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  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Default Single Phase Variable Inverter?

    I am looking for a single phase to three phase variable inverter for both a Hercus 260 and a Hercus 9"

    Would one of these be suitable?


    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-5KW-2H...19.m1438.l2649

    If not what would you recommend?

    Ratty 05/2004 -05/07/2010 COOPER 01/08/1998-31/01/2012

  2. #2
    BobL is online now Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Recommendations.

    Don't buy a VFD unless you have seen the manual - some manuals are a couple of pages of photocopied gibberish that no one can make head or tail of.
    If the seller cannot email you the manual don't buy it.
    Some cheap VFDs offer no factory support so unless you know someone that has used one of the same VFD and knows how to set the parameters then you are on your own.
    I suggest that MWF members buy a VFD that others on the forum are familiar with - that way you may get faster help that waiting for a factory response.

    Huanyang (HY) VFDs are pretty commonly used by forum members so there is a relatively wide knowledge base of users.

    I'm going through the process of switching all 7 of the HY's in my shed to Powtran VFDs.
    I recently put one on a 9" Hercus and am in the middle of installing 2 VFDs on my Hercus mill.
    //metalworkforums.com/f189/t201...-2#post1935493
    I have two more in the pipeline - on is going on a WW lathe and the other on my DP.

    The Powtran manuals are excellent, factory direct support is very good and they arrive in 8-10 days from the factory in china rather than a 3rd party Ebay supplier.
    The Powtran factory sells VFDs by the container load so the fact that they sell single units to individuals is unusual.
    Unfortunately their english Website is hopeless so you have to get info in other ways.
    Do a search on the forum for Powtran VFD and you will get some info about the various models and how to order - there is no Web shop as such its all done by emails to Nicole and via PayPal.

    Have you modified the motors to take 240V 3Phase?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
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    Default

    I've been thinking about this for a while - bit busy, so haven't taken the step of purchasing yet. What research I have done, I thought Conon Motor in Melbourne looked pretty good. https://cononmotor.com.au/ They sell a wide variety of VFD units and matching motors. They recommend you contact them to discuss your application to make sure you buy the right thing. I've had a mate of mine convert his 3 phase mill with a VFD from ASA Industries (https://www.asaindustry.com/) - again, an Aussie company, based in Melbourne, who are happy to give you technical advice to make sure you make the right call.
    I've got no connection to either company, and as yet I can't speak from personal experience, but when I make the jump, it will be in the direction of Conon or ASA.
    Be very interested to follow your journey.
    Cheers, Tony

  4. #4
    BobL is online now Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Default

    I have a Conon motor and have installed several in other peoples machinery and so far they appear to be a reliable solid motor and would buy another if required. The Fulinn VFDs they sell look like they have a good manual and also have 2 year replacement warranty. I'm not convinced by their blurb about the Fulinns being especially rated to 240V especially when the Fulinn advertising itself say they are a 220V device. I think they may be suggesting the possibility that other VFD manufacturers may want to get out of warranty claims by saying "you are running your VFD above V spec". But only the cheapest or most highly sensitive 220V gear out there might have troubles with 240V. High quality VFDs are all likely to be made with higher voltage tolerant components anyway. During my time at Uni we used nearly all specialised 220V powered instrumentation on a 240V supply and there was only one very sensitive 6 place voltmeter that would not run accurately at 240V. Here in WA my incoming shed supply sits mostly between 240 and 250V and I have had up to 11 different 220v VFDs running in my shed and had mo problems with these over the last seven years.

    The Fulinn VFD has a very comprehensive set of programmable features and overall appear to be equivalent to the Powtran PI160 range. A pair of 2HP 240V Powtran PI160's recently cost me $260 including shipping, compared to the $235 for a single Fulinn. If you're only buying one VFD then its not a big deal but if you are going to be buying a few then the differences add up quickly.

    VFDs are becoming more and more sophisticated, most of which is wasted on basic machinery. Even the basic models are now nearly all vector drive and have more than enough features for running basic metal work and wood work gear. Powtran sell a basic features model (PI130) for about $120 landed if you want something slightly cheaper and with a reduced parameter set and a manual that doesn't require an electronics degree to understand. When I say smaller manual - it is both content and physically smaller and has tiny print - you will need good eyes or glasses to read it.

  5. #5
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    Default

    Thanks Bob, I have sent Nicole an email, just waiting for her reply.

    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post

    Have you modified the motors to take 240V 3Phase?
    Not yet but I have a mate that is a sparkie.

    Ratty 05/2004 -05/07/2010 COOPER 01/08/1998-31/01/2012

  6. #6
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    That was quick, got a reply from Nicole about min after I sent here an email.

    PI160 1R5G1Z : USD78/PC *2PCS =156USD
    FREIGHT for 2pcs : usd28


    We accept western union and paypal . If pay via western union , total cost is 156+28=184 usd
    If pay via paypal , we charge addtional 5% as handling fee, total cost is (156+28)*1.05=193 usd

    Ratty 05/2004 -05/07/2010 COOPER 01/08/1998-31/01/2012

  7. #7
    BobL is online now Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by wm460 View Post
    That was quick, got a reply from Nicole about min after I sent here an email.

    PI160 1R5G1Z : USD78/PC *2PCS =156USD
    FREIGHT for 2pcs : usd28


    We accept western union and paypal . If pay via western union , total cost is 156+28=184 usd
    If pay via paypal , we charge addtional 5% as handling fee, total cost is (156+28)*1.05=193 usd
    yeah she's quick. US$193, Thats the same deal I got 4 weeks ago.

  8. #8
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    Default

    All paid for, now patiently waiting.

    Ratty 05/2004 -05/07/2010 COOPER 01/08/1998-31/01/2012

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    ACT
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    Default

    have had pretty good service through Conon motor in Melbourne on motors and vfd's and can't complain about the product.

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    melbourne australia
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    I fitted a Conon motor and Fullin VFD to my pedestal drill. Very happy with both.
    Chris

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
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    Brisbane Australia
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    How did the VFD go?
    Where you able to use the existing motor ?
    And what size is the motor ?
    I tried to PM you but your inbox is full.

    Simon
    Quote Originally Posted by wm460 View Post
    All paid for, now patiently waiting.

  12. #12
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Somedayplumbing View Post
    How did the VFD go?
    Where you able to use the existing motor ?
    And what size is the motor ?
    I tried to PM you but your inbox is full.

    Simon
    They arrived very quick, I haven't done any thing with them yet, all going well will have time over Christmas.

    Ratty 05/2004 -05/07/2010 COOPER 01/08/1998-31/01/2012

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