Electric motor
07-22-2008, 01:20 PM
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RE: Electric motor
Is it brushed or brushless? The brushes in a brushed motor will wear just as they would in a generator or 'normal' electric motor, as the commutator on the axle of the armature will, too. If something has occurred in a brushless motor for some of the poles to have a lower magnetization or become demagnetized, that could have an adverse effect. In either case, disassemble the motor, do some cleaning, reassemble and run it on a fresh battery.
07-23-2008, 07:22 AM
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RE: Electric motor
Also, be sure to check the bearings for excessive play, wear or binding. If your motor uses bushings, a little oil there might do the trick. If your motor uses ball bearings, they might need to be replaced if they have worn out.
Ideally, the only thing you want slowing your motor down is the load imposed by the propeller. It must turn fast enough to generate enough back EMF to prevent itself from becoming a short circuit.
As mentioned many times, a wattmeter or DVM is a very useful tool for electric flight. You can measure your motor's no-load current (no prop) and compare that reading to the manufacturer's specification. If they are in fairly close agreement, you know your motor is probably in good shape.
Ideally, the only thing you want slowing your motor down is the load imposed by the propeller. It must turn fast enough to generate enough back EMF to prevent itself from becoming a short circuit.
As mentioned many times, a wattmeter or DVM is a very useful tool for electric flight. You can measure your motor's no-load current (no prop) and compare that reading to the manufacturer's specification. If they are in fairly close agreement, you know your motor is probably in good shape.
