RC4000 Reel Controls
Non-contact loop control
Our proven non-contact sensing method provides smooth, stress-free control of conductive materials, even fine wire and delicate stamped parts.
RC 4000 Series Features & Benefits
- Non-Contact detection of loop position: Delicate materials or parts can be sensed without the possibility of damage or deformation
- RF Sensing Technology: Both Metallic and Non-Metallic material can be sensed
- Teach-In Tuning: Automatic sensitivity adjustment enabling faster set-up times and less downtime
- Continuous loop height adjustment: On the fly loop height adjustment for fine tuning
- Modular Antenna Design: Out of the box application solutions
Please Note: the system shown is comprised of the RC4000 control unit, a cable and an antenna assembly. To accommodate the widest variety of potential applications, in the simplest manner, these components are sold as separate line items.
Principles of Operation
The RC4000 Reel Control system is comprised of: a control unit, a cable, and an antenna assembly.
The RC4000 outputs either a 0 – 5 or 0 – 10 VDC, analog control voltage, and is designed to interface with third-party motor or hysteresis clutch controllers.
The control unit determines the load and status of the antenna assembly and establishes a tuned, RF sensing field around the antenna elements (yellow, inner pieces). This field is shaped, through the use of grounded shield elements (black, outer pieces), and is essentially contained within the “V”.
Once the system is properly installed and configured for your application, the operator simply presses the TUNE button. The tuning process takes only a few seconds. Then, the operator positions the payoff or take-up loop within the “V”, either manually or with the use of the JOG button, so that one of the green Loop Height indicators is lit. Once these conditions are met, he/she presses the AUTO/STANDBY button and the system is functional.
After your operation is running, you may find that you want to adjust the loop height, relative to the antenna. This is as easy as pressing the ADJUST Up or Down buttons located next to the bargraph indicators. This is done dynamically, with the motor running. A pair of selectable relays for HIGH and LOW LIMIT are included in the control unit. These act in a similar manner to stand alone models of limit switches, with the exception that there is no contact with the material required by our limit relays. The result is non-contact protection against tight or slack loop conditions.
If you have any questions just call our Sales Dept. at 1.800. 315. 9233 or e-mail us, whichever is more convenient.
| Input Voltage | 115 or 230 VAC; single phase; 50/60 Hz; +/- 15% | Modular Antennas | click thru to antenna page for size and selection |
| Power Consumption | 12 VA | Coupler | epoxy encapsulated impervious to water, dirt & oil |
| Motors | provides an isolated, analog output for AC and DC motor controllers or hysteresis clutch controllers | Coupler Cable | 8 feet (2.4m) standard longer lengths available |
| DC Output Range | 0 to +10 VDC maximum 0 to +5 VDC minimum analog | Enclosure | NEMA 12, plastic 10.2 ” L x 6.1 ” W x 4.0 ” D (259mm x 154mm x 102mm) |
| Isolation | 1000 volts RMS | Mounting | vertical or horizontal – to any bulkhead, chassis or panel |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs. (2.5 Kg) | ||
| Environment | unaffected by dirt, grease, vibration, etc. | ||
| temperature: 0° F – 130° F | |||
| humidity: 0 – 95% R. H. | |||
| Keypad Controls | Select (in setup mode): push to select reel or dereel mode, antenna position, and high and low limit relay activation | Indicators | Bargraph: displays loop height relative to antenna |
| Enter (in setup mode): push to lock in SELECT settings | Limit Lights: lit when loop height exceeds control range | ||
| Tune (in setup mode): push to tune the system | Run Light: on when motor function is active – in AUTO or JOG | ||
| Jog (in setup mode): push and release to nudge motor push and hold to run motor | Tune Light: flashes when tuning is required on while unit is tuning flashes with fault light on to indicate antenna fault | ||
| AUTO/SETUP: push to toggle between Setup and Auto modes | Fault Light: indicates a loss of antenna or internal fault | ||
| Adjust Up / Down (in setup mode): allow motor-on, realtime loop height adjustment | Selection Indicators: for reel/dereel, antenna position, and high and low limit relay activation, the indicators flash to show they are available for selection. Use the SELECT key to step through the choices. Use the ENTER key to set each choice. Indicators stay lit to show how the unit is configured. |
This image shows an RC 4000M paying off strip material to a fourslide machine. A continuous tension during the feeding process ensures that the material will be worked free from stress related defects.
Here is a close up of the material within the sensing field of the antenna.
Turnkey Application with Modular Antennas
We offer a range of pre-made antennas that interface with the RC4000 Series Reel Controls to control any stock from fine wire to wide sheets.
View the chart to determine the proper antenna size for your application.
