PCS VC-M-1 Instruction manual

VC-M-1
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
VC-M-1
TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
PAGE – 2 ELECTRICAL LOCKOUT
PAGE – 2 LIFTING APPARATUS
PAGE – 3 ANTI-ARCING FEATURE
PAGE – 3 STANDARD OPERATING FEATURES
PAGE – 4 ERROR CODES
PAGE – 5 ERROR ALARMS & DESCRIPTION
PAGE – 6 MENU OPERATING PROCEDURES
PAGE – 6 MENU PARAMETER CHART
PAGE – 6 MENU PARAMETER SETTINGS
PAGE – 8 TROUBLE SHOOTING
PAGE – 9 OTHER FALSE ALARMS
PAGE – 10 OPTIONS – EXTERNAL ALARM
PAGE – 11 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
PAGE – 12 ADDENDUM
**Please read these instructions thoroughly before using this instrument.**
IMPORTANT: Make sure the control module power swi tch is “OFF” and the main frame circuit breaker is “OFF”
before inserting or removing control modules.
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com

VC-M-1
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
ELECTRICAL LOCKOUT:
Each maintenance person should have a personal padlock, with only one key. When working on any equipment this
person should use the padlock to lock out the electrical controls. It is most important that the only available key for the
lock be in the pocket of the person who is working on the temperature control equipment. If other persons work on the
same equipment, each should use their own different lock at a separate lockout station for the controls of the equipment.
Accidental startup of the equipment may have tragic results.
In no case should the removal of, or work be performed on, the temperature control modules or main frames without
following proper electrical lockout procedures.
LIFTING APPARATUS:
Temperature control equipment, like any other type of equipment, requires normal periodic maintenance or relocation
if the user is to get the most for the investment in the equipment. One of the most flagrant of safety violations is the use
of inadequate and unsafe lifting equipment. The temperature control equipment or parts thereof should be assembled,
disassembled, and moved with lifting facilities that have the capability of gently and slowly lifting and lowering the
equipment or various parts.
WARNING:
When inserting or removing control modules from the main frame, power must be turned off on both the module and
main frame. If the module is inserted or removed while under a load, severe damage will result to both the control module
and the main frame. Before replacing the module, the main frame must be inspected for damage by a qualified
technician. Damage caused to control module and main frame as a result of improper insertion or removal, will not be
covered under warranty.
PLANT SAFETY:
The safety procedures mentioned here do not eliminate all safety hazards found in the area of operation. However, they
do highlight some procedures that have been found through long experience to improve safety conditions around
temperature control systems. International Temperature Control Inc. welcomes inquiries about other suggested safety
procedures for use around their equipment.
OUT OF SERVICE:
When the system is out of service, both the control module and main frame must be turned off.
THE ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCE MUST BE LOCKED OUT WHENEVER ANYONE IS
WORKING ON THE EQUIPMENT.
WHEN USING A CRANE OR FORKLIFT, OPERATE WITHIN ITS RATED CAPACITY, THE
SAFE RATED CAPACITY INCLUDES WEIGHT OF HOOKS, BLOCKS, AND ANY OTHER
HANDLING DEVICES, SUCH AS CABLES, SLINGS, SPREADER BARS, ETC. CONSIDER
THE WEIGHT OF ALL THESE AS PART OF THE LOAD TO BE LIFTED.
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com 2

