The Original DTC-1 Digital Throttle Controller

Engine Testing Made Easy for You, Easier for Your Computer, Easily Programmable, with RS232 Communications

DTC-1 Digital Throttle Controller shown with Dyn-Loc IV Digital Dynamometer ControllerDTC-1 Digital Throttle Controller shown with Dyn-Loc IV Digital Dynamometer Controller.

The precision and flexibility of DyneSystems DTC-1 Digital Throttle Control (top unit in photo) make it the easy choice for your complete engine throttle control needs. RPM, torque, position, MAP, or manifold vacuum are controlled with digital precision and long term stability. Position is sensed by optical encoder, to .005%

Software-based, the control adapts quickly to changes in operating conditions to provide a very wide range of stable engine throttle control in all modes. The keypad and 80-character display provide easy, flexible manual operation; an RS232 port provides easy PC control. The high-quality servo actuator assures a high system MTBF. Sixteen sets of PID parameters allow the DTC-1 to be adjusted to varations in engine under test or in engine operating point.

Remote actuator stand allows throttle control from outside the test cellUp to 1300 lines of "Basic" programs (32k) can be downloaded to the DTC-1 NVRAM for use in stand-alone engine testing. RS232 and analog interfacing provide easy integration into your test cell computer system.

The DTC-1 can utilize the remote actuator shown at right to enable throttle control from outside the test cell.

Features

  • Easy data entry, mode change and setup, with display feedback
  • No transient effects as a result of mode changes or ON/OFF activity
  • Complete repeatability with no need for A/D and D/A calibrations (setpoint based on 0.005% accuracy/stability crystal oscillator)
  • High response speed torque control for FTP engine testing
  • Manifold vacuum/MAP option control modes
  • On-The-Fly PID parameter entry for fine-tuning control from a PC keyboard

Applications

The DTC-1 Digital Throttle Control has been proven on engine dynamometers, chassis dynamometers, and no-load engine testing. Its superb digital precision makes this control the standard for the industry.

For the dynamometer user who needs simple, single-loop throttle control, the DTC-1 has been filling that need since 1983. For more complex applications, where multi-loop dynamometer and throttle control are needed, see the Inter-Loc V.

Specifications

Detail of DTC-1 Digital Throttle Controller's connection capabilities

Control

The DTC-1 controls throttle position RPM, TQ, MAP, or manifold vacuum to + / -1 unit accuracy, providing zero regulation and drift of digital setpoints. 16 sets of PID parameters allow the DTC-1 to be adjusted to variations in engine under test or in engine operating point. Teamed with DyneSystems' Dyn-Loc IV dynamometer controller, all provisions are made for reference and feedback data, instrumentation, and automation control.

The Vacuum Fluorescent (VF) high visibility 2-line, 80-character display screen highlights control data, operator messages, menus, and prompts. Data, setpoint, mode entry, setup and system configuration changes are made via an embossed laminated panel keypad, or RS232 port.

Software throttle "jam" monitor prevents throttle or actuator damage by closing throttle if a jam is detected.

Complete control of throttle, throttle status, and test data is achieved via your computer utilizing the DTC-1 serial port, either directly or routing through the Dyn-Loc IV.

  • SERIAL COMPUTER CONTROL - Standard RS232 voltage level definitions and ASCII format are employed. Data format (baud rate, etc.) are selectable over wide range in SETUP mode. DTC-1 control software (identical to Dyn-Loc IV) is written in a simple, BASIC-like language using easily discernible keywords. All control functions are available through the serial port: Mode of Operation, Ramp Rate, Setpoint, Parameter Set, ON/OFF, MANUAL/AUTO, and Status Data.
  • HIGH SPEED TORQUE CONTROL - High speed analog REF and FB option provide for up to 50Hz closed loop control of torque - required for engine FTP tests.

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Manual Control

New setpoint entry is made via the numeric keypad. The ENTER key is used to make actual change to the new setpoint; cancellation by CANCEL key. Small setpoint changes are accommodated by the ARROW keys.

Mode changes are via the 8 mode keypad: POS/TQ/RPM/SETUP - AUTO/MANUAL - ON/OFF. Mode changes are soft, and automatically use current data for new setpoint. Programmable function keypads provide four additional control modes.

SETUP mode allows for keypad control of the following functions:

  • Upper and Lower Limit Settings- controllable from the front panel or optional remote operator's station.
  • Speed of the actuator is controllable during the setting of the upper and lower limits.
  • Ramp Rate of new setpoints. Settable from .1% to 200% per second for each mode of control.
  • Averaging Torque and RPM displays. Can be set to 1, 2, 4, or 8 seconds.
  • Decimal places of Torque and Power display. Set to 0, 1, or 2 decimal places.
  • Torque display units
  • Serial Port communication parameters
  • PID parameters. Sixteen arrays to choose from. Also changeable over RS232 port.
  • Analog reference and Feedback Calibration signals via keypad or RS232.

Auxiliary Control Inputs

  • Analog Reference Input: 0 to 10VDC = 0 to 10,000 units maximum (adjustable). Isolated Input.
  • Back Input: 0 to 10VDC = 0 to 10,000 units maximum (adjustable). Isolated input.
  • Magnetic Pickup Input: Minimum 2VRMS AC signal input; jumper programming for optional RPM feedback input. Optically isolated.

Instrumentation

80-Character VF display for all data, data entry, modes and prompts. Setpoint and mode appear in upper left of screen.

Safety Devices

  • Power Fail and Emergency Stop - returns throttle to closed position, using backup NICAD battery if necessary.
  • Overspeed/Underspeed, Dyn-Loc Power Fail - returns throttle to minimum position.
  • Throttle Jam - attempts return to closed throttle position and outputs error message to DTC-1 screen and computer.

Throttle Actuator

  • Totally enclosed gear head DC motor, optical encoder
  • Throttle linkage supplied by 5" lever arm with adjustable rod end assembly
  • Throttle stroke range 0.5" to 4: by rod end position adjustment and SETUP mode
  • Actuator assembly is wash down waterproof, drip proof
  • Foot or "C face" mounting for actuator
  • Maximum ambient long-term temperature: 70° Centigrade
  • Maximum slew rate of 140 deg./sec. with less than 120 in.-lb. opposing torque
  • Maximum operating torque 120 in-lb
  • Maximum available short-term stall torque: 400 in-lb
  • Encoder: Senses position to 0.005% FS

Mechanical

  • 19″ x 7″ x 13″ deep for Rack/Desk/Pedestal mounting
  • Forced air ventilation @ 6 CFM
  • Universal actuator mounting accessories to meet the needs of most installations

For More Information

  • View and print product brochures in PDF format
  • Request a no-obligation quote with our online quote form
  • Contact our sales department at the email address or phone number shown at the bottom of this page

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