Auto Tune
Series of
Variable Frequency controls
General Description
The Auto Tune
Series of variable frequency feeder
controls are ideal for vibratory bowls, storage
hoppers and linear inline feeders. The VF Series
output frequency can be adjusted to match the
natural frequency of the vibratory feeder. The
amplitude sets the amount of vibration. The CFR
vibration sensor allows the control to Auto Tune
to
the optimum feeding frequency. The CFR sensor
also regulates the vibration level. A feeder operating
at its resonant frequency will perform efficiently using
less power and provide better feeding performance.
Standard features include an easy to read backlit
display, easy to understand status messages and
simple to navigate set-up menu. Resonant
frequency can be found manually using the keypad
or automatically by mounting the optional vibration
sensor, P/N 123-215, letting the controller scan the
frequency range. The vibration sensor also provides
feedback to help maintain a constant parts feed rate.
Other features include a parts sensor input, an
interlock output, enable input, soft-start adjustment,
line voltage compensation, 4-20mA amplitude
control, and lockable menu.
Control Sizing
A VF control should be sized according to the
amperage needed to operate a full vibratory feeder.
If the amps is unknown, use the following guidelines.
Most hoppers and linear inline feeders can be
powered by a VF-3 control. Typical two coil feeder
bowls can be driven by a VF-9 control. Two coil
bowls with outside tooling that require a high feed
rate should be connected to a VF-12 control. Three
coil bowls should use a VF-12 control. Four coil
bowls should use a VF-18 control.
©
2005, 2020 RODIX
INC
.
Mounting
The VF-3, VF-9 controls may be mounted vertically
or horizontally, but the controls stay cooler lasting
longer when mounted vertically. Mount the control to
a metal plate or mount it so that the back of the heat
sink is fully exposed to the air.
Important: The heat sink fins of the VF-12 power
control must be mounted vertically with three
inches of space above and below the heat sink
for proper cooling.
The VF-18 control and heat sink are cooled by a fan.
Mount the heat sink vertically or horizontally flat
against a metal plate in order to ensure the fan’s air
flow through the heat sink.
Electrical Connections
Make the electrical connections prior to turning the
control on. Once connections are made, any desired
changes to the software settings can be made with
the cover closed.
Warning
:
Shock Hazard! Do not
operate control with cover open.
Safety codes require single phase 120 or 240 VAC
installations to bypass the phase 2 fuse, L2.
To
bypass, remove the wire connecting TB1-L2 to the L2
fuse holder. Remove the terminal end of the wire
connecting the L2 fuse to the power switch and
connect it to TB1-L2.
1. Parts Sensor Input
(Photo-sensor or Proximity Switch)
Connect a current-sourcing (PNP) sensor to TB2 as
shown on the enclosed wiring diagram. The sensor
must be able to operate on 24VDC and be capable
of switching at least 3.0 mA. See Parts Sensor
Settings section for more operation information.
2. Run Input Enable
A Run Jumper comes installed from the factory as
shown on the enclosed wiring diagram.
If the run input is to be controlled by a relay contact,
switch, or other device, replace the factory-installed
jumper (see TB2 of the wiring diagram) with the
contact device. The contact must be able to switch
24VDC at 3.0 mA. The control will then run only
when the contact is closed and the part sensor is
calling for parts. The right column of the display
shows the run status with “R= 1” or “R= 0.”
If the run input will be controlled by a current sourcing
PLC output, use the “Sig” and “-“ terminals (see TB2
on the wiring diagram).
For the High/Low parts sensing mode, a second PNP
parts sensor connects to the run input in place of the
run jumper.
3. Auxiliary Output
The right column of the display shows the status of
the Aux output, “A=1” or “A=0.” The Feeder
Bowl/Hopper Interlock “sig” and “-“ (see TB2 on the
wiring diagram) can be connected to a Rodix FC-40
Plus
All-Purpose Series control (TB2-11(-) &
12(sig)) when control of a bulk material hopper is
needed. The control interlock will prevent the hopper
from operating anytime the bowl is turned “OFF” or in
"STAND BY" mode. The Interlock output is capable
of switching 24 VDC at 85 mA. The Interlock output
can also be used to drive a solid state relay that can
operate auxiliary equipment such as air valves. See
Figure 2 on the wiring diagram. One VF series
control can be interlocked to another. The aux output
of the master control connects to the run input of the
subordinate. To monitor the 24VDC AUX output with
a PLC, wire the PLC signal input to TB2-2 and wire
common to TB2-1.
A 2-Watt (or less) 24VDC air solenoid or a relay can
be driven by the Aux output.
4. Internal Power Supply
At the rated line voltage, the line isolated power
supply is capable of providing a combined total
current of 150 mA at 24 VDC. The total current
includes the parts sensor, auxiliary output
accessories, and CFR sensor.
5. Power Connections
The control can operate on a power line from 90 to
264VAC. The plug can be connected to a standard
North American receptacle (NEMA 5-15R). For 208
and 240VAC applications, cut the plug end(s) off and
make proper plug-in connections for the factory’s
power lines.
10/21/20 Page 4
ADJUSTMENTS & SET UP
RODIX INC.
AUTO TUNE
FEEDER CUBE
VF Series