VC-M-1
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
ANTI-ARCING FEATURE
The VC-M-1 temperature control module is equipped with our innovative Anti-arcing feature that will help prevent
damage to the control module and main frame in the event the module is inadvertently removed under load. This
feature should not be considered a substitute for proper handling procedures, but rather a supplemental protection
mechanism.
If this control module is inserted into a main frame not equipped for Anti-arcing, the instrument will not provide
power to the heater and a “tOh” error code will be displayed. If this condition occurs, the Anti-arcing jumper can
be moved from the #2 & #3 enabled position to the #1 & #2 disabled position. By repositioning the jumper in the
Anti-arcing disabled position, the module will function in main frames not equipped with the Anti-arcing feature.
Disabling the anti-arcing feature can void your two-year warranty in the event the module is removed from
main frame under load, as a resulting in damage to printed circuit board traces.
NOTE: This feature will only work with updated main frames and should not be considered a substitute for proper
handling procedures. Disabling the anti-arcing feature could void your two-year warranty if damage
occurs.
NOTE: The Anti-arcing feature will not prevent damage if the jumper is not in the enabled position.
NOTE: The Anti-arcing feature of this module will not prevent damage if the module is used in a main frame not
properly equipped for Anti-arcing.
Older mainframes may not be equipped with the Anti-Arcing feature.
They can be upgraded with Anti-Arcing by installing Contact (R144-017) in position #3 of Card Edge
Connector (CKF-312-G). Please contact PCS for further instructions.
STANDARD OPERATING FEATURES
NORMAL OPERATIONS: Auto Keys
When the power switch on the module is turned ON, the control module will look at the existing zone temperature
and determine if the “SOFT START” cycle is needed. The “SOFT START” cycle will be activated any time
the zone temperature is below 212°F (100° C) when the module is turned on. Upon completion of the “SOFT
START” cycle the module will automatically switch to the automatic control mode. At this time the control
module will apply the necessary power to bring the process temperature up to the set point temperature and
maintain it, if set point temperature is above 212°Fahrenheit (100° Celsius).
SETTING OPERATING TEMPERATURE: Up & Down Key
The set point temperature is normally preset at 400°Fahrenheit (204° Celsius) at the factory. You can change the
set point temperature at any time by pressing the “UP” arrow or “DOWN” arrow keys. The module will remember
the last entered set point temperature when it is shut off.
SOFT START KEY:
The “SOFT START” cycle applies a reduced output power to the heater at start up. The module only activates
“SOFT START” if the initial process temperature at start up is below 212°F (100° C). The output power is
gradually increased while the zone temperature is below 212°F (100° C). The “SOFT START” cycle time is factory
set at 5 minutes. The time duration may be changed by scrolling through the MENU for the “SSt” parameter. (range
0 to 30 minutes)
MANUAL OPERATION KEY:
To operate the μATC-20 control module manually, push the “MAN” key. The percentage of output power will
be displayed in the set point window. Push the “UP” or “DOWN” keys to change the output percentage. If
thermocouple feedback is not available, the process temperature window will show the error code “tCO” or
“tCr”. When switching from “AUTO” to “MAN” mode, there is a bump less transfer of power.
NOTE: Other Alarms will not operate in the manual mode.
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com 3

VC-M-1
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
AMPS KEY:
When the “AMPS” key is pressed the process temperature (upper) window will display the average amperage
draw of the heater circuit. To return the display to process temperature press the “AMPS” key again.
BOOST KEY:
Boost is applied for those applications where additional heat is needed for a period of time. Boost mode is
selectable both for time and temperature.
Boost Time Duration is selectable from 0 to 30 minutes in the “bdu” MENU OPTION.
Boost Temperature Setting is selectable from 0° to 100° F (0° to 30° C) in the “btp” MENU OPTION.
NOTE: The “BOOST” feature is disabled during the “SOFT START” cycle.
STAND-BY KEY:
When the “STBY” key is pressed the control module will automatically lower the set point to 212º F (100° C).
in automatic mode only. To return to the previous set point press the “AUTO” key.
NOTE: Pressing “STBY” immediately sets a new set point at 212º F (100° C). which may activate the high or low temperature alarm.
This is normal and the alarm will deactivate when the temperature nears 212º F (100° C). per normal alarm function.
ERROR CODES & ALARMS INDICATORS:
ERROR CODES - Displayed in process temperature (upper) window:
Error Code
Description
tCO
An open thermocouple condition. There is a break within
the thermocouple circuit which prevents a complete circuit
from being made. Module switches to “APO” mode if
selected, otherwise “OFF”.
tCr
Thermocouple wires are reversed. The module has detected
that the thermocouple is wired backwards. Module will
disable power to the heater.
tCs
The thermocouple is shorted. There is a condition within the
thermocouple, or thermocouple wiring which is causing a
short. Module switches to “APO” mode if selected,
otherwise “OFF”.
tOh
The module triac or the heater circuit is open. Module will
disable power to the heater.
tSh
Main triac is shorted. An over temperature condition has
occurred, and current flow is detected. The module will
disable power to the heater.
HiC
High Current overrun. The module detects current greater
than the value set in the MENU “HcL” parameter and will
disable power to the heater.
gFd
When current leakage to ground in heater circuit is in excess
of the value set in the MENU “gFS” parameter. Module
will disable power to the heater.
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com 4

