Motor for back and forth

[lowyrpc]

I'm building a business sign, and I want it to wave it's hand back and forth. How can I accomplish this? Is there a particular type of motor? If so, I'd prefer it to be DC.

 

[kellys_eye]

Wind screen wiper.

 

[lowyrpc]

Wind screen wiper.

That's what I was thinking. Do I need the arms as well, or just the motor?

 

[kellys_eye]

Depends on the motor - some come with the movement 'inside' (single wiper cars) others rely on external linkages (dual wipers).

 

[Minder]

Try and find an auto wrecker where you can strip your own, this way you can use whatever you need or adapt.
The other option is a linear actuator, but not as cheap, maybe!
M.

 

[lowyrpc]

Thanks for the answers. I have a friend that runs a scrap yard I was gonna talk to him. I could probably use a rear wiper because it's single.

 

[lowyrpc]

I'm working on getting the parts now. My next question is: Is it possible to power this by solar? Say have a 12v batter that a panel charges. Will that work?

 

[Minder]

If the system has the capacity, but if the sign is running 24/7, or for long periods at a time, you may have a problem.
M.

 

[lowyrpc]

What would you recommend? Where I intend to place the sign really has no power to plug in to. My concern with solar is the battery getting drained and can't recharge

 

[Minder]

You would need to monitor and document the mean current when the mechanism is in proper operation under different conditions , for e.g. will it be exposed to wind resistance etc.
M.

 

[lowyrpc]

Ok, I gotcha...I think lol

 

[kellys_eye]

...expanding... the motor power consumption depends on the load place upon it. Heavy 'hands' and/or wind resistance working against the 'hands' will increase the demand on any battery.

Measure the 'off load' current (nothing fixed to the drive shaft) and you can work out how long a specific battery (if you know its ampere-hour rating) will last - best case.

Thereafter you will NOT get 'best case' and may need to adjust your thinking/solution depending on how you implement the final design.

 

[lowyrpc]

Thanks for the help everyone!