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*for Drawings please visit the S4 Product Page

 

Can this be used for unwind or rewind?

Yes, the S4 is capable of being configured as either an unwind or rewind controller

Can this be used with a drive?

Yes

What is the Least/Most tension I can control?

Depends on the load cell load rating, wrap angle, direction of force, etc. It’s more a function of the load cells.

What is better, Load cell or Dancer Control?

They both have their advantages, and disadvantages. Load cell control supplies a load cell feedback signal. You always know what tension is doing. With dancer controllers you don’t, unless you use our Z4 Dancer Controller. Dancers are good for applications where you need storage to make your product.

When would I use an open loop controller?

Open loop is good for start/stop applications. The web runs for a second, or two, stops for a function (die cutter), and then runs again. Closed loop controllers don’t work well with this type of application. Montalvo features the U4 Open Loop Diameter Based Tension Controller for these applications.

Is digital better than analog?

They are both good. Analog is real time, digital will have a scan speed, so if you need to react to extremely fast changes, analog is better.

Can I use this controller with strain gauge, and foil gauge load cells?

Yes

Do I need to tell you a meter scale when I order this controller?

Not with the S4.

Is this controller just like the S3100, or S3110?

Except that it doesn’t have an analog meter, and you can remotely turn tension on, and off.

Can I get one with an analog meter?

You can order the optional M4 Analog Meter

If I adjusted R2/Out Zero and now my brake doesn’t relax, how do adjust it to zero?

The outzero pot controls the minimum output that the controller will put out. Factory default is 0 volts. However, adjusting the outzero/R2 will increase the minimum to whatever you adjust it to. The controller will then use this as this as its “starting voltage” meaning regulation voltage is additive. To adjust back to zero use a volt meter and:
1. Turn tension off on the controller.
2. Switch volt meter to read “Volts DC” (Make sure probes are in correct port if selectable, otherwise, you could burn the fuse on the volt meter)
3. Place your voltmeter on terminals 15 and 17 for S-3100 or 19 and 20 for the S4 (This is a 0-10V control output).
4. If the volt meter is not reading (0 Volts), then you need to adjust the outzero/R2 until output is truly zero (0 Volts).

How often do I need to calibrate?

Once. Or if you change load cells, or controller boards.

How do I know if my controller or machine is malfunctioning?

Switch your controller to manual and see if the problem persists. If it does, it’s probably your machine.

How do I know what meter scale I need?

You need to know your web width, and about how many PLI you will be running. Make sure that the tension max. and min. will be in the center of the meter scale.

How do I calibrate this controller?

Follow the calibration procedure in the S4 Manual.