Accessory Motor Issues, Changes Direction Randomly

If the motor you bought is listed as CW/CCW, it will change direction each time it starts.  Synchronous motors are available as clockwise, counterclockwise or both.  This can be changed with the addition of a capacitor but, not having done it, I will defer to someone with more electrical knowledge to give you the size and connection instructions.

Alternatively, you can get single direction one for $10-$12 and use this one on something where direction doesn’t matter.

@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.

FWIW, I'm with Dan given you bought a cheap motor, it doesn't do exactly what you want, a more correct one way motor can be also had cheaply.

@Danr posted:

Alternatively, you can get single direction one for $10-$12 and use this one on something where direction doesn’t matter.

Again, there are DIY methods that could modify your existing install, but they could require machining, adapting, and all kinds of other problems.

Glad to help any way we can, but this one, it's just at a cost and complexity point. The motor you have is working as intended- maybe not how you intended. Changing that is "possible", but again at a cost and complexity point, VS just buying the motor that works the way you require is probably a simpler an more effective path forward.

I know I've said it before, however, this forum is just fantastic! Thank you to Everyone who responded.

The motor is part of a helicopter animation I purchased years ago. After all the responses, I hesitantly removed the motor thinking it would be complicated, but that was not the case. It popped right out.

A new motor and bracket has already been ordered. Lastly, as an additional benefit, the motor was 30rpm. I always thought it was a bit slow for a helicopter blade so the new one runs at 100rpm in the clockwise motion I wanted.

Thank you all again for your knowledge, suggestions and solutions! Really appreciate it! Terry