Ann,

I can see where a device would be desirable and possibly cost effective.
 If you mount the motor to a test fixture, go through a series of tests,
have the PIC collect the data and push a button to log the test results
automatically to say a database with motor serial number as the key. You
have a degree of automation and a way to quickly access the specs of any
motor in the database.

Eric

On Friday, July 16, 1999 6:18 PM, Anne Ogborn [SMTP:anniepoo@NETMAGIC.NET]
wrote:
> Need to know more about what you're really measuring.
>
> > What we are looking to do is make a d.c. motor test machine. It needs
to
> > do just a few things.
> >
> > 1. Test the rpm. No less than 10,500 RPM
>
> I take it this is a pre-install test of a small DC wound field motor,
> since you mention 6.2 amps.
> Starrett or any number of other machine shop suppliers will sell you off
the shelf
> mechanical tachometers.
>
> > 2. Test the Amperes being drawn at that speed No More than 6.2 Amps.
> fine - put a Simpson ammeter in the input line.
>
> > 3. Torque it can handle.
> I take it you want stall torque - go to the auto parts store and buy
> a torque wrench and whatever collars and clamps you need to mount
> it on the shaft. mount motor firmly on bench, and clamp torque wrench
> in place. Think safety. Turn on motor and read off stall torque on
wrench.
>
> > 4. Horse Power of motor. no more than 1/8 H.P.
> ??????  This totally depends on the load. The horsepower
> of a freely spinning motor is zero, as is the hp of a stalled motor.
>
> No electronic devices needed here unless you're testing many, many of
these,
> in which case you have a robotics problem.
>
> --
> Anniepoo
> Need loco motors?
> http://www.idiom.com/~anniepoo/depot/motors.html