AC motors require a power supply and a controller to operate. Motor controllers operate by adjusting the frequency, current and voltages of the power supply as dictated by a command signal. While this hardware can be replaced with a simple potentiometer, such a replacement does not allow programming. Programmable controllers actually interpret commands originating on a computer. These signals are a series of commands written in a particular language, such as machine code or assembly language. While controllers are available from several manufacturers, they are often expensive investments. Building a programmable motor controller on the work bench requires no specialized skills other than soldering and the ability to understand a wiring schematic.
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Solder paste
- Stirring stick
- Circuit board or bread board
- 27K 1W Resistor
- 10K 1/4W Resistor
- 100K 1/4W Resistor
- 33K 1/4W Resistor
- 2.2K 1/4W Resistor
- 1K 1/4W Resistor
- 60K Ohm 1/4W Resistor
- 3K Linear Taper Trim Pot
- 5K Linear Taper Pot
- 4.7K Linear Taper Trim
- 3.3K 1/4W Resistor
- 100 Ohm 1/4W Resistor
- 47 Ohm 1W Resistor
- Two 0.1uF Ceramic Disc Capacitor
- 100uF 50V Electrolytic Capacitor
- 6V Zener Diode
- 2N2222 NPN Transistor
- ECG5400
- TRIAC
- DIAC Opto-Isolator
- Two 5A 50V Bridge Rectifier
- Transformer
- PC Board
- Case
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Instructions
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1
Download the wiring schematic and the parts list from the Reference section. Print out a copy for use. The parts list includes a key for positioning the electrical components. Turn on the soldering iron to allow it to heat up. Arrange the solder and soldering paste for easy access.
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2
Bend the pins on the resisters by hand so the component forms a U-shape. Slide the pins into the circuit board as indicated on the wiring diagram. Slide the capacitor pins into the circuit board as indicated on the wiring diagram. Insert the remaining components into the circuit board following the schematic.
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3
Turn the circuit board over, so the pins are facing up. Attach wires to the components to create series and parallel circuits as shown in the circuit schematic. Use a stirring stick to apply soldering paste to the pins. Solder the components into the circuit board and the wires. Check soldered connections and wires to ensure they are solid.
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4
Place the circuit into a case. Connect the circuit to a power supply, the AC motor and a computer.
