Low-cost motor controller, programming unit from Anacon

Anacon Systems

By Frank J. Bartos, executive editor March 14, 2001


Chicago, Ill.
Anacon Systems (Mountain View, Calif.), a developer of controllers for single-phase induction motors, showed a recent addition to its DigiDrive product line at National Industrial Automation Show (NIAS), part of National Manufacturing Week. Intended for speed control of 1/10-1/3 hp single-phase motors, DigiDrive LP is a family of single-board, low-power controllers rated at 250-475 W. The family consists of three series for 115 V, 230 V, and 277 V supply.

‘[DigiDrive LP] will provide original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) design engineers with the ability to choose hardware and firmware options they desire to optimize system performance and minimize controller cost,’ says Howard Abramowitz, vp of Business Development at Anacon Systems. Target applications include air handling, fan and blower control, and pumps and compressors in the residential/commercial HVAC sector. Sample quantity pricing for the 115 V/2.8 Amp model starts at $92.

A handheld customizing tool for Anacon’s motor controllers was announced at the show. DigiDrive II-P3(Portable Parameter Programmer) is a new programming tool that allows OEM designers to adjust and calibrate the DigiDrive family of controllers remotely. It complements the configuration of drive control and monitoring parameters usually done via a PC interface. The P3unit plugs into DigiDrive II controllers through the RS-232 connection.