Hank Fletcher
New Member
I'm trying to figure out how I can use a cordless drill to control my robot. I mentioned elsewhere that I'd hooked a drill up to my modified computer PSU, but that the PSU auto-shuts off whenever you pull the drill trigger. The drill will run if you press and hold the trigger before you plug in the supply, so there must be a momentary excessive load when you first press the trigger.
It was suggested that I use a capacitor to try and counter the PSU shut off. I've read a bit about capacitors, but I'll have to admit that what I understand about them in theory doesn't translate easily into my real world, practical understanding of electronics. What I'm trying to say is, how can I determine what type of capacitor I should use?
My (very rough) estimate is that the 14.4V drill has about a 20A spike (surge?) when you first press the trigger. So do I put the capacitor in series between the PSU's VSS and the positive terminal inside the drill handle? And again, how should I go about determining what size capacitor to use? I'm not adverse to experimenting, but I like to know a little about what I'm doing first, particulary when there are potentially dangerous charges involved.
Any hints, tips, speculation, suggestions, links, are greatly appreciated! Thanks!
It was suggested that I use a capacitor to try and counter the PSU shut off. I've read a bit about capacitors, but I'll have to admit that what I understand about them in theory doesn't translate easily into my real world, practical understanding of electronics. What I'm trying to say is, how can I determine what type of capacitor I should use?
My (very rough) estimate is that the 14.4V drill has about a 20A spike (surge?) when you first press the trigger. So do I put the capacitor in series between the PSU's VSS and the positive terminal inside the drill handle? And again, how should I go about determining what size capacitor to use? I'm not adverse to experimenting, but I like to know a little about what I'm doing first, particulary when there are potentially dangerous charges involved.
Any hints, tips, speculation, suggestions, links, are greatly appreciated! Thanks!