Thread: Triton TRA001 Speed Control

Originally Posted by Paulyboy1960

..starting when it felt like it etc. It also had a bit of a judder/surge issue occasionally.

Sounds like it might be worn brushes.

I agree it could be either worn brushes, or the speed controller, which were iffy in earlier models - I have replaced one of mine.
If you need a new controller my club has one here:
Classifieds – TOCACT

Originally Posted by Chrism3

I agree it could be either worn brushes, or the speed controller, which were iffy in earlier models - I have replaced one of mine.
If you need a new controller my club has one here:
Classifieds – TOCACT

Thanks for that, I will place the order tomorrow. I think the brushes have plenty of meat left, but will order a set anyway

If it is the speed controller (and I hope it isn't, for your sake) just be aware that the replacement part is still exactly the same design as the original dud which experienced a high level of failures. Hence it is just as likely to fail again. I changed out the speed controller on one of my Triton routers some years ago, restored it to working condition again, then 2 years later that new speed controller went the same way as the old one. At that point I pulled the router to bits and offered free parts to any forumites that could use them....

The symptoms of a failed speed controller are pretty obvious - the router changes speeds whenever it feels like it, with no regard for what speed level is set on the little wheel. You could set it for a medium speed to suit the router bit you are working with, then halfway through the cut it suddenly decides to go flat out, then it drops back to a slower speed, and so on. This might not be quite the same problem you are seeing.

My experience is different to that. There have been at least three versions of the controller, presumably each being an improvement on the previous.. Perhaps you were sold old stock?

It came from that place in the UK that used to be the most reliable source of Triton bits (during a period that they weren't supported properly by Carbatec here, or anyone else). This was all a few years ago though, so things may have changed. It's a pity the whole thing is potted in resin, as no doubt the failed component could have been replaced otherwise. Probably all down to one part that was under-specced for the power it had to handle.

I changed my speed controller in my MOF about 10 years ago and it's still going strong so not all of them are faulty.

Yeah but the MOF is 1400W and the TRA is 2400W.

Originally Posted by jack620

Yeah but the MOF is 1400W and the TRA is 2400W.

Your point being?

Well, if Triton uses the same controller in both routers, the one in the MOF isn't working as hard as the one in the TRA, and is therefore less likely to fail. And if they use a different controller in each model, then your experience with your MOF isn't relevant to the TRA. It's like saying the engine management computers in VW Passats must be reliable because those in the VW Golf are reliable.

Has anyone tried bypassing a dead speed controller in the TRA001? You would obviously lose the soft-start and limit your cutter diameter (to 25mm according to the TRA's manual). Although my trusty old Makita 3600BR has no speed control and I've spun bits up to 50mm in that. There's no limit on cutter diameter in the 3600BR's manual either. Might be an option instead of replacing the TRA speed controller?

Originally Posted by jack620

Well, if Triton uses the same controller in both routers, the one in the MOF isn't working as hard as the one in the TRA, and is therefore less likely to fail. And if they use a different controller in each model, then your experience with your MOF isn't relevant to the TRA. It's like saying the engine management computers in VW Passats must be reliable because those in the VW Golf are reliable.

What I'm saying is that there appears to have been a problem in the early days with the controllers for both MOF and TRA Routers as both have failed for different people. They use different controllers on both models so maybe there was one component in both controllers that was the same and it was the cause of the failures. Mine certainly didn't fail due to working too hard as I had hardly used it and only light cuts during the warranty period and it started playing up not long after that.
All I'm saying is that not every controller that gets replaced fails again and I'm happy with mine and obviously Chris has had similar experience. It took me a long time to pluck up the courage to purchase a new controller after hearing of others failing after replacement, but I'm glad I did it now.

Originally Posted by Treecycle

What I'm saying is...

OK, gotcha. I've been lucky so far.

Paul

It may not be worn brushes. Check that the brushes are free to advance and make contact. This was the problem I had a while back. The repairer just freed them up so they pushed in and made contact.

Regards
Paul