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How to Adjust the Speed on Mini Motors

Mini motors are very small, precision-built, electric motors often used to power model racing cars. They are lightweight and powerful, but mini motors don't have built-in speed controllers. While you can purchase a specifically designed controller so you can adjust the speed of your mini motor, they can be expensive. However, you can also use a transformer that has a rheostat to adjust the speed on mini motors, as it's the amount of voltage supplied to the motor that determines the speed. If you have children, you may have a transformer that operates a railroad or racing set.

Things You'll Need

Transformer
AWG gauge 16 wire
Knife
Wire strippers
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a length of dual-core wire using a knife. The length you need depends on the distance from the transformer to the mini motor.
- 2
  Remove 1 inch of plastic off the ends of the wire using wire strippers. Strip ¼ inch of plastic off the ends of the two colored internal wires. Twist the internal wire braiding around using your fingers so the strands stay together.
- 3
  Attach the end of the black wire onto the negative terminal (-) on the transformer. Use a screwdriver to loosen the terminal screw and then insert the wire under the screw and tighten. Loosen the positive (+) terminal screw on the transformer then insert the end of the red wire under the screw and tighten. Check the rheostat on the transformer is set to the lowest setting.
- 4
  Attach the opposite end of the black wire to the negative pole on the mini motor. There's usually a small screw you loosen first and then you insert the wire into the hole and tighten the screw. Repeat the process by attaching the red wire to the positive pole on the mini motor.
- 5
  Put the plug on the end of the wire from the transformer into the wall socket. Turn on the electricity. Slowly turn the rheostat. As you turn the knob, you adjust the speed of the mini motor.

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