I'm learning electronics and built a simple circuit on a breadboard. I have a few questions that I'd like answered as I know those answers will teach me alot.
Anyway, I wired a 12volt power source thru a resistor, and to a hobby motor. Circuit is controlled by a simple on/off switch. I hit the switch, motor spins like crazy. Good.
I'm aware of OHM's law and such but I'm trying to determine what the important things are with regard to this circuit. First off, would it be correct to use a resistor to limit the current going to the motor? With the resistor in series, the circuit worked and motor spun, but I think the resistor was getting a little hot. Now, if I hook up a multimeter in series with this circuit and measure the amps, that will tell me what the motor is using right?
My main questions are about the powersupply that I have driving this thing. It's rated at 12V DC @ 500mA. What does that mean exactly? If the motor starts drawing more that 500mA, will that fry the powersupply? How do I determine what the motor actually needs and then figure out what wattage the resistor should be rated at? I'm not trying to build anything specific here or long term. I'm trying to learn electronics and have started to construct simple things with mainly resistors, led's, etc. Not caps, or any other components yet until I fully understand the above. Can anyone comment on this setup and tell me the first thing that comes to mind?
Anyway, I wired a 12volt power source thru a resistor, and to a hobby motor. Circuit is controlled by a simple on/off switch. I hit the switch, motor spins like crazy. Good.
I'm aware of OHM's law and such but I'm trying to determine what the important things are with regard to this circuit. First off, would it be correct to use a resistor to limit the current going to the motor? With the resistor in series, the circuit worked and motor spun, but I think the resistor was getting a little hot. Now, if I hook up a multimeter in series with this circuit and measure the amps, that will tell me what the motor is using right?
My main questions are about the powersupply that I have driving this thing. It's rated at 12V DC @ 500mA. What does that mean exactly? If the motor starts drawing more that 500mA, will that fry the powersupply? How do I determine what the motor actually needs and then figure out what wattage the resistor should be rated at? I'm not trying to build anything specific here or long term. I'm trying to learn electronics and have started to construct simple things with mainly resistors, led's, etc. Not caps, or any other components yet until I fully understand the above. Can anyone comment on this setup and tell me the first thing that comes to mind?