Looking to buy the motorair Bluetooth driver and want to get a compatible motor that can create enough torque to move a medical mannequins chest. I’m creating a human simulator that can have variable breathing patterns. Motor will driven by a modified ‘jack’. Recommendations for motors and accessory parts needed would be appreciated. Thx!
Hey hey!
This looks like you would need an introduction to Animatronic.
The project you want to build is really custom and no-one could provide a list of parts or an all-ready kit for your particular application.
But tho, it stays a really interesting project and I suggest you read more on Animatronic: https://community.robotshop.com/blog/show/the-ultimate-guide-to-diy-animatronics-by-steve-koci-review
A good start would be to define the required torque needed for your project, this will help you choose a motor.
Depending on the speed you want to achieve, you may want to take a regular DC or a geared brushed DC motor.
I’m curious to see your project updates.
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Maybe you could try the Drive Motor Sizing Tool, that will give you an idea of the type of drive motor required for your project by taking known values and calculating values required when searching for a motor.
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Thanks for the feedback. I’m using a 3D printer to build the moving parts. I am only looking to get advice on a motor and battery pack that is compatible with the Motorair driver and what, if any, wiring harness is needed to connect those components. As long as the motor has a gear on the drive shaft I can 3D print everything else to fit.
I watched Mr. Koci’s video. I would definitely like to read his book some day but for now I’m looking to power a simple mechanical jack like you would lift a car with, but small and plastic.
Since I can develop a mechanical advantage with the jack, I think I only need about 2-3 ft-lbs. Speed isn’t really an issue, I don’t think. Compared to like an RC car this will be slow.
If you have any recommendations to start with on the motor or battery and any wiring harness to connect them, it would be appreciated. Even if it doesn’t supply the exact right amount of power I am just looking to build a prototype and can go bigger/smaller/faster later.
Thanks again for your input.
Eric
Thanks Geraldine. I tried using the tool but most of what I’m doing doesn’t apply since I’m not powering a robot/vehicle. I think I’m going to have to just a buy a couple motors and see which will work. At this point I’m just looking for advice on any compatible motors and batteries with the Motorair driver and what wiring harness might be needed to connect them. Any recommendations on a compatible set up would be appreciated. Thanks again for helping.
v/r,
Eric
Oh, I see. Well, since I don’t know how much torque is required to move a mannequin’s chest I can’t recommend you a specific model but I can suggest you check the DC Motors Comparison List. There you will find lots of different models with their specifications listed below, which makes the whole choosing process a little bit easier.
The MotoAir driver can control two 5-24VDC motors and deliver up to 2A per channel, so make sure you look for a motor with a stall current that doesn’t exceed 2A, a nominal voltage within the specified limits (5-24VDC) and, of course, a high torque.
I also noticed that you can power the driver with USB but you have to keep in mind that the USB port can output 5V/500mA max so If you drive a big motor or your motor working voltage is higher than 5V you will have to use an external DC power supply. I’m no expert when it comes to batteries so I let someone else help you with that 
. The only thing I can suggest is checking out the How Do I Choose a Battery? tutorial.
Finally, if you find a motor that suits your requirements but aren’t sure of its compatibility you can return to this post and ask all the things you need.
Thanks again Geraldine.
I think I need at least 2ft-lbs to power the jack that will move my medical simulators chest. I ended up just going with a Hitec motor that was advertised with high torque and good reviews. The specs seem to convert to support that. I’m assuming it is compatible with the MotorAir motor driver…
I’m about to order the following;
MotorAir v2 - Bluetooth Dual Motor Driver Smartphone Remote Control Kit
DFRobot Assorted Jumper Wires Premium M / F Pack of 65
Hitec HS-645MG Servo Motor
12V 1600mAh Rechargeable NiMh Battery
6V - 12V NiMH / NiCd Smart Charger
Quick Connect Battery Connector
If you or anyone else thinks I will need anything else to run a motor with the Motorair Motor driver, additional recommendations or substitutions would be appreciated. Basically I just need the robotic parts to power and control a motor. All other hardware will be made using a 3D printer. Just looking for brains and power with the appropriate connections.
Thanks,
Eric
I just checked the Hitec HS-645MG Servo Motor and the specifications say:
- Operating Voltage Range (Volts DC): 4.8V ~ 6.0V (lower than the minimum of 5V)
- Maximum Torque Range kg. / cm.: 7.7 ~ 9.6 = 0.55 - 0.69 ft-lbs (lower than the 2ft-lbs you need)
- Stall Current Draw: 2,500 mA (higher than the 2A the driver can deliver)
I’d suggest you check out the:
- Operating Voltage Range (Volts DC) 6.0V ~ 7.4V
- Maximum Torque Range kg. / cm. 34 = 2.46 ft-lbs
- Stall Current Draw 2,100 mA