PCS VC-MP Instruction Manual

MODEL VC-MP

MICROPROCESSOR-BASED

MODULAR HOT-RUNNER

TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SAFETY WARNING

WARNING!

READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING EQUIPMENT!

The high voltage req uired to operate this temperat ure controller and the high temperatures created by its operation can cause serious injury or death, and presents a potential fire hazard.

Installation and oper ati on o f this equi pment should only be performed by qualified i ndividuals and all direction s should be carefull y followed. Caution should be tak en to guarantee that only the rated voltage is applied to this unit and appro priate lim iting contr ol devices s hou ld be used for safe operation.

DISCONNECT THE MAIN POWER FROM THE CONTROL SYSTEM BEFORE SERVICING!

Hazardous voltage is present on the inside of the controller and mainframe system.

Standard safety procedures should be followed. Additionally, the following guidelines will help prevent personal injury and product damage:

• Do not apply a voltage greater than that specified on the product nameplates.

• Do not operate controllers or mainframe systems without appropriate supply ground connections.

• Do not insert or remove controllers into mainframe systems with power applied.

• Do not operate any controller or mainframe system without all covers i n place and prop erly secured.

• Do not operate this product when wet or in a damp environment.

• Do not operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.

PCS Company VC-MP 15 Amp Hot Runner Controller Document No.: ED-1503-MN-006-A User’s Manual October 18, 2016 Page 1 of 15

Note on EMC compliance:

Due to the processing of small analog voltages (thermocouple input) this controller is susceptible to interface caused by radiated electromagnetic fields.

Although steps have been taken to reduce upsets caused by EMI, strong signals may cause degradatio n of instrument accuracy. User intervention is not required to reset the controller under these circumstances. The c ontr oller will automatically recover following the removal of the interfering signal.

If continuous upsets are recognized remove the interfering signal from the process. If this is not possible consult the manufacturer for assistance with solving specific EMI interference problems.

INTRODUCTION

This manual combines graphical representation of displays with explanatory dialogue to help the user acquaint themselves with the controller features. Should further clarific ation be required do not hesitat e to contact your nearest sales representative or distributor for assistance.

KEY FEATURES

The VC-MP modular temperature controller offers many user-friendly featur es that enabl e novice users to quickly become productive. These same features are key for veteran molders who des ire f luent integr ation o f the VC-MP into applications where upgrade or replacement is necessary.

• The VC-MP controllers are physically and electrically compatible with all †D-M-E® GSeries®, Smart Series® and similar style mainframe control systems.

• Large, highly visible LED display for process temperature, load current (amps), power output and diagnostic (fault) codes.

• Three digit rotary push button switch for setpoint temperature and manual percent of power output.

• Diagnostic (Fault) Code reference label supplied with every controller provides convenient descriptions of the VC-MP diagnostic codes.

• Symbolic mode and condition indicators combined with displayed mnemonics (abbreviations) clearly state operating modes or alarm conditions.

• Reliable, sealed polycarbonate face panel graphic with 2-key tactile in terface. The sealed construction protects the keys and circuitry from debris that typically leads to component failure.

• The front panel graphics are printed on the underside of the polycarbonate face insuring that controls will be recognizable even after many years of service.

• Time tested and prov en electronics f or reliable performance.

• Automatic (closed loop) and Manual (open loop) modes of control.

• Load current (Amps) monitor mode.

• Industry standard t ype “J” Thermocouple inp ut

(default) or selectable type “K” Thermocouple input.

• Fully automatic, adaptiv e tuning of PID (three- term) control variables providing smooth adaptation to any runnerles s mold tem perature control application with no user inter vent ion.

• Automatic slow-start temperature ramp at start-up to ensure wet heater bake out, prolonging heater life.

• Wet heater ground fault detection at start-up that limits or disables power to avoid destructive short circuits.

• View (monitor) display of output power (%) available when in Automatic control mode.

• View (monitor) display of load current (amps) available when in Autom atic or Manual control mode.

• Anti-arc (high voltage) protection circuit to prevent electrical damage if the controller is accidentally installed or removed from the mainframe with power appl ied. (Circuit ma y be disabled).

• Automatic T/C Fault Hold transfer to manual control mode (enabled at fac tory). Provides for uninterrupted load power upon loss of thermocouple signal.

• Full diagnostic software to inform operator of fault conditions.

• Shorted Thermocouple diagnostic allows for user selectable (DIP switch) sample times, giving the operator greater flexibility to tailor the VC-MP diagnostic to the unique thermal weight and response characteristics of a variety of control applications. (Light or heav y loads).

• Over and under temperature indication with communications output to activate external control intervention or audible and/or visual alarm. Output compatibilit y with †D-M-E® TAS accessory alarm modules.

• Compliant with WEEE and RoHS requirements.

