What is a brush damper and how do they work?

[Calderwood]

Looking at motors I keep seeing brush dampers referred to. Such as here: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXNUG7&P=0 Are these the black posts next to the brush hood in the picture? They are supposed dampen the brush I guess? I'm not sure I understand how they accomplish this. Is there a noticeable difference with them? I understand why you would want to dampen the brush (so it doesn't skip on the commutator right?).

[EddieO]

The black thing is just a heatsink for the endbell..

A brush dampener is actually inside the brush hood. Its a very think piece of metal, with a spring like bend in it that helps put pressure on the brush so it pushes against the hoods for better contact, which results in better current flow.

Later EddieO

[Calderwood]

Originally Posted by EddieO

The black thing is just a heatsink for the endbell..

A brush dampener is actually inside the brush hood. Its a very think piece of metal, with a spring like bend in it that helps put pressure on the brush so it pushes against the hoods for better contact, which results in better current flow.

Later EddieO

Thanks Eddie! I guess I have seen them on industrial motors and didn't equate the terminology. Do they make a noticeable difference?

[EddieO]

They do, as not all brushes are perfect in size, the dampener assures maximum contact the brush can provide.........most motors, especially higher end modifieds and such have them....

Later EddieO