Motor wire - general purpose

KevinMullins

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Didn't know where to throw this - not really "videogame", not really "pinball"...

I need to rewind a ball lift motor on a Williams Hyperball. (120V)
Looking for a spool of wire to do it. Appears to be about 26 AWG. (25-27, need to remeasure)
I call it Bell wire, some call it Magnet wire, whatever.... solid core, clear coating, etc, etc.
Kinda like what Radio Shack offers here - http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2036277&CAWELAID=107598728
I have some of the green coated 26AWG from RS, but not sure if one of their small spools will be enough. (hate to start it and run short ya know) I don't need no 1000ft spool or anything though either.

Anyone know where to find something similar through Mouser or wherever ?
Or throw me some other terminology to search with.
Seems like everything I find either has a full jacket on it or it's a huge ass $40-70 spool.
 

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google's like that sometimes. there is a link in the ebay auction for 26awg wire in different lengths, 650 ft, 1000ft ect
 
My google-fu was definitely not up to par last night for sure ..... but you've got me straight now. "Enamel coating" is one of the terms I was needing, couldn't remember what the heck to cal it.

Anyways - need a recommendation -
I pulled the motor apart to get a good measurement of the original wire, concluded it was 25 AWG. (I have calipers and do know how to use them) It currently has the red coating looking wire in it. Just browsing that web store you pointed out to me I didn't find the red style in 25AWG, but they do have the gold/amber type with a heavy coating and higher heat rating. It's either that or go with a 26 AWG red type. The difference appears (aside from guage) to be in the coating.

25AWG
Color:
Amber
Temperture Rating:
200°C
Solderable:
Insulation/coating must be stripped before soldering

26AWG
Color:
Red
Temperture Rating:
155°C
Solderable:
Yes, can be soldered without removing insulation/coating

Heat seems to be a killer on these motors and after stripping it it seems the heat is what may have cause the enamel on the red type to maybe breakdown enough to short it out.
So I'm thinking the gold/amber would be the better choice all around. (same guage, heavier coating, higher heat range, etc)

Suggestions, recommendations ?

Sucks that I can't just unwind a few turns and see if the short is in one of the top layers.
This thing has all kinds of epoxy and such drizzled over the windings inside and around the edges, so I'm gonna definitely destroy the windings once I start.
 
go with this one
25AWG
Color:
Amber
Temperture Rating:
200°C
Solderable:
Insulation/coating must be stripped before soldering

should be ok however I have to put no warranty on this :D
 
Do you have to keep the same number of winds, or a least close to it, maintain the same rpm/torque? If so a thicker coating might not let you get near the same number of winds on the coil.
 
go with this one
25AWG
Color:
Amber
should be ok however I have to put no warranty on this :D

That was my initial choice, so I'll run with it..... and yeah, I put no warranty on it either, I'll be sure to close my eyes and mumble a few prayers when first powering it up. :)

Do you have to keep the same number of winds, or a least close to it, maintain the same rpm/torque? If so a thicker coating might not let you get near the same number of winds on the coil.

I may order a spool of both possible choices just to compare exactly how much "thicker" the coating really is. I have some samples of a similar heat range wire (different guage) and the coating shouldn't be an issue. There is room to add a few turns if need be as well.
This motor runs a gearbox which actually drives the ball lift screw and there's not much torque really needed, so I think it'll be ok......guess we'll find out.

Had to put this project off a few days, been working on a real motor (engine) for one of my boys which threw a timing chain, bent valves, the works. yay
 
I think I have one of those motors around here somewhere. I cant remember what it came off of, maybe a slot machine coin hopper?
If you rewind that make sure you use the same gauge wire and count the windings as you pull them off.
I have a huge box of assorted magnet wire but its not accesible right now :)
If I can find this motor you can have it for $10 shipped. Its got a gear reduction on it, not sure of the rpms.
 
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That looks like the same typical motor you find in refrigerator fans, ice makers, etc. If you have a scrap yard or otherwise a place you can find some junk applicances you can prob find a few of those.
 
Most likely the coating on the wire was amber and has burned down to a nice reddish color over time. I've had windings like that before.

Personally, I'd keep looking and putting the word out. Hyperballs get parted out all the time. If you see any Hyperball parts on Ebay, drop the seller a note, he may not have considered the motor worth selling.

ken
 
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