PTC Model III, Rotary Selector Installation Instructions and User Manual, Rev 8/03 - Page 1
Installation Instructions
and Users Manual
PTC Model III
Programmable Turntable
Controller
INTRODUCTION
Before you begin installation and programming of your new
turntable controller, be sure to read through these instructions
completely. Also, review the PTC Model III Product Overview
as well as the Basic Motor Mount Installation Instructions, if you
are using the optional Motor Mount Kit.
The PTC is not difficult to install, but as with any precision
mechanism, some time and care will be needed to achieve a neat,
reliable installation.
The main steps involved in installing your PTC Model III are:
• Motor Installation,
• Controller Installation,
• Track Selector Installation,
• System Check-Out, and
• Programming.
MOTOR INSTALLATION
There are two options for motor installation:
• Use the optional Motor Mount Kit; or
• Design your own motor mount system.
In general, use of the motor mount kit is recommended unless
you have a special situation where the kit is not suitable, or if
you are designing a new or scratchbuilt turntable where you can
integrate the motor support system into the turntable design. If
using the Motor Mount Kit, refer to the detailed instructions
included with the kit and install it before proceeding here.
If you are designing your own motor mount, refer to Figure 1,
"Motor Dimensions and Mounting Hole Pattern" to understand
the mechanical requirements for attaching the motor to your
mounting system. Primary considerations you should keep in
mind when designing your system include:
• Do not have the motor actually hanging or otherwise
supported by your turntable shaft. The motor can be
supported by the turntable pit, if sufficiently strong. The
motor is heavy and should not be allowed to stress the
turntable bridge or shaft mechanism.
• Be sure the mount is rigid. Since the controller can achieve
very small step increments, the motor should not be allowed
to move rotationally or laterally.
• Be sure the mount keeps the motor perpendicular to the
turntable shaft. Your mount should make sure that the
motor and turntable shafts stay in alignment, and do not
connect to each other "off angle".
• Design the mount so that it shares a common mounting
surface with the turntable, such as the layout surface or
supporting benchwork immediately connected to the
turntable. Do not use benchwork that otherwise supports the
layout. The objective is to minimize mis-alignment effects
related to possible expansion and contraction of the layout
or supporting benchwork.
If these guidelines are followed, your installation should provide
years of reliable service.
CONTROLLER INSTALLATION
Controller installation is simple, and only requires a suitable
location under the benchwork to rest the controller. Typically, a
small shelf is attached to the benchwork if no other location is
available. When selecting a mounting location, be sure that:
• The mounting location is within 24” of the turntable, which
is the length of the motor cable. The short cable length is
recommended to minimize the potential for the motor to
pick up unwanted electrical noise. However, optional 3', 6',
and 10' extension cables are available, if needed.
• Be sure the mounting location is within 3' of where you plan
to mount the Track Selector panel controls, which is the
length of that cable. Again, shorter cables are better, but 6
and 10 foot cables are available if needed.
• Lastly, be sure the front panel of the controller is visible for
programming later. You will need to see the front panel on
occasion (not during normal operation, usually), so be sure
you can see it without too much trouble.
