Hello, While looking on the internet for help that I am having with a motor controller I stumbled upon this web site. I am hoping that you may be able to point me in the right direction as to if and how to replace a 12 volt motor controller on my kids PWC (personal watercraft) trim tab motor. I know PWC’s has nothing to do with building robots but thought that this may be a good place to learn what a motor controller is, what does it do, and could it be replaced with another, off the shelf, part? The problem is that it was contaminated with salt water and a terminal rotted away. This controller controls a little 12 Volt DC motor that adjust the angle of a trim tab. Its activated by a rocker switch on the handlebar that enables the motor to spin both directions depending if the tab has to move up or down. The motor looks like a simple automobile windshield wiper motor.
The manufacturer wants over $300 for this board and harness. Can’t afford that. My question: can I buy a universal controller and wire it to the existing harness? If so, how do I figure out which to buy? Is there anyone out there does does this type of repair? If I am way off base posting this here, I apologize, and will move on. No worries. Thank you! -Frank
@Bones1 It looks to be a very simple circuit for a Fujitsu 12V, 25A automotive relay:
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Fujitsu/FBR52ND12-W1?qs=YyEi1Ic9sw%2B0lEHcYS5DvQ==
The connector would be the next most expensive item and might be ~$1, so $300 for this board is… high.
From your photo, the traces on the PCB are corroded. The relay itself might be functional, but would take investigating.
Assuming the black wire is GND, the red wire is positive, that leaves the orange and yellow wire - one of which is the signal.
You’ll need a multimeter to check which one goes HIGH when you send the signal, and the other provides power to the motor (Vout).
After that, it’s a matter or soldering wires to a replacement product and getting the pinout right (GND / Vin / Signal / Vout).
Ex: https://www.robotshop.com/en/firgelli-automations-SPDT-relay.html