Hi all,

I have a Precor c956i treadmill motor with a bad control board but, I believe, a good motor board. As I understand it from searching the archives, I can power it with a PWM signal generator. Is this correct and is the signal power unrelated to the motor power? The motor is an external rotor design, 240 vdc, 20a. Also, is it correct that I won't have feedback so the motor won't maintain it's speed under load?

Thank you very much.
Rick A

 

Let’s wait for @MaxHeadRoom to chime in. He’s the resident threadmill expert.

 

I am mostly only familiar with the MC-60 and MC2100 style TM board issues, what is this main board type?

 

Why you not try to fix this bad control board, what problem with it?

 

Thank you for your replies. All I can find out about the motor board is this: #43550-560

The display board is this #FP124 if that helps:


Fixing the board is way beyond my pay grade, which is why I'm seeking help here.

Thanks,
Rick A

 

I have a Precor c956i treadmill motor with a bad control board but, I believe, a good motor board. As I understand it from searching the archives, I can power it with a PWM signal generator. Is this correct and is the signal power unrelated to the motor power? The motor is an external rotor design, 240 vdc, 20a. Also, is it correct that I won't have feedback so the motor won't maintain it's speed under load?

I am not familiar with that one, but yes, many use a PWM signal now for RPM command into the controller.
You require to know the PWM freq. however in order for it to work.
If it won't maintain speed under load, it sounds like the feedback object, is it a magnetic sensor on the belt??

 

I was just asking whether it would maintain speed with an after market PWM controller. It wasn't running when I got it. From what you say about the PWM freq I wouldn't be able to control it that way anyway. It doesn't sound promising. I can rectify 220v house current and run it without speed control but I'd think I'd wind up considerably less than the 240vdc it's made for. I guess it'd just run somewhat slower. Hate to think I can't use it- judging from the $500 price tag I suspect it's a pretty high quality motor. Oh well...

Rick

 

There are some VFD signal units that cover a fairly wide frequency, maybe worth a try?
You also need to know the signal level you are working with, a little reverse-engineering maybe needed!

 

You mean rectify a VFD output to run the motor? Sounds like a viable approach. It's a shame that I have the board and can't use it. Oh well... Thank you for your input anyway.

Rick

 

You mean rectify a VFD output to run the motor? Sounds like a viable approach. It's a shame that I have the board and can't use it. Oh well... Thank you for your input anyway.

No, I meant to say PWM not VFD!
For the speed input signal.
The units are quite cheap on Ali-express etc.

 

Yeah, they're cheap enough that it's worth taking a chance; I seem to have no other choice!
Now I just need to figure out which of the eight wires from the display board carry the signal. I'm guessing two carry power to the display, two control the tilt motor, two carry the PWM, and maybe two send speed info back to the display panel. Sound plausible?

Thanks
Rick

 

A little reverse engineering of the circuit and the source may help pin it down!

 

Easy for you to say! But I'll try my best and may be back with more questions. Meanwhile, thank you for your time and patience.

Rick

 

MaxHeadRoom

A final note: I took your advice and bought a PWM signal generator and I'm now up and running.
I'd like to also add, for those looking at this thread later, DazeCars in a very helpful Youtube channel for people trying to hack treadmill motors for other uses.

Thank you again.

Rick A