What does a speed controller do?

 

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Admin (Admin)
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Post Number: 15
Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Sunday, October 31, 2004 - 8:18 pm:    Edit Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Generally a speed controller allows the amount of power delivered to a motor to be varied. A true speed controller will actually have some form of motor speed signal but most don't.

The simplest way of controlling a motor is to switch it on or off with some switching device (i.e. a relay). This has the limitation of not allowing the motor speed to be varied. Speed controllers allow you to vary the voltage to the motor using a signal such as a potentiometer (variable resistor) or radio receiver etc. This allows for a more precise control of the motor. Speed controllers often have additional features such as current limiting, acceleration / deceleration ramps (smooths out starting and stopping).