Procedure 2.2 - Test The Motors And Mark Their Terminals' Polarity - SeaPerch Remotely Operated Vehicle Construction Manual

OPTIONAL PROCEDURE – QUICK-DISCONNECT BATTERY CONNECTORS
& AN ALTERNATE MOTOR TEST
Procedure 2.2 – Test the Motors and Mark Their Terminals' Polarity
Tools:
Permanent Ink Marker
Materials:
3 12 Volt DC Motors
24" #22 Hook-Up
2
Wire, Red and Black
1 12 Volt Battery
(Confirm that It is
Charged to at least 12
Volts)
Electrical Tape
WARNING - TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK AND POTENTIAL BURNS:
- DO NOT touch exposed wires when making connections to battery terminals.
- DO NOT touch the battery terminals with ANY metal object, especially tools!
- DO NOT CONNECT WIRE OR METAL FROM ONE BATTERY TERMINAL TO THE OTHER!
NOTE: Small 12-volt DC motors of various types are available for SeaPerch kits, such as
those shown in Figure 2.2-1. Some may come with wire leads already attached. In that
case, the wires must be removed prior to testing the motors and assembling the thrusters.
Some motor shells may have more holes to cover than others. Some have two flat sides,
and others are cylindrical. Motor shafts can have different lengths and diameters.
Propellers and shaft couplers must be selected to be compatible with the motor shafts.
Some motor shafts may require a different coupler size or a small bushing, sometimes with
a little drilling, to properly attach the propellers.
It is necessary to mark the polarity of the motor "terminals" (electrical connections),
even if polarity is already marked on the motors, as you will not be able to see such
markings after you prepare the motors for potting by wrapping their shells with electrical
tape.
Construction Steps:
Gather the red and black 24" (61 cm) hook-up wires to use as a pair of test
1.
wires (these are temporary; they will be used later to make the power cord
and your control box in Unit 3) and some electrical tape.
SeaPerch ROV Construction Manual – Version 2010-04NW
Figure 2.2-1: Examples of Two Potential Thruster Motors
2.2-1