Can I make a 15W+ 1-5Ohm resistor?
I'm making a yard sprayer with a 12V, 5amp pump. It works great, but I'd like to add in a 2nd, slower speed setting for situations where I want less fluid going through the sprayer. It needs to a be a simple fast/slow switch, not a variable resistor, since I need the flow rate to be repeatable and consistent. Ideally, I'd like to make about a 2-ohm resistor, that would need to be able to handle about 15W. Unfortunately, no local shops have anything like that, and I don't want to wait for an on-line order to get shipped.
Is there any way to make a DIY resistor to roughly achieve these characteristics? (Like I said, the important part is that it will be a consistent resistance value, not a specific resistance value, and not burn up with 2-4 amps going through it..)
Comments
8 years ago
Don't use resistors to do it. An adjustable voltage regulator is much better for the motor.
Reply 8 years ago
The voltage-regulator would waste-heat; why not PWM?
L
Reply 8 years ago
Overly complex for thesize of load really. PWM is a good idea, but you need the electronics knowledge to put one together.
Reply 8 years ago
Yes I can understand that, thanks.
L
8 years ago
I agree with steveastrouk for a permanent solution. However it looks like you're in a hurry for this one.
As a quick >>temporary<< solution you can experiement with different wattages of 120V incandescent light bulbs. Start with a 100W if you have one.
I regard this as just a temporary solution. Motors lose torque when controlled by a series resistor.
Reply 8 years ago
They become much more sensitive to the load too.
8 years ago
Maybe some sort of wire wound resistor?