What kind of mini motor could I use?

[LostBoyNZ]

Hi,

For part of a case mod, I need to make something turn semi-slowly. Something between 30 and 60 times a minute would be great I think, but I haven't any experience with motors.

I was wondering if anyone knew what type of small motor I could use to do the job? Ideally something I can power from one of the 12v lines or USB from inside the PC, and as near silent as I can get.

I wonder about taking apart a clock? But any ideas at all would be fantastic! Thanks very much :)

[billygoat333]

pretty much any electric 12v motor will do what you want as long as you hook it up to a potentiometer so you can adjust the speed. I would just gut an old case fan. I am sure the electrical gurus on board can give you more info.

[DarthBeavis]

Servo and Parallax Controller (USB). I think you can get them from Servo City

[x88x]

I think the simplest and cheapest way would be like billygoat said; a simple DC motor. You can adjust the speed either by undervolting it or through a high ratio gear exchange.

A continuous rotation servo would work, but a DC motor would be a lot cheaper if you just want it to continuously rotate at a set speed.

[LostBoyNZ]

Thanks everyone :) That gave me just what I needed to Google.

I found this, which seems like what I'd want. It's about 38rpm but that'd still be totally fine. It runs on 5v, which is perfect to take power from a 5v rail off the power supply unit.

http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H1208.html

Any thoughts?

Thanks again!

[x88x]

Sounds good. If 38rpm is still too fast, you should be able to reduce it further with another gear set or just by throwing a resistor between the power line and the motor.