TightDrive speed control for permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motors was designed for applications that require a convenient location for the control ... on the motor! The majority of PMDC gearmotors and motors used in industry today require speed controls in order to operate. Typically, the control is wired to the motor through a costly, complicated cable system and the motor and control can be many steps away from each other. Bison's voice of the customer research brought forth the need for a convenient "point of use" motor speed control that was robust for industrial environments, while offering practical features and exceptional value. The new TightDrive™ motor-mounted speed control can be easily field mounted on Bison PMDC gearmotors up to 1/6 horsepower (124 watts) and offers a 20:1 speed range with maximum output of 90 Volts. The TightDrive™ is housed in a durable aluminum extrusion which offers NEMA 1 (IP 30) protection and superior heat dissipation. Speed is controlled with a combination on/off switch and speed potentiometer. In addition, three easily accessible adjustable potentiometers provide settings for minimum RPM, maximum RPM, and current limiting. The simple, yet innovative, SCR control architecture also provides much tighter speed regulation than alternative controls. "Simple solutions are often the best," said Matt Hanson, Bison Gear vice president, portfolio management. "The new TightDrive™ enables machine builders to put the control, the power and the gearmotor more conveniently at the point of use, while saving installation time and reducing costs. As a bonus, users can maximize energy savings by easily changing speeds as requirements change."