VC-M-1
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
ERRORS & ALARMS INDICATOR DESCRIPTION:
OPEN THERMOCOUPLE PROTECTION:
In the event a thermocouple fails in the open condition after reaching set point temperature, the module will
automatically control temperature with stored APO (Average Power Output) information if the MENU feature “tCO”
is set to “APO”, otherwise power is disabled. This feature only operates at set point temperature.
REVERSED THERMOCOUPLE PROTECTION
The VC-M-1 will scrutinize actual voltage through the thermocouple. In the event a negative voltage is detected,
the “tCr” error code will be displayed, and power will not be applied to the heater.
SHORTED THERMOCOUPLE INDICATION:
In the event a thermocouple fails to detect a rise in temperature while power is being applied to the heater, the module
will activate an alarm, and the “tCS” error code will be displayed. The module activates “APO” if selected,
otherwise “OFF”.
OPEN TRIAC/OPEN HEATER:
The module will alert the operator in the event of an open triac or heater, by displaying a “toH” error message in the
upper window. This condition is detected if the heater fails to maintain or rise to set point temperature and there is
an absence of current flowing to the heater. Module will disable power to heater.
SHORTED TRIAC PROTECTION:
Within the circuitry of the μATC-20 module are relays which disable power to the heater in the event the main triac
is shorted. In a situation when power to the heater is detected when the temperature is well above the set point, the
module will disable power to the heater. A “tSH” error code will then be displayed in the upper window so damage
to the mold or heater can be averted.
HIGH CURRENT WARNING:
To help protect valuable molds and other related equipment, a safety device will alarm if a heater is drawing current
above its rated capacity. To set a current value, scroll through the MENU for the “HiC” feature, usingthe “up”
or “down” keys set a value just above the heaters maximum current draw. The module will trigger an alarm and
disable power to the heater if current exceeds the set value. Utilizing this feature can save time and expense by
calling attention to a problem before damage occurs. In MENU the range may be set between 1.0 and 16.0 amps.
GROUND FAULT SENSITIVITY:
The control module is equipped with a ground fault detection circuit. When the “SOFT START” cycle terminates,
the control module will check for current leakage to ground in the heater circuit. If leakage is detected in excess
of the value entered in “gFS” MENU parameter, the control module will alarm and “gFd” will be displayed in
the process temperature window. The ground fault sensitivity is factory set at 120mA. Sensitivity may be adjusted
or turned off in MENU option “gFS”. To disable ground fault, first set the option to “OFF” then turn the module
off and then back on. (range 60 to 180 mA) Power will be disabled to heater.
HIGH AND LOW TEMPERATURE ALARM:
The high and low temperature alarms have been factory set at +/- 30º F (16° C). If the zone temperature drops 30º
(16° C) below the set point or if the temperature exceeds 30º (16° C) above the set point, the alarm will activate,
and the “HIGH” or “LOW” LED will activate.
BLOWN FUSE INDICATION:
In the event that one or both of the module power fuses blow, the red LED’s labeled “F1” or “F2” will come on indicating
which fuse has blown. CAUTION: only the proper fuses must be used in order to prevent module damage and void
the warranty. Fuses are available from PCS.
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com 5

VC-M-1
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
MENU MODE
MENU MODE OPERATING PROCEDURE:
1. To enter the “MENU” mode, press the “MENU” key to scroll through menu until the desired option appears in the
process temperature (upper) window. As you scroll through the menu, the current setting of each option will be
displayed in the set point (lower) window.
2. To scroll through the menu, continue to press the MENU key until the desired feature code appears in the upper
window.
3. To change the setting of a parameter displayed in the upper window, press the “UP” or “DOWN” arrow key.
4. To set the parameter and exit the “MENU” mode, continue to press the “MENU” key until you reach the end of the
menu of features. The controller will restart after storing the new values.
CAUTION: While in the “MENU” mode, the module will not control temperature. Therefore, it is
recommended that any changes be made at start up.
VC-M-1 “MENU” Parameter Chart
CODE
FUNCTION
SETTINGS
C-F
Temperature display mode
(ºF) or ºC
AL
Audible Alarm
(On) or OFF
tCb
T/C break option
(APO) – Avera ge Power Output or OFF
Out
Output Type
(F2y) or Pid
SSt
Soft Start Time
0-30 minutes (5)
gFS
Ground Fault Sensitivity
60-180 mA or “OFF” (120)
HcL
Maximum Current
1.0 – 16.0 Amps (16.0)
btp
Boost Temperature Setting
0º - 100º (30 º)
bdu
Boost Temperature Duration Setting
0-30 minutes (5)
J-K
Thermocouple Type
(J) or K
SSL
Soft Start Lock
(ON) or OFF
FPL
Front Panel Lockout
ON or (OFF)
“MENU” - PARAMETER SETTINGS:
**Factory settings in parenthesis.**
C-F CELSIUS OR FAHRENHEIT SETTING:
This parameter allows selection of either “C” or “F” temperature ranges – select “C” or “F”.
AL AUDIBLE ALARM SETTING:
Build in alarm – Select “ON” or “OFF”.
tCb THERMOCOUPLE OPEN PARAMETER SETTING:
(APO – Average Power Output). If this option is set to “APO” and the thermocouple input is lost during
operation, the control module will alarm and indicate that the thermocouple input is open. However, instead
of disabling power to the heater, the instrument will continue to apply the same average power to the heater
as applied just prior to losing the thermocouple signal. Factory set to “APO” but may be turned “OFF”.
Out OUTPUT POWER CONTROL METHOD:
“F2y” (fuzzy) or “Pid” (Adaptive-Auto-Tuning). “F2y” will control the zone temperature by adjusting the
power to the heater, providing a ripple free effect, and improving heater life. “Pid” will control the temperature
by turning the heater on and off proportionately. Typically, either method will control as well as the other.
However, the “Pid” control method must be used when the module is operating solid state
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com 6

