Compact, multi-featured SCR variable speed drive attaches directly to permanent magnet DC motors and gearmotors to conserve energy by changing speeds with requirements, while offering tighter speed regulation.
Bison Gear's new TightDrive™ permanent magnet DC (PMDC) speed control was designed for applications that require a convenient location for the motor control ... on the motor! The majority of PMDC gearmotors and motors used in industry today require speed controls in order to operate. Typically, the control is wired to the motor through a relatively expensive cable and the motor and control can be many steps away from each other. Bison's voice of the customer research indicated a need for a convenient "point of use" motor speed control that was robust for the industrial environment and offered practical features and exceptional value.
Bison Gear & Engineering's new TightDrive™ motor-mounted speed control can be easily field mounted on Bison PMDC gearmotors up to 1/6 horsepower (124 watts) and offers a 20:1 speed range with maximum output of 90 Volts. The TightDrive™ is housed in a durable aluminum extrusion which offers NEMA 1 (IP 30) protection and superior heat dissipation. Speed is controlled with a combination on/off switch and speed potentiometer. In addition, three easily accessible adjustable potentiometers provide settings for minimum RPM, maximum RPM, and current limiting. The simple, yet sophisticated, design also provides much tighter speed regulation than alternative controls.
"Simple solutions are often the best," said Matt Hanson, Bison Gear vice president, portfolio management. "The new TightDrive™ enables machine builders to put the control, the power and the gearmotor more conveniently at the point of use, while saving installation time and reducing costs. As a bonus, users can maximize energy savings by easily changing speeds as requirements change."
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TightDrive™ is designed for 115 volt 50/60 Hz operation and comes complete with three foot power cord and NEMA 5-15P plug.
Users can mount the drive directly to the motor in 90° increments to optimize position of cord exit and motor leads. The TightDrive™ speed controls are available from Bison's distribution partners or directly from Bison's web site.
Like all of Bison's gearmotor products, the TightDrive™ speed controls are American made to Bison's high quality standards in order to ensure reliable, long-life operation and direct supply chain fulfillment from Bison's modern St. Charles, Illinois facilities. In addition, Bison's Innopreneurial™ application and design engineering capabilities to customize or adapt these controls to meet specific OEM needs are readily available. 
