- Joined
- Jan 1, 2018
- Messages
- 31
Recently started a DC motor conversion on my 8520. Treadmill motor with an MC-60 motor controller, 10k Ohm pot for variable speed, and an RPM sensor with a display.
I wasn't able to figure out a power source (8-12 VDC) for the RPM display, so I just used a 9-volt battery and wired it up with a momentary switch. I don't feel like I need a constant display of the RPM and can hold down the button whilst setting the speed, then letting go. Should last a long time like that. Works pretty slick...maybe somebody else knows how to tap into 8-12 Volts out of this setup??
Found a box on Amazon to stuff it all into, and made a mounting bracket for the control box, where my drum switch used to be. Speaking of switches, I wired this one up with a DPDT toggle for forward and reverse.
I'm still experimenting with motor placement and deciding whether or not to use the idler pulley or go direct drive. I only have one pulley for the motor so far...had to modify a pulley by boring it out to fit on the motor shaft, and also had to mill a keyway slot in the motor shaft that fits a grub screw through the pulley to prevent slippage. Probably not the best setup, but I don't have a way (at least a quick way) to cut a keyway in the pulley.
Right now the pulley is a 1-3/4", and trying to figure out how to make the mill run as fast/slow as originally intended without having to move belts around. The DC motor has a range of 0-6000 RPM so about a 2-to-1 ratio is needed to get it down to the 3200 RPM range...not sure how often I'd use that speed but at least it can do it! Seems to have good power and doesn't bog down under a load like my last setup did (smaller SCR controller)
Nothing specific to ask just yet, but if anyone has done this and has some good advice pleas share at will! Some pictures of the setup:
I wasn't able to figure out a power source (8-12 VDC) for the RPM display, so I just used a 9-volt battery and wired it up with a momentary switch. I don't feel like I need a constant display of the RPM and can hold down the button whilst setting the speed, then letting go. Should last a long time like that. Works pretty slick...maybe somebody else knows how to tap into 8-12 Volts out of this setup??
Found a box on Amazon to stuff it all into, and made a mounting bracket for the control box, where my drum switch used to be. Speaking of switches, I wired this one up with a DPDT toggle for forward and reverse.
I'm still experimenting with motor placement and deciding whether or not to use the idler pulley or go direct drive. I only have one pulley for the motor so far...had to modify a pulley by boring it out to fit on the motor shaft, and also had to mill a keyway slot in the motor shaft that fits a grub screw through the pulley to prevent slippage. Probably not the best setup, but I don't have a way (at least a quick way) to cut a keyway in the pulley.
Right now the pulley is a 1-3/4", and trying to figure out how to make the mill run as fast/slow as originally intended without having to move belts around. The DC motor has a range of 0-6000 RPM so about a 2-to-1 ratio is needed to get it down to the 3200 RPM range...not sure how often I'd use that speed but at least it can do it! Seems to have good power and doesn't bog down under a load like my last setup did (smaller SCR controller)
Nothing specific to ask just yet, but if anyone has done this and has some good advice pleas share at will! Some pictures of the setup: