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  1. #1
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    Default Silicon Chip Magazine induction motor speed controller kit

    Hi all,

    Was looking for some mags to buy for reading during my camping trip this weekend and this caught my eye.
    Silicon Chip Online - 1.5kW Induction Motor Speed Controller, Pt.1

    It's published in two parts (April and May 2012). I got the second article which explains the construction of the kit and how to configure it. The first article explains how it works. Apparently it can control speeds for all induction motors both single or 3ph as long as the single ph ones DON'T have a centrifugal start circuit.

    As the kit has only just been published, the usual players in the market who sell SC kits (Jaycar, Altronics) do not offer it for sale yet.

    For further info, buy the mag or, I think you can purchase the article online at the silicon chip website.

    Cheers,

    Simon

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  3. #2
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    Nov 2011
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    Port Sephens NSW Southside
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    Default Induction motor controller

    Back issues are available from SC at www.siliconchip.com.au for $12 inc postage.

    I think RayG mentioned this project last month.

    Found it. https://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/so...stions-150614/

    JohnQ

  4. #3
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    near Warragul, Victoria
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    Default kit

    It would be a great kit if it uses common parts , e.g., easy to find replace . I'd hate to make it , then found out they have used a esoteric part that isn't available in 3 years time . Carefully read the components list .

    If you do make it, but some spare parts for it, eg any odd looking IC's or , the main processor .

    Mike

  5. #4
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    Default

    The custom parts are the the pre-programmed processor, and the IGBT module.

    I'd want spares of both of those, but even better would be the source code, which I understand they don't intend to publish. Which is understandable, but I will still build a couple, I think they are going to be more maintainable in the longer term than a commercial product, simply because it's documented.

    Looks like a great project. I predict there will be some open source software some time in the future....

    Regards
    Ray

  6. #5
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    Default

    Does it say what they end up costing when complete?

  7. #6
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    Default

    Sorry Ray didn't realise you have already covered this. With any of these kits they never divulge the PIC programming or source code. If you fried the chip or it lost it's firmware then I'm not sure what you would do?

    Hi Com_VC, they did say it would end up around the $200 mark but it will depend on what the kit sellers decide to sell it for.

    I guess if you are looking for a speed controller for an existing 3ph motor then it's not that attractive, but if you want speed control and still have the standard single phase motor then it's certainly an option other than replacing the motor and then buying a commercial VFD.

    Simon

  8. #7
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    Default

    Yeah, you can get a 1.5kw vfd for about $150 delivered. If it was under $100 it might have been tempting.

  9. #8
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    Default

    Jaycar are now selling this kit for $229. See their June catalog page 1.

    Silicon Chip AU - June Crazy Clearance
    Cheers,

    Simon

  10. #9
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    Default

    Thanks for that update Simon, I'll get an order in at the local Jaycar.

    Regards
    Ray

  11. #10
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by RayG View Post
    Thanks for that update Simon, I'll get an order in at the local Jaycar.

    Regards
    Ray
    Hi ray, no problems. Let me/us know how the kit goes construction and performance wise

    Cheers,

    Simon

  12. #11
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    Aug 2008
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    Oatley NSW
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    Default

    Hi RayG,
    Would you use parts off old or damaged VSD's to make up your VSD's make your build easier?
    I ask as where I work I throw out returned or damaged units as they are written-off. If some of the parts are of use to you I could save them and send them to you if you are interested.

    Regards,
    Keith_W

  13. #12
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    Hi Keith,

    Sorry for the slow reply, thanks for the offer, we used to use Zenith drives back in the 1980's, then PDL, for a long time, then ABB, currently Danfoss Aqua or VLT series.

    What sort of drives are you using?

    The Silicon chip design is based around a fairly special all-in-one IGBT module. I'd think it unlikely to be found in any older drives, but you never know..

    Regards
    Ray

  14. #13
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    Default

    Hi RayG,
    We use to have Hitachi and Taian now its Santerno and in the AP States its Allen Bradley.
    I probably have a couple of Hitachi and Taian Drives at the moment as I did a big clean-out recently and got rid of a lot of stuff. Their would be in the future just the Santerno units as the AB Drives go to our Melb H.O. if faulty. Their is also some Soft Starter's as well, Aucom and Sprecher+Schuh, are these of use as parts?

    Regards,
    Keith.

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    toronto
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    2

    Default part2

    Hi simonl,

    If you are looking for the part 2 of the silicon magazine induction motor speed controller kit, here's the link.
    Silicon Chip Online - 1.5kW Induction Motor Speed Controller, Pt.2
    This includes the complete parts of the kit and the complete diagram of the kit.
    Hope this helps you

    Goodluck!

  16. #15
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ryanb View Post
    Hi simonl,

    If you are looking for the part 2 of the silicon magazine induction motor speed controller kit, here's the link.
    Silicon Chip Online - 1.5kW Induction Motor Speed Controller, Pt.2
    This includes the complete parts of the kit and the complete diagram of the kit.
    Hope this helps you

    Goodluck!
    Hi Ryan,

    Thanks mate! I have not pursued this kit since I first saw it and posted on this thread. They have since been listed in Jaycar and at (from memory) $220 I think it's better value to buy a Huanyang VFD AND a 3 phase motor to match AND still have some spare change. Personally I think the SC kit would need to be a $100 cheaper to make it a viable alternative, especially now that I have a VFD and can see how many different settings they have.

    It does have the ability to vary the speed on a single phase motor, which is a major selling point but I'm not sure how well it actually works or how smooth it would be compared to an equivalent 3 phase motor and for $180 I have a 2.2KW VFD AND a brand new 3 phase motor! Just got to keep your eyes peeled!

    It's amazing how a kit, that you make yourself still ends up considerably dearer than a pre-made item. Still, someone has to pay for their NRL sponsorship!

    It would be a great kit to buy if you worked for Jaycar, when I worked there it was cost price, this usually meant at least 60% off, sometimes more if the item was a surplus buy.

    Cheers

    Simon

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