Hi everyone,

I have recently been tinkering with some basic analog components in order to get a better understanding of entry level electronics and circuitry. I am learning about small (1.5-3v) DC motors at the moment and was wondering about using resistors to slow them down. I've been trying different (low) resistor values to vary the speed of a motor and it works the way I expect, but I was wondering, granted you do not need to use the torque of the motor to carry any heavy weights or anything like this, is the practise of using a resistor to slow DC motors down generally acceptable within electronics?

As I come from more of an Arduino background I know you could use PWM which is possibly more efficient, but I am interested in the specifics of just using analog circuitry

Thanks very much!

 

https://www.elprocus.com/what-are-the-best-ways-to-control-the-speed-of-dc-motor/

https://www.electrical4u.com/speed-control-of-dc-motor/

Regards, Dana.

 

https://www.elprocus.com/what-are-the-best-ways-to-control-the-speed-of-dc-motor/

https://www.electrical4u.com/speed-control-of-dc-motor/

Regards, Dana.

Thanks for this Dana, very interesting! I was more wondering specifically if it's possible to use a series resistor with the DC motor instead of the Flux or Armature method?

Thank you

 

A resistor is not practical to control a motor, the current is always changing due to a variation in load, IF you could guarantee a super steady load, you may get away with it, but not recommended, plus a energy waster.
Max.