Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > October 2019 > 2019.10.28 > 05Prev  Next


Constant Torque vs. Constant Speed Roll Drive
By Paul Rumpf

[ Ref. Tempo Compensation Methods in 191021 MMD & subsequent ]

I have thought about this matter on and off for some time (years!),
with not much of a conclusion as to how to describe the maths of
generating a constant torque the way it is usually done in a pianola.

The calculations and explanation offered is true but for that case
where the motor turns at a constant speed.  In the wind motor, it is
driven through a pressure compensated control box with a variable
aperture.  The form of drive control is effectively a 'Constant Torque'
rather than a 'Constant Speed'.

The details of the Ampico B motor, being electric, is almost certainly
designed as a constant torque motor.  Just how Ampico did this, I don't
know.  I have never seen one.  Whether it was due to a specific coil
winding design or some kind of constant current control, maybe
knowledgeable readers might be able to add something.

Music rolls are cut at a constant speed and must be played back at
a constant speed also.

Paul Rumpf

Melbourne, Australia

 [ The Ampico B take-up spool motor is, indeed, a series-connected
 [ motor in which the shaft torque at low speed is proportional to the
 [ current.  But the motor speed is closely regulated by a "high gain"
 [ centrifugal governor that adjusts the average motor current to
 [ maintain constant revolutions per minute of the take-up spool axle,
 [ the speed unaffected by torque demand.  See the illustrations at
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Gallery/Tech/Ampico/spoolmotor.htm 
 [ -- Robbie


(Message sent Mon 28 Oct 2019, 03:02:22 GMT, from time zone GMT-0700.)

Key Words in Subject:  Constant, Drive, Roll, Speed, Torque, vs

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page