VC-M-1
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
relays. This control method is usually factory set to “F2y” unless solid state relays are being used to switch
output power.
gFS GROUND FAULT SENSITIVITY SETTING:
Select 60 – 180mA or “OFF”. Factory set at 120 mA. To disable ground fault, first set the option to
“OFF”, then turn the module off and then back on.
HCL HIGH CURRENT LIMIT SETTING:
Select 1 – 16 amps. Factory set at 16 amps. If the module detects a current draw that exceeds the set value,it
will cut power to the heater and display an “HiC” warning. This option allows for setting a current warning
level just above the maximum draw of the heater. When the instrument detects a current greaterthan the set
value, it will alarm and shut off power to the heater.
btp BOOST TEMPERATURE SETTING:
This feature allows for the input of a temperature value by which the set point can be increased when Boost
is activated. Factory set at 30º F (16° C). Boost has a selectable temperature range of 0º to 100º F (30° C).
bdu BOOST TEMPERATURE DURATION SETTING:
This parameter allows user to set the duration time the temperature boost is to remain on at the desired boost
temperature. Range 0 to 30 minutes. Factory set at 30 minutes.
J-K THERMOCOUPLE TYPE:
This parameter allows the operator to select either “J” to “K” type thermocouple, depending on the
requirements. Factory set to “J”.
SSt SOFT START SETTING:
Select 0 to 30 minutes. Factory set at 5 minutes.
SSL SOFT START LOCK:
This parameter prevents the Soft Start parameter from being overridden from the front panel. The Soft Start
cycle must be completed prior to entering either manual or automatic control mode. Factory set to “ON” or
select “OFF”.
FPL FRONT PANEL LOCK SETTING:
This parameter locks the front panel keys with the exception of “AMPS” & “MENU”. This lockout prevents
accidental changing of temperature settings, etc. Select “ON” for lock or “OFF” for un-lock. Factory set to
“OFF”.
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com 7

VC-M-1
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
NOTE:
TROUBLE SHOOTING
It is assumed that the system has been installed in accordance with the proper instructions, that all wiring is correct
and that power to the system is as specified on the controller.
Normally problems have two basic forms:
First,relate to the Controller, Wiring, Heaters or Thermocouples. These problems usually present themselves as
abnormal indications on the control module, i.e., absence of or blinking lights & displays and error codes.
Second, revolve around the design and/or manufacturing of the mold, the hot runner system (manifold), or the actual
processing conditions. These problems are often difficult to identify and repair.
PROBLEMS: SOLUTIONS:
The module will not turn on: 1. Check input power.
2. Ensure input power is in proper phase.
3. Check power cord connections.
4. Check that main frame is turned on.
5. Check fuses (Bussman ABC-15), if blown check
for wiring short.
6. Swap module with known good module.
7. Return defective module for repairs.
Temperature won’t settle on set point: 1. Give module more time to settle on set point.
2. Molding process may have a wide variation in
temperature. Check to see if changes in display
temperature are in the same cycle as molding process.
Lights dim: 1. Check actual input voltage, should be same as
module rating.
Module appears to operate properly, but no power 1. Main frame is not set up for Anti-arcing.
is being applied to the heater: 2. Move jumper from pin position #2 & #3 (Enabled)
to pin position #1 & #2 (Disabled).
Mold is unusually cold: 1. Allow tool to warm up in Soft Start mode.
2. Check mold thermocouple/heater wiring.
3. Thermocouple/Heater not wired to proper zone.
4. Thermocouple/Heater defective.
5. Make sure input power voltage is correct.
6. Return defective module for repairs.
Temperature above set-point: 1. Thermocouple shorted or not wired correctly.
2. Triac shorted.
Tool overheats: 1. Is temperature display set to Fo?
2. Check thermocouple.
3. Replace triac.
4. Return defective module for repairs.
Open thermocouple: 1. Check thermocouple & mold wiring.
Reversed thermocouple: 1. Correct thermocouple mold wiring.
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com 8

