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Showing results for tags '9v train modify capacitor'.
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I help run a public display that includes a 9v train loop that runs 2-7 hours per day, 365 days/year. We beat our motors and track to death. The curves tend to get a lot of plastic dust dumped on the track, which eventually creates dead spots until they get cleaned (sometimes just once a month). I'm looking for a way to smooth out the current to go over the dead spots (and reduced any start-stop wear). We have a timer to keep the train from running constantly, so it can't be a battery recharging from the track. I was thinking that adding a capacitor could keep the motor running for a half second (or more) until it hits a fully powered area again. Maybe around a .5 - 1 farad supercapacitor, added via the power tap connector on the top. This will probably take a polarized cap that would be destroyed if the motor is reversed. But we only run in one direction, and can leave a sign to not reverse. Or just add a diode to the track power. But if there's a cheap way to switch the polarity, it would be good safeguard. I took physics 102 20 years ago, but never really put it to use. So I'm sure there are more knowledgeable people here that could point out any flaws in my idea. Any input, or links to someone who has done this before? Stuart
