FAQ - Control Boards

4-20mA or 0-10VDC Control Board. A closer look

4-20mA or 0-10VDC Control Kit V Series with "N" in model number

For which analog control signals does Valvcon offer control packages?

Valvcon control options include all of the commonly used signals:

• 4-20mA
• 0-10VDC
• 1-5mA
• 10-50mA
• 0-135Ohms
• 0-1000 Ohms
• 0-5 VDC

How has Valvcon made control options simple?

The standard Valvcon "V" Series control board has a selector switch enabling the user to select either a mA or voltage input signal.  It also has a selector switch to choose between a mA or voltage feedback signal.

What function do the LEDs on the Valvcon control board provide?

The Valvcon "V" series control board LEDs provide for simple diagnostics and calibration.  The LEDs surrounding the mode selector knob clearly indicate what mode is selected.  The Zero, Span and Cal LEDs are used to calibrate the feedback potentiometer and to set the actuator end-of-travel positions.  The CW and CCW run LEDs illuminate when the actuator is driving in the respective direction.  The Stall LED indicates a stall condition and will illuminate when the actuator cannot achieve the commanded position.

What can cause the actuator LED to signal a stall condition?

In Stall mode, the actuator protects the motor and drive circuit from damage by removing power to the motor.  Stall indication can be a result of a jammed or stalled output, an over-torque situation, excessive duty cycle, high ambient or media temperature, or limit switches that are tripping prior to reaching the respective "electronic limit", i.e. the Zero or Span position.

What is the zero position?

The minimum control signal position, typically CW or closed.

What is the span position?

The maximum control signal position, typically CCW or open.

What is the manual mode used for?

When in the manual mode, the user can drive the standard V Series actuator CW or CCW with the on-board pushbuttons.  This important feature provides additional safety and can simplify field set-up as well as aid in routine maintenance.  In the manual mode, the actuator will only respond to commands through the CW and CCW push buttons.

What function does the speed control adjustment provide?

The speed control potentiometer extends the cycle time by energizing the motor in short pulses.  It provides for 5 settings up to 20x the normal cycle time.  (slower)

What function does the dead-band adjustment provide?

The dead-band potentiometer de-sensitizes the actuator's response to changes in the control signal.  It varies the actuators resolution from approximately 1% to 3%.  This feature is helpful in situations where excessive electrical noise is coupled to the control signal.

Why is the Valvcon standard control package easier to calibrate?

Simple "enter, set and go" calibration and set-up, on-board supervisory control, slide switches to select signal type and fail position as well as microprocessor-based operation, with no Zero and Span interaction.

Can the standard Valvcon V Series control board be set up for reverse acting?

Yes, by simply driving to the desired position and applying the appropriate signal, Zero and Span must be the minimum and maximum signal positions respectively, but either position can be CW or CCW.

What is meant by isolated control signal?

An isolated control signal is one where the control signal is electrically isolated from the input tower.

Do all Valvcon control boards require an isolated control signal?

NO.  The Valvcon DC control board is designed to operated with non-isolated signal and power inputs, making it ideal for solar powered DC systems.