@EastonO posted:Trying a new title. I know one of you electronic experts can answer this one!
I have an animation that uses the motor in the picture below. It plugs into a regular outlet.
Why is it that sometimes it operates clockwise and other times counterclockwise? There is no pattern that I can identify. It just happens randomly.
Secondly, is there anything I can do to make it run in one direction or the other every time?
Nothing you can do electronically. Again fundamentally, it was designed as a simple synchronous motor that is not directional in nature. Just like the one running the turntable in the bottom of most microwaves. It goes whatever direct it feel like that given day and will reverse direction if stalled.
That said, you can mechanically cheat- by using or creating a one way mechanism forcing the motor to only start in one direction.
A one way bearing on the output shaft https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIhCPl8eb7s
A simple bent spring that rubs and binds in one direction but not the other - again, against the output shaft. Could be plastic or other material, just strong enough to prevent running the wrong direction.
A commercial one way bearing "Mop Bearing Needle Roller Bearings HF081412 One Way Bearing 8mm Bore 14mm OD 12mm Width -Stainless Steel Materials (2)" and would require a matching hardened and ground 8mm shaft to mate with.
