I have a wiper motor that will be steering the wheels on a full size go-cart.
I see it says at full load 12V/2A. I have read where they can get up to 13.5V. What my concern is the amps. I have a 18V/7A motor controller and am afraid that it might not be enough for when a full load is on the cart(driver in the cart). I read where it could pull 10A+ on extreme loads. My main question is would I need to upgrade my motor controller for a 12V/2A wiper motor on a go-cart with a driver in it? Or if it is possible for it to exceed to operating current of the motor controller, is there anything I can do to fix it?
Why not use your multimeter to measure the stall current of the motor to verify the 2a value? My $3 multimeter has a 10a lead connection for measuring up to 10a.
I see it only has 7A continuous peak without heat sink. I tested the wiper motor and it has 9-10A continuous output with a load(person) on it. A 13A stall current. If I apply a heat sink what would that approx provide continuous output? If not enough, what else can I apply to the board possible to raise the continuous output if possible. If not, I can replace the driver at last resort.
I see it only has 7A continuous peak without heat sink. I tested the wiper motor and it has 9-10A continuous output with a load(person) on it. A 13A stall current. If I apply a heat sink what would that approx provide continuous output? If not enough, what else can I apply to the board possible to raise the continuous output if possible. If not, I can replace the driver at last resort.
I'd contact Pololu to find out if mounting a heatsink would allow you to achieve greater than 7A continuous peak current output or not; their manual does seem to say anything about it, but does seem to imply it (in some manner). If not, then you will need to get a different controller. One other thing: that board doesn't make it look like it will be easy to mount a heatsink on it (thermal epoxy might be your best bet); again, ask Pololu what they recommend...
Yea, will probably be till next week before I get a response back. I am trying to get something done over the weekend. I have read at pololu of a good heat sink or thermal epoxy being applied to 25A motor controllers and being able to supply 40A+ continuous and 12A controllers supplying 20A+ so I figured taking mine from 7A to 12-13A should be able to be done. I am just trying to find out if anyone has applied a heat sink/thermal epoxy before so I can get some insight on the process.
True, but I measured the 9-10A with it being stationary. With it moving I am sure the current falls and is possibly around my 7A mark for the motor controller but want to add heat sink to make sure.
Excuse my pessimism but do you really want to trust your steering to an electronic device that could easily fail?
Sounds rather dangerous to me unless you're intending very low speeds.