Our client needed to synchronize the movement of various parts of the float to music and to the forward movement of their float in the parade. We used the new AMC Vehicle Mount AB series amplifiers, paired with a Trio MC403 Controller and additional CAN I/O Expansion Modules as well as Custom Software Development and Integration.
Driving geared dc motors, the drives deliver up to a 250 A peak, 60 continuous current running on 24V dc. As they run in current mode we devised a plan to “fool” the host system into believing they needed to be slaved to the master signal.
The mechanics of the system are interesting in that two geared motors are driving the same chain mechanism, and they needed to be slaved to the master signal. This was achieved by creating a virtual master axis, and slaving each motor to that 1:1. The virtual master is set to run forward continuously. We created a positive or negative speed on the virtual master, and the slaves follow perfectly.
We also provided feedback to the host as well as emulated screens on the HMI that allows them to set ALL parameters via a user interface vs. having to do this in the controller language.
If you would like a quote on your vehicle mounted system, custom software development and/or hardware please contact us.
