Limit switch wiring help

[motocrawler]

I just finished converting a Joskin tilt trailer, I am using a screw type lift mechanism and want to add limit switches on each end. I am using a speed controller to control the motor direction and using a 6V pololu geared motor. My question is I am not sure how to wire the limit switches in to the system/circuit. I am also horrible at reading electronic circuit schematics so please be easy on me. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[kaptain Jack]

Here you go, M stands for motor

[motocrawler]

Thanks for the quick response, but I can't see the first photo/picture (it says the user removed the photo), in your second photo it looks like you placed a diode between the terminals C and NC, is that mandatory or can I get away with not having a Diode?

[kaptain Jack]

Diode serves as a gate allowing the flow in one direction, it's a must!!

[Supermario]

Yes, diodes required to make it work. Also have to be installed in the proper direction. You can see a silver band on one end of the diode. The wire on that end will not allow power to flow that way.
Here's a video I made just a few months ago. It may help to explain.

http://youtu.be/XqReoXCzzw0

Mario

[motocrawler]

Thanks so much for the info, I guess I need to get a diode now. As far as actually wiring the switches what wire goes where, etc?

[Supermario]

heres a quick drawing. Nothing as nice as the drawings Nathan makes but... I didn't use the diode symbol from a schematic and just drew it as what your looking at when you get some.



Mario.

[RCP57]

Hey that's better than the drawings you were sending me months ago!

[Lmackattack]

Great info guys....!! . I too was wondering how to do this also...So basicly we need

2 normally closed limit switch
2 diodes
Motor
Esc

That's very simple to wire up...
Wires to connect everything...

[Supermario]

Just one other thing to consider is,
You need to use switches and diodes that can handle the amperage required to run the circuit. I'm not sure what size motor and drive you are using.
My dump truck switches and diodes are rated for 1 amp. I have yet to test the box with a full heavy load and see if it blows a diode or switch. If it does, I'll try a 2 amp version.

[Supermario]

Originally Posted by RCP57

Hey that's better than the drawings you were sending me months ago!

Lol. Practice makes perfect Reg

[RCP57]

Originally Posted by Supermario

Lol. Practice makes perfect Reg

Haha! I guess I best keep practicing then....

[Lmackattack]

I was surfing eBay and see a lot of people list these micro switches as no/nc


Does it specifically have to be a nc switch or is it just hiw it's wired will determine the nc position?

[Supermario]

Reg suddenly reminded me that I took these pics months ago.






I used 24 gauge wire in these pics but would recommend more like 18 or 22 minimum.


Mario

[Supermario]

Originally Posted by Lmackattack

I was surfing eBay and see a lot of people list these micro switches as no/nc


Does it specifically have to be a nc switch or is it just hiw it's wired will determine the nc position?

Some switches have 3 terminals and you can choose NC or NO.
a NC switch is what keeps this circuit simple. Using a NO switch would require more diode fun that you don't need.

Normally closed as to say there is a connection when not touched. when you push on it, power is lost.

heres a switch with choice of no/nc

http://www.robotshop.com/en/micro-co...it-switch.html

[RCP57]

Do a search for them on Amazon. I bought some from there that were pretty reasonable if you don't need them in a hurry. They came directly from Hong Kong...

[motocrawler]

Thanks so much for the drawing supermario it explains everything so simply and clearly! I am using a 7.2volt lipo battery and it is powering a Pololu 25D 99:1 gear motor. What amperage switch would you recommend and what diode? Thanks again!

[RCP57]

Those are the same motors that I am using on my dump boxes. I am running 5amp switches because that's what the motors stall current is.

[dmess62]

Mario, so do you just solder connectors on the ends of wire to plug in to esc or does it run off a seperate channel. And correct me here but this esc is not the main one you run the truck off of. You need seperate one.
If so how do you connect the dump esc to main esc

[Supermario]

Originally Posted by dmess62

Mario, so do you just solder connectors on the ends of wire to plug in to esc or does it run off a seperate channel. And correct me here but this esc is not the main one you run the truck off of. You need seperate one.
If so how do you connect the dump esc to main esc

Hey Dave. Your right, you need a separate ESC to run the box function. I found a cheap china one on ebay for 10 bucks. 10 amp I think.
Use whatever style connector you prefer to hook up to the ESC .
I connect that ESC to the radio channel for right stick up down or elevator.
The only connection between the main ESC ( drive for the truck) and the one for the box is main power supply from the battery. I soldered both power wires together and installed a battery style plug to fit the ones I use .

There is another option rather than using a ESC. Raising and lowering a box can be a on or off type function. You could use a relay of some sort and trigger with a toggle switch or something from the radio.
I'm just learning about stuff like pico switches and it was just easier and quicker for me to use the horn and fifth wheel function seeing as a dump truck has no fifth and I don't care about the horn. Using the ESC I can raise the box full speed or just a little or anything in between.
It's all about personal preference and space available, cash flow. That's another thing that makes all our builds so unique. So many ways to do a variety of things.

Mario