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Jeler Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2020 Posts: 152 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:03 am Post subject: Volt-a-drop West Coast Metric |
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Hello everyone
I just volt a drop from West Coast Metric and there are no instructions.
I have a 66 bus wired for 12 Volt now, with a 6 volt wiper motor.
Has anyone every installed/used one of these?
https://www.westcoastmetric.com/i-22967761-w-2612.html
I all ready know I can get a 12V motor but want to keep the 6V motor.
Thanks
Jeff |
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Eric&Barb Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004 Posts: 24765 Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 12:21 pm Post subject: Re: Volt-a-drop West Coast Metric |
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Voltage goes into the voltage drop and from the voltage drop to the wiper switch. Voltage drop is just a resistor, and gets VERY HOT when you run the wipers. So you need to mount it in such a way as to not let your fingers accidentally touch it or something flammable like paper not to come in contact with it that will cause a fire. Other problem with using a resistor is it reduces voltage more when it is first turned on, when hot it will allow more voltage thru later. This means you will probably need to set voltage output a bit low when the resistor is cold and when warmed up a bit high. Resulting in wipers a bit slow at first and a bit too fast later. The clamp in the center is how the voltage can be adjusted.
Personally have switched to a adjustable buck module. Figure about 8 Amps to run the wiper motor and double that at start up. So the 15 Amp units with 20 Amp momentary ability works. Nice to be able to have it set to 7 volts output all the time.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trk...p;_sacat=0
Also added a PWM to allow adjustment of the wiper motor speed from really slow to as fast as it will go with voltage available. Again really need 15 Amps or more.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trk...15+amp+PWM
Had to reroute the ground wire in the motor out to the PWM module to get it to work. Plus since it is an open circuit board with no casing, I made a bracket to mount the PWM module to the front of the package tray. This keeps the module from shorting out and allow air to pass over the heat sink to keep the electronics cool. _________________ In Stereo, Where Available! |
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telford dorr Samba Member
Joined: March 11, 2009 Posts: 3555 Location: San Diego (Encinitas)
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 2:12 pm Post subject: Re: Volt-a-drop West Coast Metric |
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Quote: |
I just volt a drop from West Coast Metric and there are no instructions. |
Well, it's just an adjustable resistor. The sliding middle contact can be moved.
I'd move the slider to the far end of the resistor, then power up the wipers. Move the slider towards the other connection until you get 6 volts (or half of whatever the battery voltage is) across the motor. Once you get it adjusted, tighten the slider down so that it can't move.
Mount the resistor somewhere that it can get good air flow around it, as it will get hot. _________________ '71 panel, now with FI
'Experience' is the ability to recognize a mistake when you're making it again - Franklin P. Jones
In theory, theory works in practice; in practice, it doesn't - William T. Harbaugh
When you're dead, you don't know you're dead. The pain is only felt by others.
Same thing happens when you're stupid. - Philippe Geluck
More VW electrical at http://telforddorr.com/ (available 9am to 9pm PST) |
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Jeler Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2020 Posts: 152 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 2:29 pm Post subject: Re: Volt-a-drop West Coast Metric |
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telford dorr wrote: |
Quote: |
I just volt a drop from West Coast Metric and there are no instructions. |
Well, it's just an adjustable resistor. The sliding middle contact can be moved.
I'd move the slider to the far end of the resistor, then power up the wipers. Move the slider towards the other connection until you get 6 volts (or half of whatever the battery voltage is) across the motor. Once you get it adjusted, tighten the slider down so that it can't move.
Mount the resistor somewhere that it can get good air flow around it, as it will get hot. |
Telford
That's exactly what I was looking for. Does it matter which wire goes where? In and out on the circuit.
I was thinking of mounting it on the crossbeam right above the fuse box and far to the left to keep it away from other wires or flammables.
Thanks again
Jeff |
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Jeler Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2020 Posts: 152 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 2:30 pm Post subject: Re: Volt-a-drop West Coast Metric |
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Eric & Barb
Thanks for the info.
Jeff |
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Eric&Barb Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004 Posts: 24765 Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 2:49 pm Post subject: Re: Volt-a-drop West Coast Metric |
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Jeler wrote: |
Eric & Barb
Thanks for the info.
Jeff |
Glad to help. The wire spiraled around inside that resistor has resistance to electrical flow, causing the wire to heat up. Electrical flow direction does (edit) not matter to that resistant wire. _________________ In Stereo, Where Available!
Last edited by Eric&Barb on Sat Jan 30, 2021 3:52 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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Jeler Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2020 Posts: 152 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 3:13 pm Post subject: Re: Volt-a-drop West Coast Metric |
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Eric&Barb wrote: |
Jeler wrote: |
Thanks for the info.
Jeff |
Glad to help. The wire spiraled around inside that resistor has resistance to electrical flow, causing the wire to heat up. Electrical flow direction does matter to that resistant wire. |
Eric Barb
Eric Barb
It does matter? Or does not matter?
Thanks jeff |
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Eric&Barb Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2004 Posts: 24765 Location: Olympia Wash Rinse & Repeat
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 3:37 pm Post subject: Re: Volt-a-drop West Coast Metric |
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Jeler wrote: |
It does matter? Or does not matter?
Thanks jeff |
Sorry, does not matter. _________________ In Stereo, Where Available! |
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Jeler Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2020 Posts: 152 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2021 3:44 pm Post subject: Re: Volt-a-drop West Coast Metric |
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Got it, thank you!
Have a great weekend |
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