Wiper Motors - Revision history

ErnieHorning: Added six illustrations throughout the Wiper Motors article covering motor types, linkages, PWM speed control, display applications, and motor comparisons.

2026-07-22T15:53:15Z

Added six illustrations throughout the Wiper Motors article covering motor types, linkages, PWM speed control, display applications, and motor comparisons.

ErnieHorning: Expanded and modernized the Wiper Motors article. Added organized explanations of motor operation, park-switch wiring, PWM speed control, direction reversing, motion linkages, power requirements, mounting, weather protection, safety, controller options, application videos, motor comparisons, and lessons learned.

2026-07-22T15:19:01Z

Expanded and modernized the Wiper Motors article. Added organized explanations of motor operation, park-switch wiring, PWM speed control, direction reversing, motion linkages, power requirements, mounting, weather protection, safety, controller options, application videos, motor comparisons, and lessons learned.

Show changes

Toozie21 at 12:31, 13 July 2017

2017-07-13T12:31:59Z

Toozie21 at 12:26, 13 July 2017

2017-07-13T12:26:04Z

Toozie21: /* Using Wiper Motors */

2017-07-13T12:24:09Z

Using Wiper Motors

Admin: Created page with " == Using Wiper Motors =="

2015-04-03T18:41:43Z

Created page with " == Using Wiper Motors =="

New page

== Using Wiper Motors ==

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 They are especially useful for larger props that need dependable mechanical movement without precise electronic positioning. With the proper linkage, a wiper motor can create rotating, rocking, lifting, sliding, or back-and-forth motion.
 == How Wiper Motors Work ==
 Although windshield wipers move back and forth, the motor itself normally rotates continuously in one direction. A crank, linkage, or gear mechanism converts that rotary motion into the sweeping movement of the wiper arms.
 This same principle makes wiper motors useful for animated display props. By attaching a crank arm, cam, connecting rod, or other mechanism to the motor shaft, continuous rotation can be converted into many different kinds of motion.
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 For display use, the park switch may be ignored, disconnected, or intentionally incorporated into the mechanism. Always test the motor on a current-limited supply or with an appropriate fuse before permanent wiring.
 == Speed Control ==
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 The preferred method is usually Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). A PWM controller rapidly switches the motor power on and off while varying the percentage of time the power remains on.
 PWM control provides several advantages:
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 Increasing the crank radius increases both travel and required torque.
 == Choosing a Wiper Motor ==
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 Choose a stepper motor when repeatable position, speed, and controlled motion are required.
 == Lessons Learned ==

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 == Using Wiper Motors ==
-<*rough draft stream of conscience, needs to be cleaned up*>
+<*rough draft stream of conscience, needs to be cleaned up*><br>
 Wiper motors are exactly like they sound like, windshield wiper motors for cars.  These are the workhorses for many Christmas and Halloween animated displays.  Wiper motors have been used for [https://youtu.be/e3p6pAzczeU rotating antenna dishes], [https://youtu.be/ed0nvu4U2IY carousels], [https://youtu.be/zsRVe6O7oVE trains], [https://youtu.be/PYk2SkbMg3w conveyor belts], and many more things.

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 == Using Wiper Motors ==
 <*rough draft stream of conscience, needs to be cleaned up*>
-Wiper motors are exactly like they sound like, windshield wiper motors for cars.  These are the workhorses for many Christmas and Halloween animated displays.  Wiper motors have been used for [https://youtu.be/e3p6pAzczeU rotating antenna dishes], [https://youtu.be/ed0nvu4U2IY carousels], trains, [https://youtu.be/PYk2SkbMg3w conveyor belts], and many more things.
+Wiper motors are exactly like they sound like, windshield wiper motors for cars.  These are the workhorses for many Christmas and Halloween animated displays.  Wiper motors have been used for [https://youtu.be/e3p6pAzczeU rotating antenna dishes], [https://youtu.be/ed0nvu4U2IY carousels], [https://youtu.be/zsRVe6O7oVE trains], [https://youtu.be/PYk2SkbMg3w conveyor belts], and many more things.
 Wiper motors rotate in a continuous motion (not back-and-forth like you would naturally think based on the actions of your windshield wipers) and run on DC voltage.  Since they run on DC, the motors can be sped up and slowed down based on the voltage level applied to them, and the direction can be reversed by reversing the power leads.
 To get motions that are not circular (like an up and down motion), mechanical attachments (like cams) need to be added to the motor's shaft.

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:24, 13 July 2017
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	== Using Wiper Motors ==		== Using Wiper Motors ==
		+	<rough draft stream of conscience, needs to be cleaned up>
		+	Wiper motors are exactly like they sound like, windshield wiper motors for cars. These are the workhorses for many Christmas and Halloween animated displays. Wiper motors have been used for [https://youtu.be/e3p6pAzczeU rotating antenna dishes], [https://youtu.be/ed0nvu4U2IY carousels], trains, [https://youtu.be/PYk2SkbMg3w conveyor belts], and many more things.
		+
		+	Wiper motors rotate in a continuous motion (not back-and-forth like you would naturally think based on the actions of your windshield wipers) and run on DC voltage. Since they run on DC, the motors can be sped up and slowed down based on the voltage level applied to them, and the direction can be reversed by reversing the power leads.
		+
		+	To get motions that are not circular (like an up and down motion), mechanical attachments (like cams) need to be added to the motor's shaft.