The variable frequency control is energy efficient
because it recaptures energy from the feeder coils
every cycle. Because of the efficiency, the input
power cord may be slimmer than the output cord.
The VF-12 uses a #12 AWG output cord and the
receptacle is not provided. The VF-18 uses a #10
AWG output cord and the receptacle is not provided.
6. External Speed Control Connections
The following methods of remote power level control
can be utilized when desired:
A. CFR sensor can maintain a constant feed rate.
Attach the CFR sensor to terminals ACCEL “-“
(blue) and to ACCEL “+” (brown). (Then update the
software settings. Sections 11-A and 14-B)
B. 4-20mA signal can be connected by bringing the
positive signal wire to 4-20 “+” and ground to 4-20
“-“. (Update software settings. Sect 11-B)
C. 0-10VDC Analog input signal can be connected by
bringing the positive signal wire to 0-10V “+” and
ground to 0-10 “-“. (Update the software settings.
Section 11-C)
Software Adjustments
Once the electrical connections have been made, the
control can be turned on. The software settings can
be adjusted as desired through the control menu.
Display Messages
The normal operating display shows the status of the
control with regard to input signals and control
settings. See the Control Menu Layout page for
display message details.
Navigating the Control Menu
The control uses four programming keys. The “
I/0
”
key controls run, stop, and over-ride.
A. The
ENTER
key allows entry to the menu and
access to adjust each setting. Push and hold the
enter key to enter the program mode. If the
security feature has been enabled, enter the
proper code. Once inside the menu, the enter key
selects a menu item or a parameter to adjust. Any
changes to the settings are saved at power-down.
B. The
BACK
key moves the current menu location
up one level higher than it was before. It is also
used to get back to the normal operating display.
C. The
Arrow Down
key allows the user to step
down through the program menu or to decrease a
setting.
D. The
Arrow Up
key allows the user to step up
through the program menu or to increase a
setting.
E. The “
1/0
” key allows the user to temporarily stop
or to start the control’s operation. When the LCD
status reads “Stop/Run,” hold the “1/0” key down
for just over a second, and the control will start the
over-ride operation. In over-ride mode the output
turns on regardless of I/O connections and status.
See the “Control Menu Layout” chart for the menu
structure. When in the menu mode and no keys are
pressed for 1 minute, the display reverts to the
normal operating display mode.
7. Amplitude Power Setting
The output power is controlled by the up and down
arrow keys. The power setting can be adjusted with
the keys unless the security feature lock has been
selected. Once the proper security code has been
entered, the power setting may be adjusted under the
“Power” menu. Note: the power setting may not be
above the maximum power setting or below the
minimum power setting level. The amplitude power
setting is displayed in the following manner:
A = 50.0%.”
8. Limiting the Maximum Output of Control
The “Max Amplitude” setting can be adjusted to keep
a vibratory feeder from hammering or vibrating
excessively when the control is turned up to full
power. The maximum power setting can be found
under the “Power” menu. It can be adjusted from
100.0% down to 40.0%.
Caution:
it is recommended when using the CFR
feature, that the Max output level of the control
should be limited to prevent feeder coil from
overheating. The amplitude could continue to
increase if the system cannot get back to the desired
vibration level.
9. Setting the Minimum Output of Control
The “Min Amplitude” setting can be adjusted to the
desired low level of vibration. The minimum power
setting can be found under the “Power” menu. It can
be adjusted up from 0.0% to 95.0%. Note: the
software does not allow the minimum level to be
within 5.0 counts of the maximum level.
10. Setting the Soft-Start
The start-up of the control’s output can be adjusted
to ramp up to the desired output level instead of
starting abruptly. Soft-start keeps parts from falling
off the tooling, reduces spring shock, and can
eliminate hammering when the control turns ON. The
soft start setting can be found under “Power Settings”
menu. The soft start can be set from 0.0 to 10.0
seconds. When using the 2 speed operation, the soft
start function is active during the low to high speed
transition.
11. External Speed & Frequency Control
The feeder control’s power level can be controlled by
an external signal from a PLC, CFR sensor, or an
analog source. The “External Speed Connections”
section gives connection details.
A. When the Constant Feed Rate (CFR) sensor is
used, set “Amplitude Source” and “Frequency
Mode” to “Auto Track.” The control should display
“Run/CFR” showing that the sensor is connected.
Set the power setting to the desired feed rate. The
control uses information from the CFR sensor to
maintain a constant vibration level at the resonate
frequency. See the CFR instructions page for
more information.
The CFR Set Point can be adjusted remotely by a
4-20mA PLC signal. The control’s amplitude will
regulate to the vibration level of the CFR Set Point
value. Set the Amplitude Source to Auto Tracking.
Caution:
it is recommended when using the CFR
feature, that the Max output level of the control
should be limited to prevent the feeder coil from
overheating. The amplitude could continue to
increase if the system cannot get back to the desired
vibration level.
B. 4-20mA signal from a PLC can be used to
remotely vary the output of the control instead of
the keypad. The “Amplitude Source” setting must
be set to 4-20mA to enable it. After the 4-20mA
feature is selected, the control will automatically
turn ON whenever a 4-20mA signal is applied to
the control (TB2 “+ 4-20” & “-“). When the 4-
20mA signal has been removed, the amplitude
setting resets to zero.
The 4-20mA menu selection allows a PLC to
control both the output Frequency and Amplitude
or only the Frequency or just the Amplitude. The
amplitude is controlled by the 4-20mA input. The
Frequency is controlled by the 0-10VDC signal.
The signal adjusts a 100Hz range.
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