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Reply to "operating on DC"

The Gilbert universal motors were originally designed to be operated with  AC power but they run great on DC as well. They usually will run slightly quieter on DC but unlikely cooler. The motor performance also depends on what DC is supplied to the motor, ie, half wave, full wave, or filtered constant DC (similar to a battery output.) When Gilbert introduced the open frame DC motors the wound field was replaced with a permanent magnet plus another very important change was made. The armature for the DC motor was redesigned with more turns of a finer wire resulting in double the DC resistance of the AC armature.

Many Gilbert operators prefer DC power since modern full wave bridge rectifiers are so inexpensive. It does not matter where the rectifier is located (in the engine or in the power supply) for operating Gilbert engines.

DC Can motors are completely different, they are not universal motors.

I highly recommend looking at Clinic #42 on the portlines.com website. It provides more explanation of this subject than you likely want to know. It also provides a thorough discussion of some issues with Gilbert accessories when using DC track power.

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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