Hello Group, have a small question about a motor controller set up.
I have a commercial gas powered sawmill (can make 30 inch wide cuts) that I have automated using quantum PMDC wheel chair motors. The motors are 24vdc powered through a 24vdc 20 amp power supply. They run great and have a ton of torque (more than enough for what I need).
The problem is the speed controller. I have burned up 4 amazon junker speed controls in the last week. I figure I just need to spend the money on a controller that is just going to work for more than an hour.
I would like to use a sabertooth 32a but I want local control trough a panel on the operating station of the mill. I need to be able to control speed of the motors through a knob as well as reverse them when the saw finishes its cut. I just need someone to point me in the right direction on what to buy and if this is even possible using this setup. Admittedly, I’m pretty new to electronic control but I can do anything mechanically.
Sabertooth Dual 2x32A is probably a good choice for your application. You probably “burned” previous motor controllers since the amperage was too high. What were the specifications of the controllers that you were using?
Anyway, since you would like to control your motors with a knob you would use Analog Control Mode. Would you like to control both motors the same way, or you want separate control?
The motor is 200 watt continuous 1200 watt max through a 20 amp 24vdc power supply. To clarify, there is only one motor driving the head rig.
Another question I have is will the motor ever draw over what the power supply is supplying it? I really just figured the other controllers were junk not that they were getting over amped.
To be clear, this sawmill is not a commercial unit in a plant. It is in my backyard and only I use it. I posted in another forum and was berated by an individual who claimed to be the smartest engineer on the planet. But that’s neither here nor there.
The input current is dependent on the motors being used and the load placed upon them. The input current can be limited by reducing the current limit of one of both motor channels.
The current and temperature limit of the Sabertooth 2x32 can be set for each motor channel. This can be used to protect the mechanism of your device, as well as protect itself.
