im thinking of converting my 5 speed foot control trolling motor to a variable speed trolling motor. my idea was to wire in some type of variable resistor in the the speed one wire, either a Rheostat or a potentiometer and mounting it to the foot contol so i can get those slower speeds.


what do you guys think?
do you guys know what size resistor i should use? i havent takin any measurements on how much amperage it pulls or anything yet.
any help would be great thanks

 

How much experience in electronics do you have? You're idea sounds OK, you might even be able to find an aftermarket item that does exactly what you want.

The reason I ask about electronics experience is there is another method called PWM (pulse width modulation), but it will require some soldering of small parts to make.

 

i do have some experiance but not extencive. i have taken classes in high school and college so i have a grasp on alot of components but also my dad is fairly experianced in the electrical field and can help. as far as the pulse width modulation i dont exactly what that is but im sure i can figure it out if your willing to explain.
thanks

 

being an avid fisherman myself, I would put to you that dropping voltage over a resistor is an unnecessary waste of precious battery power. Just this spring in northern Saskatchewan while fishing for luner jack, we found ourselfs hampered in the weedbeds when we couldn't hold our position against a slight breeze, later in the day. Caught some great pickeral though.

I would seriously look into a PWM controller.

 

PWM is definitely the way to go. The use of a variable power resistor will waste energy and rob the motor of much needed torque right when you need it most.

hgmjr