This is a small, inexpensive interface board that fits in the (optional) expansion connector of either our Pro-120, VTX or earlier NCC controllers and is used with a tacho generator to sense true motor speed to use in a closed loop control system.
It was originally developed for our Dutch distributor - where it is used in an agricultural seedling planter - the space between the plantlets must be carefully controlled, hence the use of a tachogenerator to accurately control the speed of the machine.
See our FAQ sheet for discussion of why tacho feedback is very useful.
It can also be used with 4QD series, though fitting is a little more difficult.
Normally you must order the VTX or Pro-120 plus expansion connector plus Tacho board. Retrofitting is possible to Issue 9 or later Pro series controllers or to Issue 20 or later NCC series. See Pro History or NCC history. There is a separate page dealing with retrofitting the expansion connector to Pro and NCC controllers.
You will need to understand how the system works to optimise it as you need to match it to your system. See service area for setting up instructions and also our circuits archive for full information.
The board should be ideal for most Robot Wars contestants: fitting tachogenerator feedback rectifies most of their known problems, including motor matching (inability to steer straight) and a tendency to bounce when load changes suddenly. However - the system will require setting up as a system, so does require some understanding: there is a lot of relevant information already on this www site.
The board available is physically matched to the Pro and NCC series controllers, but it is also a useful addition to our other controllers.
The board shown measures 30mm x 65mm. Most customers who require tacho feedback purchase the 'TFB' with their controller, matched to the generator they use. The specification therefore depends on the overall system so we are not quoting separate specs for the TFB! However it can greatly increase speed stability under varying loads, by a factor of 10 or more.
Two versions of the board exist: one has a 9 way connector for the Pro series, the other has a 6 way, for the NCC series controllers.
| Description | Order Code | Price List | Add to cart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tachogenerator Interface for NCC | TFB-NCC | Add | |
| Tachogenerator Interface for Pro | TFB-120 | Add | |
| The connector set can be supplied for customer retro-fitting: | |||
| Expansion connector kit for NCC | NXC-006 | Add | |
| Expansion connector kit for Pro | PXC-009 | Add | |
| The two prices below are for the expansion connector including factory fit, with sale of new controller. | |||
| Expansion connector for NCC (fitted) | XCN-006T | Add | |
| Expansion connector for Pro (fitted) | XCP-009T | Add | |
Note that there are no paper instructions on the Tacho board: all the information is on the WWW site.