VC-M-1
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
Ground Fault: 1. Heater/Wiring is wet – if so, dry out.
2. Replace heater.
3. Repair heater wiring.
Module blows fuses: 1. Make sure heater size does not exceed module
rating.
2. Make sure this is not the result of a shorted heater
or a short in the tool wiring. Do not replace module
until problem is corrected as damage may result.
NOTE: Blown fuses are not caused by the module,
they are caused by an outside factor.
Temperature Oscillation: 1. This is usually caused by the location, or the
thermocouple being too far from the heater it is
controlling. Proper procedures dictate that the heater
& thermocouple should be within 1/2” of each other.
2. Oscillation can also be caused when the melt
temperature is significantly above or below the setpoint.
Temperature too high: 1. Normally this is caused by heat from adjacent
zones.
2. The melt temperature of the plastic is hotter than
the set point for the zone.
3. Thermocouple may not be wired to the same
control module as the heater.
No heat indication: 1. Heater is not connected.
2. Heater is too small.
3. Heater is burned out.
4. Heater is too far from thermocouple.
It is also possible something has occurred electrically to upset the microprocessor in the control
module. It indicates that there is more interference in the power line to the control system than the
filtering in the power supply can accommodate. A random occurrence is not cause for concern. The
solution usually is to connect the controller as close to the electrical service supply as possible, and
not to the molding machine, where motors, solenoids, etc. can cause interference.
OTHER FALSE ALARMS
•You may experience false alarms due to the time settings of certain options. The factory settings may not be the
proper setting for your particular zone characteristics.
•Zones that heat slowly may need extended time for open heater and shorted thermocouple detection (tOh).
Conversely you may want to decrease the time for zones that heat too rapidly.
•If you are in a situation where mold changes are frequent and you do not want to take the time to adjust these settings
to the mold characteristics, you can set all the settings to the highest level or in some cases turn them off. However,
this will substantially reduce the control module’s many diagnostic benefits and its ability to prevent heater runaway
and mold damage.
If an instrument is not functioning properly or needs calibration, we highly recommend that you return it to PCS for
service. In most cases your module will not be correctly repaired at other facilities.
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com 9

VC-M-1
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
OPTIONS
EXTERNAL ALARM OPTION:
This option feature allows the user to connect an audible or visual alarm apparatus located externally from
the Mainframe.
NOTE: To function, the Optional External Alarm Feature must also be present in the Mainframe.,
The alarm will activate if any of the properly optioned VC-M-1 modules in the mainframe go to an error
condition (regardless of the audible ALARM feature setting in the Options Menu).
Error Conditions:
•Open Heater/Triac (tOh)
•Shorted Heater/Triac (tSh)
•Over current Condition (HiC)
•Open Thermocouple (tCO)
•Shorted Thermocouple (tCS)
•Reversed Thermocouple (tCr)
•Ground Fault (gFd)
•Internal Configuration Error (CAL, cFg, CFg)
•Over or Under temperature condition (+/-30 º from setpoint)
High/Low Temperature Alarm Notes:
•First power up: When the module is first powered up, the Process Temperature will be below the
setpoint and have a low temperature condition, however, the module will not
close the alarm contacts, since this is considered to be normal operation. Once
the Process Temperature enters the normal range of +/- 30o(16° C) from setpoint,
the alarm contact closure procedure will be enabled for any future high or low
temperature conditions.
•Standby mode: Placing the module into Standby Mode creates a temporary target temperature of
212oF. (100° C) If the Process Temperature at that time is +/- 30ofrom 212oF
(100° C), the alarm contacts will close.
•Boost Mode: Placing the VC-M-1 into Boost Mode creates a temporary target temperature
greater than the current setpoint (the temperature and time are set in the Options
Menu). If the Process temperature at that time is +/- 30ofrom the temporary
Boost target temperature, the alarm contacts will close activating the external
alarm.
•Operator Intervention: If an operator changes the setpoint, causing it to be +/- 30ofrom the
Process Temperature, the alarm contacts will close activating the external alarm.
•Manual Mode: The alarm contacts will not close for High/Low Temperature conditions if the
module is in Manual Mode.
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com 10