PCS Company VC-MP 15 Amp Hot Runner Controller Document No.: ED-1503-MN-006-A User’s Manual October 18, 2016 Page 2 of 15

CONTROLSCONTROLS

CONTROLS

CONTROLSCONTROLS

1. Power Switch -Both sides of the AC line, fuse protected

2. Digital Display: Process T emperature Display (Default) Diagnostics (Fault Codes) Load Current (Amps) Display

AMPS DISPLAYAMPS DISPLAY

AMPS DISPLAY

AMPS DISPLAYAMPS DISPLAY

(%) Percent of Power Display (In Auto)

POWER DISPLAYPOWER DISPLAY

POWER DISPLAY

POWER DISPLAYPOWER DISPLAY

3. Setpoint Temperature / % Power Push Button Input

4. Automatic / Manual Control Mode Select

5. View Control (Display Process Temp, Amps or % Power)

6. Plastic Retention / Locking Device

INDICAINDICA

INDICA

INDICAINDICA

7. Automatic (Closed Loop) Control Mode Indication

8. Start-Up Power Ramp Indication (W et heater bake-out)

9. Load Power Indication

10. Manual (Open Loop) Control Mode Indication

1 1. Thermocouple Fault Indication (Also LED code below)

12. Output Fault Indication (Also LED code below)

13. Fahrenheit T emperature Mode Indication

14. Celsius T emperature Mode Indication

ORSORS

ORS

ORSORS

www.pcs-company.com

800-521-0546

PCS Company VC-MP 15 Amp Hot Runner Controller User’s Manual

Figure 1

Controls & Indicator Placement

Document No.: ED-1503-MN-006

September 26, 2016

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions ……..………. 2.0” Wd X 7.0” Hg X 7.8” Lg

(51mm X 178mm X 198mm)

Weight …………….……………………. 1.25lb (0.57Kg) Operating Temp. Range …. 32° to 120°F (0° to50° C) Control Method:

Automatic Mode ……. Full Scale Auto-Tuning

PID (3-Term)

Manual Mode ……………..…. User Selectable 0% to 99% Output Power Temperature Reset ……….. To Within ±1°F (±0.55°C) Of Setpoint

Power Response Time ………………………… 250mS Control Accuracy (In Auto Mode) .… ±1°F (±0.55°C)

** Dependant On Total Thermal System ** Slow Start Mode …… From Ambient to 212°F (100°C) Low Power Application Temperature Ramp

ELECTRICAL POWER SPECIFICATIONS

Operating / Input Voltage …………… 230 VAC ±10%

(Optional 115 VAC ± 10%)

Frequency ………………...…… 50 / 60 Hz (Automatic) Power Consumption ……..…. < 3 Watts (N.I.C. Load) DC Power Supplies ……………. Internally Generated,

Regulated with Temperature Compensation Circuit Protection .. Dual Fast-Acting Fuse Type ABC Over-Voltage Protection via MOV Circuit Isolation …..……… Transformer, > 2500 Volts Triac Optically Coupled

INPUT SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor Type ………………….. Type “J” Thermocouple

Selectable Type “K” (Grounded or Ungrounded)

Sampling Rate ………………………………….. 250mS Temperature Range ……... 32° to 999°F (0° to 537°C) Temperature Accuracy ……….… ±0.3% of Full Scale Temperature Repeatability …..… ±0.1% of Full Scale

Cold Junction Compensation ….... Automatic Across

Operating Temperature Range

Input Impedance …………………..…… 22 Meg Ohms Input Protection …… Diode Clamp & Fusible Resistor Input Isolation ………...…… Via Control Circuit Power

Supply Transformer

Current (Amps) Sensor Type ……...…… Transformer Current (Amps) Range ………...……… 0-15 Amperes Current (Amps) Accuracy / Resolution …... 0.1 Amp

OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS

Output Voltage ……….. 240 VAC (Optional 120 VAC) Load Power ……… 3600 Watts; 15 Amps @ 240 VAC 1800 Watts; 15 Amps @ 120 VAC Power Disconnect ……...….. 16A Double Pole Switch Power Output Control Device ……………..…… Triac

(Solid State – Not Mechanical) Overload Protection ….……… Dual Fast-Acting Fuse Type ABC

Power Line Isolation ……...… Triac Optically Coupled

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

Process Temperature Display ……….....

Setpoint Temperature / Manual Power ...

Power Output (%) Display …………….…

Amps (Load Current) Display ……..……

Control Mode Selection ….……….……...……

Display Output Power (%) & Amps ……….….. Automatic Mode Indication ……..…………..….

Closed Loop LED Indicator

Manual Mode Indication ………………….……..

Open Loop LED Indicator

Slow Start Mode Indication …………………….

LED Indicator

Load Power Indicator ……………………………

LED Indicator

DIAGNOSTICS

Diagnostics are fully automatic and require no operator intervention.

Over Temperature Indication