You have no items in your shopping cart.

New HIDS Drum Scales!

Click Here to Learn More!
Support: 858-292-2710

Can I use the HI 4060 rate controller On/Off relay to activate a separate vibrator motor?

Last updated 02/02/2015 10:30 AM

Question

I will be operating a variable speed screw feeder using the 4-20 ma output from the Hardy Rate controller and I need to activate a separate hopper vibrator motor whenever the screw feeder motor operates. Does the ON/OFF output relay contact on the back of the Hardy Rate controller correspond to the 4-20 ma output in any way, or is this relay just to indicate when the Hardy Rate is actually turned on and off? I do not want the vibrator running unless the screw is actually feeding, so I need a contact that closes only when the Hardy Rate controller is calling for product to be discharged.

Answer

The Hardy Rate controller ON/OFF function is a relay that will switch 110 vac and activate a secondary device only when the feeder starts/calls for product. In the HI 2160RC that relay is a solid state relay, but with the HI 4060 that relay is an "A" form mechanical relay and will switch AC or DC voltages or act as a dry contract to a secondary control.

You provide the source voltage to be activated. The ON/OFF relay is limited to 2 amps constant and 4 amps peak power draw.

This relay is activated when the lower left hand corner denotes, ON, REC, ONr, or REFILL. This relay is deactivated at OFF and HOLD.  If the feeder control out voltage is commanded stops this relay deactivates.

With a remote set point input option in use, the Controller can be in the ONr state with a zero set point input level. In this state the ON/OFF relay would be left ON and the feeder is not running or running at a very slow rate.  This energy path to the feeder could causes surges or material feed at in appropriate times.  This is not a recommended run state, but is possible. The recommendation is to send a stop command using communications or remote input connector on the rear panel.  This OFF command changes the state and deactivates the relay.