Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => DC Motors (Brushed) and Speed Controllers => Topic started by: Willit on May 22, 2007, 09:08:04 pm

Title: MFA/Como drills motors
Post by: Willit on May 22, 2007, 09:08:04 pm

Hi all,
i have just removed the first motor from one of my boats, and it is best to say it is truelly knackered.  It won't move under power in either direction and its rough to turn so its obvious somethings off inside.  It feels like a magnets shifted or something.  Either that or the brushes are wrecked.  Its lasted me 3 years (its a 380 btw, so 3 to 7.2v).  Is this a good lifespan for a fairly well used motor, or am I best looking for something else?  Its run very well right up until the end so I was quite pleased (i was equally pleased that the boat was in a small pond when the motor packed it in!)

all my boats bar my springer tug (which has a Monoperm) have Como Drills motors in, stemming from me and dads first boat, a mount fleet Active which has quite possibly the biggest Como motor you can get, rendering her totally overpowered!.  I just want to hear others opinions of the Como motors before I replace the motor and spend money.  The boat it was in was quite small so it wasn't being taxed.

ta

Title: Re: MFA/Como drills motors
Post by: justboatonic on May 22, 2007, 10:29:58 pm

Depends what type of boat you have and what the motor is for ie speed. The motors in RC Cars are frequently binned after one season's running. Many drivers skim the motor after every 3 or 4 races. So, if you were using the motor for racing boats or even if you weren't, 3 years is a good life.

MFA motors are not at the cutting edge of performance or speed IMO but they do a good job. With a better motor, you may find the duration of your batteries is significantly improved.

Title: Re: MFA/Como drills motors
Post by: Willit on May 23, 2007, 11:02:54 am

its a tug, and being a tug isn't called upon to break any records, although it can go quite quick if in a tight spot.

Title: Re: MFA/Como drills motors
Post by: Shipmate60 on May 23, 2007, 07:35:37 pm

If you know the motor speed you could go up to a 5 series MFA motor, wont improve performance much but will be understressed and should last a lot longer.
Or just change like for like and change every 3 yrs.

Bob

Title: Re: MFA/Como drills motors
Post by: Willit on May 23, 2007, 07:53:04 pm

yes I did consider replacing it with a 450 which I think is near 6 to 15v.  But I think I'll go with another 380, its cheap and runs well so I'll stick with it.

thanks for the advice