Iks Variable Plug Bar Problem

[tomd82]

Which powerheads am i to use with the IKS plug bar as i understand that the power fluctuates and maye not work with most powerheads.

Does anyone have any ideas on this?

Thanks

[kim]

Clearly you can't control a DC motor via a plug bar (it delivers an AC current). You can only use asynchronous motors. There are many designs of these....some are better than others where speed control is desired. You'll just have to check with the makers' specs to see if the pump is suitable.

In short, the revs of an AC motor are normally a multiple of the frequency of the current driving it (this frequency is not adjustable via the dim bar, and is just your mains frequency)

However, some types of AC motors allow "slippage" - imagine a bicycle chain repeatedly slipping a notch on the cog wheel under pressure, and then reattaching itself for a bit, then slipping again as the pressure build up - the wheel of the bike doesn't rotate as fast as the chain passes the cogs. So there's some speed control allowed by the slippage. In these motors, you control the slippage by adjusting the AC electrical power via the dim bar.

Some motors are designed for this, some work okay but not so well with this, and others will just stall when the current falls. The price varies accordingly !

kim

[tomd82]

Originally posted by kim@Nov 14 2005, 22:33
Clearly you can't control a DC motor via a plug bar (it delivers an AC current). You can only use asynchronous motors. There are many designs of these....some are better than others where speed control is desired. You'll just have to check with the makers' specs to see if the pump is suitable.

In short, the revs of an AC motor are normally a multiple of the frequency of the current driving it (this frequency is not adjustable via the dim bar, and is just your mains frequency)

However, some types of AC motors allow "slippage" - imagine a bicycle chain repeatedly slipping a notch on the cog wheel under pressure, and then reattaching itself for a bit, then slipping again as the pressure build up - the wheel of the bike doesn't rotate as fast as the chain passes the cogs. So there's some speed control allowed by the slippage. In these motors, you control the slippage by adjusting the AC electrical power via the dim bar.

Some motors are designed for this, some work okay but not so well with this, and others will just stall when the current falls. The price varies accordingly !

kim
Thanks for the speedy reply, ive been looking at the MaxiJet powerheads and the Seio Super flows, im going to have to check them out.

I am struggling to find the information i need about them.

Do you have any ideas to which ones would be ok?

[tomd82]

ok from doing some digging on the net, i can confirm the Seio Super Plow pumps are not compatible with wave makers.

I am thinking the MaxiJets would be ok as you can but them in a kit with a WaveMaker thing so maybe they will work, ill check with a shop tomorrow.

[jacksok]

The Tunze turbelle pumps (including variable streams) or IKS powerheads (http://www.iks-aqua.com/html/engl/pumpen.php) are compatible. I think Glenn@home was selling some IKS Aquastar Turbo 3500lph powerheads. I'm running a couple of IKS 2000lph versions from a IKS variable plug bar.

Pretty sure that Maxijets won't work (or at least not for long) - not asynchronus.

Keith

[kim]

Yes, go by others' experience. The alternative is a short course in electrical engineering, which will pollute your brain and cause a short-circuit when you discuss your new-found knowledge with your LFS. :lol:

Look for people with a long experience of success - the variable power supply of a speed-controlled AC motor can cause current surges and cause the coils to fail. A motor designed for the job automatically compensates. As a result, initial results may be misleading.

kim

[Glenn@home]

additionally if you use standard power heads on a wavemaker/intermittent setting the impellors and probably the motors, wont last that long.

Best get the right punmps from the start, save money long term.

WIth the turbo pumps from iks you can vary the on/off period from a second upwards with a random variable on top of that, coupled with an off period with a random variable, then throw into the pot the variatino in flow, gives a huge amount of randonmness to the pump output.

I dont know about the other pumps you can use in this fashion.



HTH

Glenn

[tomd82]

Hi, Yes i have been doing a bit of research on this now, the IKS pumps i can get for £115 each for the 2000 models. Im still not sure which route to take! A long night of thinking maybe!

[Glenn@home]

As I said I paid 160 each for the 3500 models plus the mounting brackets 12 quid each and the inlet guards a tenner each.

Of course mine come with both these items for 75 quid each.

HTH

Glenn