Wireless Spindle Speed control

[kreutz]

A friend wants me to design a wireless spindle speed control for use as a potentiometer substitute on VFDs, and Mini-lathe or mini-mill type DC drives. The wireless connection will be bi-directional, in order to make sure any communication problem is reported to the driving software/hardware (triggering E-Stop or audible alarm)

What do you think about it?

[Al_The_Man]

You may want to check this site out and the projects and links, I have used the Rx &Tx products and the digital decoders.HT648.
They may give some insight if you intend building the radio end of it.
http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/TWS-434.htm
Al.

[kreutz]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man You may want to check this site out and the projects and links, I have used the Rx &Tx products and the digital decoders.HT648. They may give some insight if you intend building the radio end of it. http://www.rentron.com/remote_control/TWS-434.htm Al.

Thank you, Al.

I am thinking about RF and IR wireless communication with Tx and Rx ID checking protocol in order to, error free, handle multiple spindles (or multiple equipment) with wireless interface in the same area.

[Al_The_Man]

The Holtek HT648 etc encoders/decoders I used, they do not appear to sell them now on this site, these were for serial tx & rx, and have multi channel ability with valid code check.
I think they are still available but I think they have equivalents on the Rentron site
Al.

[kreutz]

Originally Posted by Al_The_Man The Holtek HT648 etc encoders/decoders I used, they do not appear to sell them now on this site, these were for serial tx & rx, and have multi channel ability with valid code check. I think they are still available but I think they have equivalents on the Rentron site Al.

I have used them before, this time they won't be necessary. I plan to use a protocol similar to the one used on the IR remote controllers, periodically sending commands and data with CRC and receiver ID. The system will report back status and other useful data like: actual rpm, spindle temperature, and x,y,z vibration levels.

The controller side will be able to detect abnormal spindle vibration, low speed or stopped spindle, etc and inform the operator. A watchdog will take care of disconnected spindle conditions (no spindle power), since the wireless speed controller (on the spindle side) will be fed from the speed controller already existent.

Thanks a lot,

Kreutz.