Controlling AC motors

[OurMikeyRocks]

I want to control 3 AC motors that are 1/14 HP and are rated at 1.1 A. These will be turned on at the beginning of my show and will stay on for about 4 hours. I plan on connecting one motor per controller channel.

My question is whether I should control these using either the LOR1602W or CTB16K with a C9 bulb in parallel with the motor or using a DIO32 with a relay daughter card?

The DIO32 solution seems like a lot of stuff (including dollars) for 3 channels. However, I understand it may be the best technical solution.

I have plenty channels on the LOR1602W or CTB16K, but I wonder if this will stress the electronics causing an immediate or premature failure.

Any suggestions or actual experience?

[LORisAwesome]

Hi

I am not an expert, but I believe I have read that the 1602 type controller is not supposed to be used to control motors. I would suggest using either an X10 appliance module or the DIO32 solution.

You can pick up X10 at Radio Shack, and they also have an alarm clock controller where you can set up on and off times. I use X10 to turn on/off static parts of my display. I believe Radio Shack sells X10 as Plug-n-Power.

Jerry

[Greg]

During the summer months I run 2 motors using a pair of solid state relays and a PC kit, The motors are either on or off. I have been doing this for the last 3 years with no problems. I beleive the DIO32 would be your best option, or like Jerry said X10.

[ErnieHorning]

You could also control a relay like this and turn on all three motors at once with one channel.

I would still parallel a C6 or C9 with the relay coil to counter the induction. Personaly, i would use two bulbs. One might burn out but unlikely two.

[zman]

Wouldn't the Servo Dog be a cheaper solution rather than the DIO32?

[LORisAwesome]

I can't speak to the DIO32. I have no experience with it.

I believe the X10 would be cheapest. I'm estimating about 40 dollars for a timer and one appliance module. Sounds like he just wants to turn on the motors at the start of the show and leave them on for four hours. The X10 would work quite well for this.

I have a projector that I turn on/off with X10. I also used them in the past for airblowns - but that was before I started using LOR. In 2008 I had three airblowns running on one appliance module.

To the OP, if you decide to go the X10 route, be sure to get an appliance module. I don't think the lamp module would handle the load.

Jerry

[Donald Puryear]

I'VE been using RIB relays with LOR for several years and had no problems. Use something like this......http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/5LE36?Pid=search. The work fine and don't require a C9 bulb.

[OurMikeyRocks]

Thank you all for some good suggestions. I need to consider your ideas and compare the cost of each. In addition, I need to consider any future additions in this comparison and see what I come up with.

Thanks again. Mikey