Slip Ring - data or PWM

I have used slip rings for Incandescent lights on my old Winfield Collections Ferris Wheel and Merry-Go-Round.

Having used that for a few years, I would recommend using a slip ring for power only, add some noise filters after the slip ring (ferrite donuts)

Once the power is past the slip ring then use use wireless Pixel controller to run the lights.
 
I think there are some communication-grade slip rings but they are pricey. I agree with Mythinc's suggestion of just passing power. Pixel protocols are very sensitive to noise.
 

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Wireless on the moving part maybe a solution , but only esp 01 size as there is no larger place to put a bigger controller .
I'm considering a few pinwheels .
 
For something like 25 years now I've wanted to do a ferris wheel with animated lights. I simply don't have the space for it though. But it could be really awesome if you had pixels covering all the frame members like real ferris wheels do.

Maybe after I retire the animated display someday that will give me the space (both display and storage space) to do something like that, and just have a couple showcase items that are relatively easy to set up.

In any case I was loosely investigateing slip rings more than 20 years ago for that purpose lol. Back then, it would have been to get LOR or DMX comm, plus power, onto a controller mounted on the wheel. Or alternatively a bunch of AC channels with a stationary controller.
 
Great to know that PlasmaDrive, the 3wire 10A 22mm diameter unit is the exact make/model I use on my Ferris Wheel.
 
Plasmadrive,
In prior projects, the slip ring worked great for power. We had some "problems" with data, but that was using cheap slip rings. The ring mentioned looks to be of a superior quality (and price), but well within the budget to try again.

Thanks for the link.
(And keep that train running - it is great!)
 
This is why you should stick around, Plamadrive! You have years of experience, and heck, maybe we'll even inspire you to build something new.
 
plasmadrive said:
I just thought I would wonder by to see if this site is still up and low an behold.. I can answer that question... I use slip rights for the rear wheel lights on my train. WS2811 data works fine.
https://www.amazon.com/Taidacent-Electrical-Collector-Connector-Commutator/dp/B07QMMHWCN

now back to my being gone. ha ha..
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This is great verification . Thank you . That train wheel seems flawless .Cool design !
I have a few of those exact slip ring from Sparkfun , though they were 22$ not so long ago .
 
ErnieHorning said:
Looks like MBF is gonna be pretty low. Gonna wear out rather fast.
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That was my first thought.

These are engineered to rotate a few times in the life of the cord. Simple bent brass contacts I'm sure.

Or worst case, not continuous motion, but a stop in both directions at 370 degrees or something (still provides 360 degree motion as claimed)
 
My first thought was stop in rotation at some point near 360 (most likely at 350). There was no spec on number of times it can be changed.
 
It claims to be "360 degree rotating" but that doesn't mean it's continuous. That's why I mentioned it could be 370 degrees, then a hard stop on either end of that.

Although bent brass "slip rings" are pretty cheap to make and that's all it would take for something that rarely gets rotated.
 
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