Wiring a Rotary Direction Switch for a Treadmill Motor Conversion

I have done a video already on the basics of direction switches when wiring up a treadmill motor but even with that video I have been getting questions especially regarding rotary switches. This video goes over the wiring of rotary direction switches as it relates to treadmill motors
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3PDT direction switch
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[@sdcello4599]

I bought the same switch. When I installed it, I could only get one direction. I eventually had to put jumpers on both sides of the switch to get forward and reverse. Installed it on a Lathe. Thanks for all your great videos.

[@dazecars]

You followed my link or you ordered one from some place else and the switch looked the same? This same basic switch is available without the straps required to make it DT. Glad you like my videos and that I was able to help.

[@HelmutMeier-ih7wq]

Thanks for the explanation. I needed it for reversing the motor on my Cobra lathe for reverse sanding. Judging by the picture of your lathe it's the same one. Happy turning. Helmut Meier

[@dazecars]

keep in mind it will only work if your motor is DC. This info is for wiring a treadmill motor direction switch which is DC if your motor is AC it is wired differently.

[@dieselwelds8645]

Great presentation and explanation. Diagram super helpful. One thing that may help us to use a pen to point at the object instead of your fingers. Ive learned I have to do that sometimes bc I have large hands so they can block the view for the observer. The other maybe helpful thing is to install the wires on the switch in the video just to help demonstrate and illustrate. I hope that doesn't come off as criticism. I think you do great work, just offering some possible helpful tips. Thanks for all you do

[@dazecars]

It IS criticism BUT it's constructive. I am always wanting to improve so any info on what would make my presentation better is always appreciated. I will keep your suggestions in mind, thanks!!

[@dieselwelds8645]

@@dazecars So like a couple of days after I wrote my comment above I was rewatching one of your older videos and you were using a pen as a pointer. I saw that and felt bad I said anything. Thanks for taking it well.

[@dazecars]

@@dieselwelds8645 no need to feel bad your input was constructive!!

[@paulmanhart4481]

As always, your videos are well thought out and you walk people through the basic things. I am a big fan of your videos Daze. Question: How did you get the FWD OFF REV text on your switch face? I know how you painted it black instead of leaving it red, but the text looks professional. I’ve been trying to come up with a way to do this myself, but all I can think of is metal punch stamps. P

[@dazecars]

I used my computer printer and printed it on a piece of sticker paper, then stuck it to the metal plate on the switch.

[@paulmanhart4481]

@@dazecars Ah ha! A practical and easy solution. I’m always trying to do things the hard way. Thanks Daze. You know, it’s odd how the mapping of a DPDT toggle switch to that of a rotary switch can be so confusing. But you explained it very well. I have the DC part wired up to my rotary switch. Next is the AC, relay and resistors. I have 8 resistors at 200 Watts each and 4 Ohms. That should give me 1600 Watts and 2 Ohms resistance. This is at the top of your suggested range 1

[@dazecars]

@@paulmanhart4481 your watts calculation with 8 resistors is correct, but your ohm’s calculation is not. Eight 4 ohm resistors in parallel works out to 1/2 ohm not 2 ohms. Two 4 ohm resistors in parallel is 2 ohms and 4 in parallel is 1 ohm.

[@paulmanhart4481]

@@dazecars 1/4 = 0.25. 0.25 x 8 = 2. I thought when wired in parallel, you take the sum of 1/R. I don’t have an equation editor on my phone, but it’s the summation from i = 1 to n of 1/Ri. I’ll check my equations. You’re probably right Daze. I might have missed something. Ah! It’s the reciprocal of that number. So yea, instead of 2 Ohms, I have 0.5 Ohms. Back to the drawing board. Thanks Daze.

[@dazecars]

@@paulmanhart4481 you are overcomplicating it. As long as the resisters are the same value, the parallel equation is Ω/number of resister. The more complicated equation, while it works for matches resisters, is also for unmatched resisters. So when working with 4Ω resisters two in parallel is 2Ω, three is 1.33Ω, four is 1Ω, five is .8 Ω, six is .66Ω, seven is .57Ω and eight is .5Ω. Because the speed drops so quickly wattage is not that important as I show in my video one resister was able to handle the load at 200 watts. If you really want more watts and do want to spend the money on a braking resister get more little ones and make two 6 resister parallel groupings, then wire those groupings in series, that will give you 1.32Ω and 1200 watts.

[@checopacheco420]

Super good stuff 🎉

[@dazecars]

thanks

[@bluegroovemodelsports9650]

Great information

[@dazecars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dougkapounek9024]

Hi, My rotary switch fell apart in my lathe. And now I cannot figure out how to wire it. Can you let me know how to wire it? Bought a Kraus & naimer ca10 which I believe is like the large orange one you show. Busy Bee here in Canada said it was the replacement for my lathe. It's a lot bigger than the one that was in it. Guess the smaller one could not hold up to the Amp's. I really appreciate any help you can provide. It's a 1 HP motor but also has a capacitor and that is where I get lost. Doug from Ottawa Canada.

[@dazecars]

You will need to find a wiring diagram in the manual. Not all switches are configured the same and not all machines are set up the same so I can not even begin to figure out how it needs to be setup

[@oreos40]

any suggestions for a switch with a center on position for a brake circuit?

[@dazecars]

not ready made but if you are good with tiny components rotary switches can be disassembled and reconfigured to switch as you see fit.