How can I control an electric motors speed?

MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
30,772
T.M. Treadmill motor, SCR Silicone Controlled Rectifier, PWM Pulse Width Modulated.
If not requiring close rpm control then open loop should be OK.
Max.
 

Ya’akov

Joined Jan 27, 2019
10,276
T.M. Treadmill motor, SCR Silicone Controlled Rectifier, PWM Pulse Width Modulated.
If not requiring close rpm control then open loop should be OK.
Max.
Given the ready availability of closed loops system components for this application, it almost seems silly not to close the loop.

If it was something intended to be manufactured in large numbers, it would be a cost savings, but for this, the few dollars could save a lot of future tears.
 

MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
30,772
The T.M. controllers I have come across do not monitor the opto couplers or other means of monitoring the RPM directly to the motor controller board.
They usually pass it on to the console where it is compared to the requested speed and adjusted there before sending the command down to the controller board.
So it may not be as easy as it first seems.
IOW, Going by the popular MC60 (SCR) and MC2100 (PWM) it would require some degree of external circuitry and integration.
Max.
 

Ya’akov

Joined Jan 27, 2019
10,276
The T.M. controllers I have come across do not monitor the opto couplers or other means of monitoring the RPM directly to the motor controller board.
They usually pass it on to the console where it is compared to the requested speed and adjusted there before sending the command down to the controller board.
So it may not be as easy as it first seems.
IOW, Going by the popular MC60 (SCR) and MC2100 (PWM) it would require some degree of external circuitry and integration.
Max.
I was just working on mine the other day, it has an optical encoder on the shaft opposite the drive side.

I have seen a couple of others with the same configuration. Maybe it is newer?
 

MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
30,772
I did not deny they use an optical sensor, just that although it often plugs into the motor controller board, it is passed through the harness up to the operator console, and this is where the board control signal is modified before passing it back down to control the input signal, so unfortunately it is not just a case of using the motor and controller board.
The controller works fine as a stand alone without the sensor being used.
Max.
 

Ya’akov

Joined Jan 27, 2019
10,276
I did not deny they use an optical sensor, just that although it often plugs into the motor controller board, it is passed through the harness up to the operator console, and this is where the board control signal is modified before passing it back down to control the input signal, so unfortunately it is not just a case of using the motor and controller board.
Max.
Well, it would require modifying to replacing the controller, but the power components are there, the optical encoder is there, and there are some Arduino projects for using optical feedback. It’s not plug and play, but it’s a lot easier than starting from nothing.
 

MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
30,772
I have build a 12F Picmicro unit for the 20Hz PWM signal that the MC2100 requires for rpm command speed, the SCR version uses a pot, and AFAIK does not use any feedback.
The PWM command usually comes from the console.
Max.
 

MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
30,772
BTW, I believe the Icon uses the MC60-MC2100 controller versions, for the MC2100 you would need the PWM speed signal unit, which some have made using the 555.
Max.
 

Thread Starter

A.C. Alden

Joined Apr 10, 2018
22
Ahh nice! I feel like I'm getting somewhere now.

So I was looking up PWM speed controllers and it seems like there are none available that would work on this motor. Since the motor is 120v and high amp (I'm not sure how high of amp / wattage it is) and also almost all of them at AC not DC which I'm pretty sure matters... I think I will have a hard time finding one but I'll put some more effort into it.

I think it would be easier to just buy a treadmill and take it apart.

It doesn't seem like there is a suitable PWM speed controller for this motor. Maybe if I can find the speed controller from the actual treadmill.

I think I found one! https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Black-...:Bj0AAOSw7thbeJhX:sc:USPSPriority!93308!US!-1

Can you guys see if it would work with this treadmill motor in the pictures?

Im so excited that I actually might have the right stuff lined up! I'm going to buy it as soon as I get a conformation from you guys (mainly MaxHeadRoom)! Thanks so much for helping me through this huge problem I'm having.
 

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MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
30,772
The controller should work, however it would be interesting to see the board and the rough design, it is unknown as to the features it has, other than shown on the front panel.
There are also quite a few T.M. controllers out there.
Max.
 

premend

Joined Mar 15, 2019
2
I noticed that your requirement of the speed control is getting higher and higher in each reply you add (100W, 1/2HP, 1800RPM, even more, and so on..)

There are a available now in the market that can be used for the general purpose household stuff as you mentioned. So, it is obvious that users like you (and me) can have some confusion of picking the right product for the demand. Just like Yaakov said, it is surprising that you are looking for a 1/2 HP or even a greater capacity motor for your 100W sewing machine because as per my knowledge, the 100W turns into 1/7 HP (rough estimate).

Though if you are asking such electric motors for your sewing needs, I will like to recommend the reversible 1/2 HP electric motor by Smith & Jones. It has a maximum speed of 1725 RPM which I think will match with your requirement. It can utilize volts of 115 to 230. It is available online on the stores like Amazon or the official website of the company. You can also check in the nearby stores. As far as the concern of the speed controller, you will easily find in the offline/online stores depending on the electric motor you choose.

Some machines also come with speed controllers in the package, and if you can get the option of a variable speed as per the requirement (which I think you will get as your budget is quite good). Looking at the technical aspects, I would like to suggest you for using an induction motor which has the capacity to run slow at the initial stage and can go faster gradually (just like you want).

So, look for both such options on the online stores as well as hardware store near your place. I am sure you will get the best match. Let me know your buying.

I have many years of experience in this field, .
 
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MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
30,772
it is surprising that you are looking for a 1/2 HP or even a greater capacity motor for your 100W sewing machine because as per my knowledge, the 100W turns into 1/7 HP (rough estimate).

.
See post #5, the application is to operate a large Ball mill.;)
Max.
 
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