Yeah me too. He seemed quite enthusiastic last time I talked to him, but it's been pretty quiet now for several weeks. If he fails to deliver I have a few other avenues waiting/available though.
The motor guy is still working on the prototypes, no news yet. The Bühlers are available on eBay all the time if you want to try them, usually around $20 each. Your stock power supply won't work though, and they won't just bolt in.
Hopefully, thanks to your efforts, we will have access to the motors you are developing sooner than later.![]()
If the Bühlers are routinely available for 40 per pair and a suitable fixed power supply for around the same, another option might be combining those two with a frame mod service. Some might like that approach.
I've had no major issues getting used Fana-Buchi motors cheap here and there. Have like 8 now. If everyone went after them they'd dry up fast though. I've bought them in "broken" wheels. Sometimes I've had the wheel sent to me, and sometimes just some of the internals.
All 8 work fine, two rejuvenated beautifully from "dead" with just some TLC. I even have one working as an ABS motor on my pedals strong and very efficient in that application.
No protos yet, the other 555's might work as a replacement if they have the proper specs but they wouldn't give any increased life or strength.
For #1 how easy is a DIY install? My motors run perfectly fine but I have read scary stories about people's burning out, so I'd like to upgrade to more reliable ones. So it is just a simple take out the old motors and replace them with the new ones? Any soldering, or just bolt and plug in? Also how easy is it to refit the belts?
Mabuchi Motor RS-555PH 12V DC Motor (9~20V) 57mm x 36mm
The RS-555PH from Mabuchi Motor is a stout DC motor useful as a common replacement for old style reel to reel tape decks by Akai and Teac. Originally offered as an OEM motor for ink jet printers and electric drills. Can also be used for many hobbyist projects such as radio controlled vehicles, robotics, model-building, home automation, and more! The 5-pole construction utilizes permanent magnets, so the motor produces high torque with high efficiency. Mounting is simplified by three 3 mm mounting holes on the face of the motor.
Specifications: Speed (without load): 5560 rpm Speed / Torque: 3950 rpm / 380.3 gcm Stall torque: 1360 gcm Current draw (at 5000 rpm): 1.25A Nominal voltage: 12 VDC Direction - Clockwise Operating voltage: 7 to 12 VDC Weight: 36 g Shaft diameter: 3.0 mm Shaft length: 10.5 mm Dimensions: 37.5 mm x 57 mm.
@ Crispy, it is very easy to switch originals motors assembly, and if you do not change the belt, since you do not have to, you do not need step 5 and 6.
Easy...
1. Remove plastic back cover (4 screws)
2. Remove metal fan in/outtakes (4 screws on the front + 2 fan cables)
3. Remove the motor unit (4 screws on the front + 2 motor cables)
4. Loosen up the left pulley (3 screws on the front)
5. Remove the front plate (6 screws on the front)
6. Remove belts.
Reverse procedure for putting everything back together.![]()
Still waiting for the protos to arrive. Last I heard, the armatures were being wound.
Is Stan (RacerXX) a part of this, or is this between you and the motor manufacturer?
eKretz put me in line for a pair or two!Still waiting for the protos to arrive. Last I heard, the armatures were being wound.
I emailed last week but no reply. Hopefully I will get my spare Bühler motors back. I also sent a Fana-Buchi that he can keep for all I care, but he's got 3 spools of premium magnet wire I sent too. I'm going to talk to guy #2 this week probably.