Use of Momentary Switches on VFD

[db113]

I have a Mitsubishi VFD model FR-024 that I want to use to power my three phase jointer. I have the jointer running with the VFD but I want to add external switches for on and off. I have an enclosure with AB momentary switches labeled Start-Stop. However, I can't figure out how to set the VFD for use with momentary switches and I dont have any continuous open/closed switches. Can anyone suggest how to configure the VFD to accept the momentary push button switches?
The FR-024 manual is at: http://www.meau.com/Files/IB_NA_66522-C.PDF
Thanks,
Don B.
Chattanooga, Tennessee

[Karl_T]

On my lathe with a mitsubishi VFD I installed a motor contactor in front of the VFD. Then wired the start PB to close the contact and latch it in and then stop button to break the latch.

Karl

[Al_The_Man]

See page 28 note 3 and par 59. This will set it for momentary start.
Al.

[db113]

OK, I know "nothing difficult is ever easy".
But, here is what I have.

I was using a manual for the FR-A024 that I had printed out a few years ago. My printed manual did not have the reference to Pr 59 (anywhere-not mentioned in the manual) or the Note 3 that appears on page 28 which is now referenced in the current, online manual from the Mitsubishi site. So, I printed out a new manual from the online Mitsubishi site to keep in the shop for future reference. I went off to make the newly discovered adjustment which I was sure would allow operation with momentary switches. Got everything wired-up just right and then attempted to program PR 59. But, my FR-024 doesn't seem to know anything about PR 59. When I attempt to read the PR 59 parameter, I get an "err" code. I have two other FR-024 VFDs in my shop and none of the three will recognize PR 59.
Any suggestions?
Either I'm doing something wrong (likely) or I have three early versions of the FR-024 which didn't allow PR 59 and I suppose no capability to use momentary switches.
More help needed.
Thanks in advance.
Don Brookshire
Chattanooga, Tennessee

[Al_The_Man]

It is possible you could be out of luck with an earlier version, I notice in the back of the current manual they mention Revisions, whether this is just to the manual or both Manual and VFD is a guess.
If your manual does not mention the Par 59 or show the hook up for momentary start then it may have been a firmware change on later models.
Unfortunately most Mits VFD's do not have a 24vdc output for an external relay, but you could supply your own, you just need a 24v bell transformer and a small 24vac double pole relay, or two if you need to reverse.
You could use the standard common P.B. start circuit and use a latch contact in parallel with the start P.B.
Al.

[db113]

Thanks Al.
Do you know a source that could answer the question about my specific model. It seems unlikely to me that all three of my Mits VFD's would be an early model w/o the PR59, but it is, of course, possible. Does Mits have a support forum or tech support available through email? My experience has been that these really big companies are less receptive to the consumer, unless the consumer is a really big customer.
Thanks again for the help.
Don

[Al_The_Man]

Mitsubishi in both US and Canada are very good at answering support questions, give them a call in Chicago, I may have an email address for VFD support as I had an issue some time ago with some VFD's I had installed.
I will try and look it up today.
If it is a much older model, you may not get a firmware update, if this is the problem.
Al.

[db113]

Well I never did solve the problem with the Mitsubishi VFD. I think my Mits drives must have predated the use of Parameter 59.

However, I had this thing solved by using a TB Woods VFD that I had but that drive blew.
So, I bought a Toshiba VF-nC1 VFD and now Im trying to get the Toshiba to work. Well, I'm back at the same spot as before; I cant figure out how to program for a momentary switch.
If anyone could help, it would be great.

The manual is at: http://www.mlatsos.gr/toshiba-manual/VFNC1.pdf

All suggestions appreciated.
Don Brookshire
Chattanooga, Tennessee

[Al_The_Man]

If it does not have momentary start input option, (I could not see it), you could set up a relay using the standard start stop circuit using a momentary P.B. for start another for stop,
The relay uses a retaining contact in parallel with the start P.B.
Al.

[db113]

Thanks AL.
That might be my best option.
Could you outline what would be needed for the relay and how to do it?
or
could you route me to a site that would be helpful in setting up the relay?
Thanks,
Don B.

[Al_The_Man]

See the simple circuit on page 6, the O.L. contact can be ignored and deleted.
http://literature.rockwellautomation...d001_-en-p.pdf
The relay M can be any small double pole relay, 120vac or 24v ac/dc circuit, one contact as shown across the on PB and the second would be across your VFD input terminal.
Al.

[db113]

Thanks AL!!
Those diagrams will be helpful.
Don B.