Choosing the Right Resistor for a 6V DC Motor Running on a 9V Battery?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on selecting the appropriate resistor for a 6V DC motor powered by a 9V battery. The motor, rated at 150mA, is intended for a diorama to rotate a radar dish at a slow speed. A variable resistor is recommended for fine-tuning the speed, but users must consider that reducing speed also decreases power, necessitating adjustments based on additional weight. Directly connecting the motor to the radar dish may present challenges.

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  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, including voltage and current.
  • Familiarity with resistor types, specifically variable resistors.
  • Knowledge of motor specifications, particularly voltage ratings and current draw.
  • Basic circuit design principles for integrating motors into projects.
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wdlanghans
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Hi!

I have a small (about 1") electrical motor that I'm using for a diorama for model train set.
The motor is rated for 6 volts DC and I think it said 150mA but I don't remembered and now I can't find the packaging.

It's this one if that helps

http://http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2914699#tabsetBasic"

What I would like to do is run it off a 9 volt dc battery, and I would like for it to move a slow as possible. What kind of resistor do I need?

Thanks!
 
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I would say that a small variable resistor (like the kind at radio shack) would work rather well, seeing as how you can adjust the resistance to suit your needs. Just remember that as you decrease the speed you also decrease the power, and as a result the resistance will need to be adjusted for when you add the weight of the train. In other words, if you get it to spin at the desired speed as is, the resistance will need to be lessened when you put it in the train.
 
The motor isn't for a train, it's for part of the diorama; to make a radar dish rotate at a slow fixed speed if possible. I was hoping I could do it with a single resistor I just don't know how to figure out which one I need.

But, thanks for the reply :)
 
So are you thinking direct drive to this rotating dish from the motor? That will be a problem.
 

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