VC-M-1
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
VC-M-1 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
Voltage............................................................... 208 to 240vac, single phase
Current ............................................................... 15 amps
Frequency........................................................... 50/60 Hz
Wattage .............................................................. 3600
On/Off Key......................................................... Auto Latching (stays on last setting if power is lost)
Physical Configuration ....................................... Plugs in for easy interchangeability
Compatibility.................................................. Compatible with “G” Series housings
Size................................................................. 2” Wide, 7” High, 7-1/2” Deep,
Weight............................................................ 1-1/2 #
DC Power Supply............................................... Internally generated regulated and compensated
Module Power Usage.......................................... Less than 5 watts, excluding load
Set point Range .................................................. 0oto 999oF (537oC)
Control Accuracy................................................ +/- 1oF (0.5oC) dependent on total thermal system
Calibration Accuracy.......................................... Better than 0.2% of full range
Operating Temperature Range ............................ 32 to 120 degrees F (0 to 48° C)
Thermocouple..................................................... Type J, or Type K grounded or ungrounded
External Thermocouple Resistance..................... High impedance potentiometer input allows long distance T/C
wiring
Output Drive ....................................................... Internal solid-state triac, zero crossing AC pulses
Ground Fault Sensitivity...................................... 60 to 180 mA, default 120 mv.
High/Low Temperature Alarm............................ Factory set @ +/- 30 degrees F (16° C)
Overload Protection............................................ Fuses on both sides of AC line
Transient Protection............................................ dv/dt and transient pulse suppression
Shorted Triac Heater Protection ......................... Highly sensitive, fast acting relays cut power to load
Power Line Isolation........................................... Optically and transformer isolated from AC lines. Isolation voltage
greater than 2500 volts
Display ............................................................... Dual LED displays, 3-digit, 7-segment
Manual Mode ..................................................... Maintains constant output power to within 1% of manual set power.
Adjustable from 0 to 100%
Soft Start ............................................................ Variable stepped voltage, phase fired
Soft Start Duration.............................................. 5 Minutes (Adjustable - 0 to 20) up to 212 degrees F (100° C)
Soft Start Override Temperature......................... 212oF (100° C)
Operational Modes ............................................. Soft Start precedes Auto Mode.
Thermocouple break overrides Soft Start and Auto Mode.
Reversed or shorted thermocouple overrides Soft Start and Auto
Mode.
Manual Mode overrides thermocouple break, reversed, shorted
thermocouple and Auto Mode.
Output is disabled during all fault conditions.
Cold Junction Compensation .............................. Automatic, better than 0.02oF/Fo(0.01oC/C)
Open Thermocouple Protection.......................... Automatically disables power to heater or Avera ge Power Output
(APO). Selectable
Reversed Thermocouple Protection.................... Automatically disables power to heater.
Shorted Thermocouple Protection ...................... Automatically disables power to heater or Average Power Output
(APO). Selectable
Warranty.............................................................2-Years
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com 11

VC-M-1
Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
Addendum
(Firmware version 5.20 and later)
VC-M-1 “Menu” Parameter Chart
CODE
FUNCTION
SETTINGS
Out Output Type (trc) or rLy
** Factory setting in parenthesis **
“MENU” – PARAMETER SETTINGS
Out OUTPUT POWER CONTROL METHOD:
“trc” (TRIAC) or “rLc” (RELAY). “trc” indicates that the external load/heater is directly controlled
by the on-board triac. “rLy” indicates that the external load/heater is controlled by an EXTERNAL
RELAY, typically used in high current (30A) mainframes.
When set to “trc”, the module is capable of directly measuring and displaying the current draw on the
load/heater and has the ability to detect a shorted or open load/heater.
When set to “rLy”, the module is not capable of measuring or displaying the current draw of the
load/heater and CANNOT detect a shorted or open load/heater. The detection of an open or shorted
load/heater is disabled when set to “rLy” mode. High current PCS mainframes, which contain external
relays, display the current draw on the mainframe front panel.
The Output Power is always controlled using PID (Adaptive-Auto-Tuning) algorithm and “Zero Cross”
power control. The module cannot be set to “Phase Angle” control since this method has the potential to
generate power line noise and interfere with other devices
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com 12

Phone: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail] Fax: [phone]
www.pcs-company.com
Turn To The Industry Experts