TRIANG CONTROLLER RP4.5

Basic electrical and electronics, such as DC/Analog control.
Post Reply
LABICHE JUNIOR
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 9:13 pm

TRIANG CONTROLLER RP4.5

Post by LABICHE JUNIOR »

Hello Forum.........I hope you are all Very Well. Re. the Triang RP4.5 Controller. I have owned this for years and rediscovered it a box. It don't work ! Tried all the obvious ideas, Fuse, Wiring etc. All seems OK inside the Unit. Does anyone know how I could check the Controller using a Multimeter or whatever. Your Help would be most appreciated. Kindest Regards.
During One's Life, Some Lines should never be Crossed !
User avatar
Flashbang
Posts: 4089
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2007 1:07 pm
Location: SE United Kingdom
Contact:

Re: TRIANG CONTROLLER RP4.5

Post by Flashbang »

Hi
This is the controller....
http://www.tri-ang.co.uk/OONew/Powerp4_5.htm

This is a very old controller and it needs to be very carefully inspected for any possible cable or case damage.

Carefully inspect the mains cable especially at both the plug end and where the cable enters the controllers case. No splitting or other signs of deterioration or damage to the cable sheathing should be seen.
Any damage spotted MUST render the controller immediately defective and it should not be used.

Inspect the mains plug for any damage. If its ok then remove the plug top and inspect the connections inside - Red wire to the fuse side terminal. Black wire to the lower left and green to the top central earth pin (It is highly unlikely the cable will be of the modern colour coding of Brown, Blue and Green/Yellow unless its been replaced at some stage). All three wires should not be tight or be pulling on the terminals. All copper wire strands should be inside the terminals the grub screws tight and the insulation on each wire is right up to the terminal. The cord grip should be tight onto the cable sheath. If it is missing or isn't able to be tightened replace the plug with a new one. The fuse should be rated at 3Amp not 13Amp or any other rating over 3Amp! If all ok refit the plug top.

Assuming the mains cable and the plug are all in a 100% good condition, power up the controller. With a multimeter set to its dc volts range of 20 volts or higher connect the meters test leads to the Controlled pair of terminals (Left-hand pair of terminals). Turn the speed knob from its central Off position clockwise and the meter should show the dc volts increasing as the knob is turned further clockwise. If OK return knob to central Off and then turn it a little anti clockwise. The meter should show a small voltage and also show a reverse polarity from that previously read. Increase the speed knob further anti clockwise to eventually full and the meter should read somewhere between 12 to 20 volts dc without any load.

Also check the Uncontrolled dc output terminals (right hand pair) There should be 12 or slightly more volts continually on this pair of terminals regardless of the speed knobs setting.

If there is no voltage reading check the the small push button overload reset button located front top centre. Try pressing the button to see if it resets the controller and volts then are read.

If all the above fails to show any output DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY INTERNAL REPAIRS YOURSELF Scrap the unit.
You can if your able, find a qualified Electrician and ask if they can examine the internal connections and components for you. But often the cost of them undertaking this work is just not worth it.
[Image << Click the Icon to go to my website
Broken? It was working correctly when I left it.
LABICHE JUNIOR
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Feb 23, 2011 9:13 pm

Re: TRIANG CONTROLLER RP4.5

Post by LABICHE JUNIOR »

Hello Flashbang............Much Thanks for the lengthly Reply. It must have taken ages to do all that and I'm VERY GRATEFUL to you. I will read again what you suggest and I will open up the Controller again and will let you now what I find. Much Thanks again, Flashbang and my Seasons Greetings to you and the rest of the Forum.........Kindest Regards.
During One's Life, Some Lines should never be Crossed !
User avatar
Flashbang
Posts: 4089
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2007 1:07 pm
Location: SE United Kingdom
Contact:

Re: TRIANG CONTROLLER RP4.5

Post by Flashbang »

LABICHE JUNIOR wrote:Hello Flashbang............Much Thanks for the lengthly Reply. It must have taken ages to do all that and I'm VERY GRATEFUL to you. I will read again what you suggest and I will open up the Controller again and will let you now what I find. Much Thanks again, Flashbang and my Seasons Greetings to you and the rest of the Forum.........Kindest Regards.
Hi
I recommend you do not open the controller up! Unless you are fully confident and have experience of what you're doing. Please read the first line of the last paragraph which I wrote above and is in red text!!
Remember mains power at 230 volts is lethal, if you're at all unsure leave well alone!
[Image << Click the Icon to go to my website
Broken? It was working correctly when I left it.
User avatar
K9-70
Posts: 181
Joined: Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:36 pm
Location: N.Ireland
Contact:

Re: TRIANG CONTROLLER RP4.5

Post by K9-70 »

That controller dates from 1963, and cost 39/6d or £1.97&1/2p in modern money.

Take Flashbangs advise, bin it as it's not worth attempting repair.
The Rides the "REASON" the "DESTINATION" is only an "EXCUSE" :-).
User avatar
Bufferstop
Posts: 13788
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2010 12:06 pm
Location: Bottom end of N. Warks line

Re: TRIANG CONTROLLER RP4.5

Post by Bufferstop »

Exactly the same response from me. Flashbang's advice is full and technically very accurate. Mine is very simple "with mains powered devices if you need to ask how, don't."
John W
aka Bufferstop.
Growing old, can't avoid it. Growing up, forget it!
My Layout, My Workbench Blog and My Opinions
Post Reply