 

Thanks in advance,

CJK

[Samiam]

Too thin and you will have problems getting the guide to snap back to center.

[Zippity]

Yes you can use lead wire to run from the motor to just behind the guide flag, but you need the silicon wire for "centering" as referred to by Sam.

 

Are you meaning like the wing car guys practice?

[havlicek]

I think the question isn't about whether he can use lead wire or silicon wire, it's whether he can use the same gauge wire for leads as the motor uses for it's coil windings.  The best answer is to look at the potential current draw for the motor...and then go over that by a good amount for the thinnest diameter lead wire.  If you look up recommended wire size by current for DC circuits with total lengths of less than 5 feet and for the least voltage drop, you'll probably land at a much larger wire size even for such a small lo power motor.  Aside from the effects of the wire size and type (how many strands and what kind of insulation) on the car's handling, using a larger than actually needed wire size isn't going to hurt the motor.  Then there's also the physical strength of the wire, which will usually fail at it's soldered connections instead of along it's length.

 

-john

[lucky77]

Thanks, John & Co,,

 

The wire is silcone sleeved, and I won't have a problem getting it to self-center the guide. I think the max current draw for this motor (with neo magnets) is about 10.5A @ stall. 

 

Where could I find the recommended wire size by current for DC circuits with total lengths of less than 5 feet, John? What would you recommend?

 

Thanks!,

Chuck

[MSwiss]

The easiest thing is go to the track and try it.

Run laps with 20 or 18 AWG, replace it with the 30 AWG and see if you can match or exceed your previous lap times.

And of course, run enough laps to see if it will break in the course of a normal race.

[Samiam]

Casey Scott sells some #20 wire.

http://slotblog.net/...re-new-product/

 

There's this thread:

http://slotblog.net/...ge-preferences/

 

.....and this one too:

http://slotblog.net/...0866-lead-wire/

 

One member here has a tag/ signature  line to the effect of: "Why make it harder then it has to be?"

I think that line pretty much sums it up.

 

I just use the 10ft spool of wire I've had for years. When it is done,I'll give Casey a call. Or maybe I'll get some now while he still has it available. 

[havlicek]

 

 

Where could I find the recommended wire size by current for DC circuits with total lengths of less than 5 feet, John? What would you recommend?

 

 

Google will give you some hits on that Chuck (*I just checked, but didn't copy the link), but there's no reason to not use a wire that's a little oversized and slot racers have zero'd-in on wire gauges within a range appropriate for most any motor.  I can tell you that even a pretty warm Mabuchi rewind with all the bells and whistles will run just fine using the original Mabuchi leads.  ***Mike's recommendation of course is the easiest way to do a test that might prove or disprove *to you* what's the minimum wire size for your motor.  I don't personally see a reason to look for the minimum wire size though, when a little larger will work just as well, and provide a little insurance.  **Also, it may be difficult to find very good quality #30awg fine-stranded wire at the consumer level(?).

 

The other thing here is the mistake, even though it would seem to make sense, in thinking that the awg of the magnet wire on the coils "should" be fine for the motor lead wires, when it's the current draw of the entire "motor-as-a-system" that's the important number in figuring the appropriate lead wire gauge.

 

-john

[Samiam]

Sometimes I think racers look for these theoretical performance enhancers as a "cover all the bases" method.

 

Have any of you guys seen the slotted out brass guide spacers the high end wing guys run?  When I was involved in motorcycle racing (street stock),we would drill holes in the ignition key. Just made us feel good. 

[lucky77]

Thanks for all the replies, gentlemen -- I appreciate it!

 

CJK

[JerseyJohn]

Sometimes I think racers look for these theoretical performance enhancers as a "cover all the bases" method.

 

Have any of you guys seen the slotted out brass guide spacers the high end wing guys run?  When I was involved in motorcycle racing (street stock),we would drill holes in the ignition key. Just made us feel good. 

Sam some people like to play.... Its what keeps innovation moving forward...

 

look at chassis' they are still evolving. Controllers the same thing, look at what Isles uses. $1000 dollars LOL. For some, good enough, ISNT 

[John C Martin]

Chuck I've been using 24 gauge stranded for many years on all scale stuff..no problems has a strong return.
After soldering lead wire ,,I epoxy 1/16" shrink tubing to strengthen at the clip...
Saves a couple of grams to use where you need it most...
$14 for 100'. In many colors
Shrink tubing --$3 for 3'
Bluff city electronics...

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