2 Speed Wiper Mod

[Bazzalucas]

Fingolfin, I have a couple of 2-speed wiper motors, (Triumph, MG) that I am going to try to adapt. I'll let you know what I discover. If successful (read: cheap & functions), I'll do a write-up with pix.

[mike.perry]

All you normally get in the UK is 2 speed and intermittent wipe. Don't often get to drive down tornado alley but it seems like a good way to check the window and door seals

[Kevin]

Many moons ago I had a Ford Classic that had variable speed wipers that was achieved by having a reostat switch fitted, so maybe this would be another possible solution to your issue.

[bmcecosse]

As I described earlier!

[Fingolfin]

HaHA! You all are so helpful! Whatever would I do without you? (I mean that genuinely. It shouldn't sound sarcastic in your head.)
Charles Ware isn't much of an option just yet...I do intend to bring Mog to England one day and get it properly restored, but I can't do it yet...I'd prefer to do something more reliable than the rheostat. You're probably right, BMC, about the electronic enabling of the seven speeds -- but I'm not wanting seven -- I just want three. Love the supersonic wipers, though, and Mike's seal test! In reality, I've never even seen a tornado, but I've seen a great many wall clouds.
I'll be most interested to hear what you come up with, Bazza. I wonder if I could get hold of an MG or Triumph in scrap heaps around here...?

[bmcecosse]

Well - just about any UK car may provide, except perhaps Ford - most used Lucas parts.

[mike.perry]

[quote="Fingolfin"]...I do intend to bring Mog to England one day and get it properly restored, but I can't do it yet...
Don't take it to the first company you hear of, there are plenty of restorers available, get some recommendations.

[Declan_Burns]

There is a kit for speed control of DC motors. I haven't tried it yet. Might work on the heater fan too.
http://www1.conrad-uk.com/scripts/wgate ... results=20

[Fingolfin]

Conrad link seems to be dead, Declan. I'm quite interested in the idea, though -- but, of course, that's the same principle as a rheostat, isn't it? I imagine a rheostat would be acceptable, assuming one could make it work without the dry non-function in BMC's outfit. I'd prefer my wipers to work whenever I tell them to, rain or shine. There's got to be a suitable way!

Mike, you say to find suggestions -- well, where would you suggest? I don't think I've ever heard a bad word about Charles Ware, but I am a very cautious shopper and I love to find the best quality, especially when it comes to my Moggie!

[bmcecosse]

" I don't think I've ever heard a bad word about Charles Ware " -Well - you obviously haven't been following this Forum! I suggest you do a search! Any ref I made earlier to CW was made in deep sarcasm!
The Field Weakening allows the motor to run faster - BUT - it doesn't make any more power, there is less torque but higher revs, (since Power = Torque X Revs) and so at the higher speed on a dry screen it stalls. But the option is there to turn the rheo back to 0 - where the wipers work as normal. This in fact was my normal position for the rheo - only turning it up when in heavy rain needing faster wipes!

[Fingolfin]

Hahaha! I guess the Charlie Ware thing was a beginner's mistake! Sorry, friend!

Ah. That's an interesting setup...hadn't thought of it. So you'd recommend the rheostat? Or would the traditional two-speed motor upgrade be best?

[Roni]

Here's a "how to" from another web site that may be of interest.
http://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic ... peed+wiper

[Declan_Burns]

I picked up the speed control module this evening from Conrad and intend to test it tomorrow. I'll report back. I'll test it on the wipers and the heater if I get government approval as it is my birthday and she might have something organized

[Fingolfin]

Interesting stuff, Roni! Wish they knew better why it worked, but it's not a bad idea.

Can't wait to see the result of the experiments, Declan, and happy birthday!

[Declan_Burns]

No idea why the link will not work but the module can be found the long way
http://www.conrad-uk.com and search engine for part no 191507-62.
It states on the website:
"10 A speed controller for DC motors
Continuously adjustable speed for low-voltage electric motor. This motor is mainly used with DC power drills, model cars, windshield wiper drives as well as electronic tools. Due to the pulse duration control, which works with an adjustable frequency between 600 Hz and approx. 2 kHz, the power loss is kept minimal even at low speeds. The output current from 0 to 10 A can be continuously adjusted with a trim-pot.
Dimensions: (L x W) 110 mm x 90 mm
Specification: Module
Output power: 0 - 10 A
Operating voltage: 12 - 24 V/DC "

Does anybody know the exact power rating on the wiper and heater motor?

Here's a working link:
http://www.conrad-uk.com/goto.php?artikel=191507

I notice they don't mention operating instructions in English

Regards

[mike.perry]

There are people on this website who are far more knowledgeable about bodywork than I am, and if you request recommendations will PM the information. I was just giving a word of caution. If you requested info on who not to go to you would probably get a similar number of answers.

[Declan_Burns]

I did the testing this afternoon.
1) Heater fan
This works fantastic-beautiful variable speed control. Ramp up, ramp down is perfect. There is a bit of a whine at very slow speeds but I did this test on a mini heater that I had been refurbishing and out of the car with the casing opened. I'm sure with the engine running and the heater re-assembled there would be hardly any whine. The heatsink on the module didn't get hot at all during the testing. All in all a good mod which I will install permanently. I just need to remove the speed control pot from the circuit board and replace with a remote pot fitted with a knob that doesn't look out of place.

2) Wiper motor. This was not a great success and it could be that my wiper motor is gunged up. It doesn't appear to react very much. It always appeared to be too slow to me anyway. Has anybody an idea what speed the motor should run at or how many sweeps per minute should the wipers (1964 car) be doing? I'll take it out tomorrow and check the inside bits and also inspect the cable before repeating the test. It would be interesting to try mod mentioned by Roni to double the speed and then see how the module reacts.

Regards

[bmcecosse]

So - does this control unit only allow the motor to run more slowly than before - not any faster ?

[Declan_Burns]

Roy correct,
It allows you to reduce the speed but not increase it. It works great on the fan but for wipers I think it's not a great benefit unless the mod suggested by Roni with the resistor in series with the field windings to double the speed works. I'll test that too but I can't get down to the electronics shop before Wednesday.

[bmcecosse]

Well ' roni ' s mod with the rheostat had already been suggested by me in this thread - and done by me 45 years ago on my old Rally Minor! It works fine - but won't start at high speed - and stalls on a dry screen.