Electrics

Here's the unusual motor and the even more unusual electrics that controls it. They're in the electronics shop and not the garage because I have something tricky in mind to replace this all. The first of what I'm sure will be many many pictures of the electrics as I begin the disassembly. My master plan involves a Variable Frequency Drive and a microcontroller (that will have to be programmed), an LCD display and soft touch pushbuttons to control a whole lot of of relays. I don't know anyone else that's done what I'm trying to do, so while it SHOULD work, I'll document the stock setup in case I have to put it back. The plate off the motor, much easier to read when it's off the machine! It clearly shows as a 3 phase motor .. common enough .. 2 speed (Delta/Wye) .. kinda unusual .. and 110 volt .. just plain weird. Also unusual is the fact that the value of the required phase conversion cap (200 uF) is shown on this plate. If there is any more evidence required, here's the motor connections, with the individual windings labelled in the standard manner for a 2 speed 3 phase motor. Here's the rewired electrics in preparation for use with a VFD. The original drum switch was used, but only as a power switch and to "logically" select high or low speed. I originally planned to rewire the switch in the same manner as a factory 3 phase unit, but EMCO left out a couple of contacts on the single phase units and so I added a couple of relays instead. I've also added an emergency "big red switch", which removes power from a BIG relay, seen in the upper right. Here's the 3 HP Mitsubishi VFD, temporarily mounted on .. something .. I had around. As you can see, there's obviously a way for swarf to get in. Ultimately, I'll either get a proper NEMA sealed VFD or built a waterproof case for this one, but for now, I'll just bolt it to the wall a LONG ways away.
Here's the Mitsubishi VFD just sitting on the top of the stock electrics box for testing purposes. The box with the switches controls the VFD and is also just sitting there. Ultimately, I plan to mount some switches in the cabinet itself, the space above the door being wasted and very convenient, but until then, this will do. The left hand switch toggles the JOG" function. Sadly, the VFD does not offer this feature, but a small microcontroller solves that problem. Since this is all just a "proof of concept" for now, there being some question about driving a 110 volt 3 phase motor with a 220 volt VFD, nothing was purchased; everything including the VFD came from parts already in the basement.