Dart Controls
Serving
Authorized Partner Distributor for Dart Controls, serving the Midwest
About Dart Controls
Dart Controls has been a pioneer in the motor speed control industry since 1963, delivering innovative and reliable solutions from its headquarters in Zionsville, Indiana. With a steadfast commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Dart has earned a reputation for excellence in designing and manufacturing variable speed drives and accessories for electric motors.
At the heart of Dart's success is its dedication to innovation. The company was among the first to integrate microprocessors into DC controls, leading to the development of advanced digital DC drives and digital speed potentiometers. This spirit of innovation continues today, with Dart offering a comprehensive range of products, including:
- AC Drives: Featuring the user-friendly EZ VFD® series, designed for simplicity and performance in controlling 3-phase AC motors.
- DC Drives: Offering analog SCR and digital closed-loop controls up to 3 HP, known for their precision and reliability.
- Brushless DC Drives: Providing efficient and quiet operation for applications requiring low maintenance and high performance.
- Digital Potentiometers: Allowing precise and repeatable speed control settings, compatible with various drive systems.
- Encoders and Tachometers: Enabling accurate speed feedback and monitoring for critical applications.
All Dart products are proudly made in the USA, adhering to stringent quality standards and lean manufacturing principles. The company's ISO 9001 certification reflects its commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in every aspect of its operations.
Gross Automation is honored to partner with Dart Controls, offering their full line of products to clients seeking dependable and innovative motor control solutions. With Gross Automation's expertise in industrial automation and Dart's cutting-edge technology, customers receive unparalleled support and performance tailored to their specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dart Controls
What certifications and standards do Dart Controls products comply with?
Dart Controls products are certified to multiple international standards across electrical, safety, and environmental domains. Key certifications include UL (cULus), CE, UKCA, EAC, and C-Tick, with compliance to standards such as ISO 9001, RoHS, EN 60529, IEC 61800-9-2, and various functional safety standards like EN 61800-5-2 and EN ISO 13849-1. Their products meet rigorous industrial automation requirements for electrical equipment, environmental protection, and safety-related control systems.
What industries and applications are Dart Controls products used for?
Dart Controls products are used across multiple industrial sectors, with key applications including conveyors, pizza oven equipment, door closing mechanisms, and controls for fractional DC motors, brushless DC gear motors, and low voltage DC motors. Their SCR drives and motor controls serve OEMs, automation integrators, end users, and control specialists in industries requiring precise DC motor speed and motion control.
What technical support does Dart Controls offer?
Dart Controls offers comprehensive technical support through their direct phone line at (317) 873-5211. Their support includes personalized customer service, technical consultation, and assistance with product selection and application. As a 'Total Solutions Provider', they are committed to delivering second-to-none support and assistance, with a focus on helping customers find the right variable speed motor control solutions for their specific needs.
What are the main product lines offered by Dart Controls?
Dart Controls offers a comprehensive range of motor control products including AC Variable Frequency Drives (EZ VFD Series), AC Triac Variable Voltage Supplies, Digital Speed Pots, Analog SCR Drives (multiple series including 150, 125, 15, 130, 253, and 530 Series), Digital SCR Drives, Commutrol Brushless DC Drives, Low Voltage DC PWM Drives, and Speed Sensors. Their product lines are designed to provide flexible motor control solutions for various industrial applications, with options ranging from chassis to NEMA 4X enclosed configurations.
What are the key features of Dart Controls products?
Dart Controls offers a comprehensive range of innovative motor control products featuring advanced digital and analog SCR drives, digital speed potentiometers, and specialized drive solutions. Key features include flexible product configurations like the 150 Series SCR drive with multiple wiring terminations, fusing options, and IP66/NEMA4X enclosures, as well as unique digital drives like the MicroDrive with integrated programmable displays, closed-loop control, and multiple operational modes for diverse industrial applications.
How are Dart Controls products typically installed?
Dart Controls products are typically installed using panel-mount or standalone enclosed configurations, with flexible mounting options to suit various industrial applications. Most product lines like the EZ VFD, Digital SCR Drives, and Analog SCR Drives offer both open chassis and NEMA 4X enclosed models, allowing for easy integration into control panels or direct machine mounting. Installation typically involves connecting power inputs, motor outputs, and optional control signals like voltage followers or serial communication interfaces.
What communication protocols do Dart Controls products support?
Dart Controls supports multiple communication protocols, with Modbus RTU serial interface being a key offering for the 150 Series. Their products are designed to interface with PLCs, microcontrollers, computers, and HMIs through traditional analog signals and increasingly through serial network communication. While specific protocol support may vary by product line, Dart Controls demonstrates flexibility in communication integration for industrial automation applications.
What environmental ratings do Dart Controls products have?
Dart Controls offers multiple environmental ratings across their product lines, primarily NEMA 1, 2, 3R, 4, and 4X enclosure types. Most standard models like DS20, DS30, DR30, and DR50 come standard with NEMA 3R protection, with optional NEMA 4X upgrades available. Specific product lines feature different ratings, ensuring protection against dust, water, and corrosive environments for both indoor and outdoor applications.
What accessories are available for Dart Controls products?
Dart Controls offers several key accessories for their products, including speed sensors, LED support, and switch options. The PU Series speed sensors are particularly notable, with indoor (PU-E) and outdoor/wash down (PU-R) models available. Additional sensor options include the CF Series (hall-effect motor C-face mount) and OPU (optical) sensors. Some product lines also feature accessories like a -29 covered mounted FWD/Off/REV switch, LED chassis support, and various mounting configurations including open chassis (C) and NEMA 4X enclosed (E) options.