One of the hallmarks of Dart Controls and its ability to remain a leading supplier of small drives to the market is its success incorporating new technology into its product designs.  Customer needs are constantly changing and thus the requirements of the products they use.  These requirements include better speed regulation, less energy waste, tougher ambient conditions, additional I/O to support integration with plc/SCADA systems, and data acquisition.  Dart Controls continues to invest in new products and product features to meet all of these requirements.

Over 25 years ago Dart developed the first digital closed loop DC SCR motor speed control.  The application was a conveyor pizza oven, where even a few seconds variation in speed (bake time) could affect product quality.  Adding a speed sensor to the motor and making automatic speed adjustments via the microprocessor solved this issue.  This was the genesis of the MicroDrive Series of controls and several subsequent related Digital Drive Accessories that are available exclusively from Dart.  Current development includes serial communication capability using various protocols to allow for more sophisticated plant network integration, operation and data acquisition.

Dart has not ignored the need for continued development in traditional SCR and PWM drives.  In the next few months it will release new products with temperature ranges from -30°C to +60°C; the ability to use a 90 or 180VDC motor with a 240VAC supply (important for OEM overseas sales); products with 40-60% less voltage drop across the drive; NEMA 4X enclosed drives to support remote / outdoor applications.

All of these new development projects are the result of talking with customers and finding common needs in the market.  We invite any customer to speak with us about their application at any time by calling 317-873-5211 or sending a message to sales@dartcontrols.com.