UNI3405: Beyond the User Manual Parameters

The UNI3405 Unidrive is part of the Classic Unidrive series. Control Techniques introduced the Unidrive Classic around 1993 in Europe and approximately 1995 in the Americas. Because the Unidrive Classic ran simple Open Loop, Closed Loop Vector, and Servo motor applications as well as offering a Regen mode, the UNI3405 found its way into a great many industrial applications, from simple to quote complex. Visit our website to checkout all of our Control Techniques products.

Due to its status as a legacy product, the UNI3405 is becoming available only in limited quantities.

The UNI3405 contains approximately 500-600 parameters that help machine manufacturers achieve the desired functionality for a certain machine requirement. Some applications may require 20-30 or more parameters to be changed from the drives factory default settings. Should drive replacement become necessary, one must have a complete and accurate list of these parameters so that the original functionality can be restored. If you do not have a list of the required parameters, one could copy down these parameters manual. This is assuming that the drive still works enough to power the display, and even then the manual copying of parameters is tedious and error prone.

For more info you can visit our product page here. You can get price and availability by emailing sales@mroelectric.com or calling 1-800-691-8511.

UNI3405
UNI3405

UD75: Beyond the User Manual

The UD75 CTnet Interface card for the Unidrive Classic series is supplied in a large option module. It is an add-on card for the UD70 applications card. The UD70 processor and operating system handles all network activity, and uses a dual-port RAM interface to transfer data between itself and the drive.

The UD70 CTnet retains full functionality, allowing the user to download normal DPL application programs. No program modifications are required to allow existing DPL programs to run. A different UD70 operating system file (“UD70NET.SYS”) is used, and the UD70 has this system file pre-loaded.

The Unidrive must be disconnected from the mains supply before installing or removing any option module, including the UD75.

Isolate the drive from the mains supply and allow 5 minute for the DC bus capacitors to discharge. Insert the large option module. Ensure that it is correctly inserted. The module will click firmly into place. To remove the module, pull on the black tab and the module will disengage from the connector and pull out of the drive.

For more info you can visit the UD75 product page here. For price and ordering info you can email sales@mroelectric.com or call 1-800-691-8511. We have these and all the other Unidrive Classic option modules in stock, along with the drives themselves.

UD75
UD75 CTnet

UNI1405 Manual Installation and Pricing

The Control Techniques UNI1405 Unidrive is a 5hp, 9.5A AC drive with a peak output of 9.6kHz. All of the Unidrives have a built-in encoder port which is ready to accept motor rotational feedback after installation. There are three option modules available to compliment or extend the range of motor speed / position feedback capabilities.  For additional info about the UNI1405 manual programming of the option modules you can check out our post about the UD73 option module here.

Each of these option modules creates a simulated encoder output as either line driven quadrature channels or as frequency / direction signals to facilitate follower applications.

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UD73 Module: Beyond the Manual

The Control Techniques UD73 large option module is a high speed microprocessor that provide a low cost facility for a system designer to write app specific programs without needing a PLC or other stand-alone controllers. The module is programmed via the RS232 port using the Control Techniques system programming toolkit.

The UD73 module uses a dual port RAM to interface to the drive’s main processor which provides intimate high-speed bi-directional access. It can ready and modify any of the parameters within the drive. This enables customized real-time calculations under a multi-tasking run-time environment.

The optically isolated RS485 port serves as a communication for for the CTIU operator interface units. It is fully configurable, supporting many communication modes. In addition, the module has the Profibus-DP port for additional communication options.

For additional info you can visit the UD73 product page on our website here. We will continue to post info about the Control Technique option modules in the future. If you would like to order a module or get more info you can email sales@mroelectric.com or call 1-800-691-8511.

The table below shows a quick reference for all of the different option modules that can be used with the Unidrive Classic series. We have all of the different modules available and in stock.

UD73 Table
UD73 Table

UNI2403: Beyond the User Manual

The Control Techniques UNI2403 Unidrive is a size 2 Unidrive with 5.5kW, 10HP, a 25A output and 19.8A input. The versatile Unidrive was the first universal AC drive capable of providing V/Hz, open, and closed loop vector, servo, and regen control in every unit. The unidrive combines all five of these AC drive technologies into one for the ease of the customer.

For quick setup of basic applications, the UNI2403‘s most common parameters are arrange in one main menu. There are hundreds of user-configurable functions that are separated into 20 logicial menus which provides quick setup for advanced apps.

For more info you can email sales@mroelectric.com or call 1-800-691-8511. All of our Control Techniques products are available on our website.

UNI2403 Dimensions
UNI2403 Dimensions

Unidrive Security Code Basics

For some new User’s of Unidrives, the parameter security system is sometimes found to be a rather mysterious subject.  This article will attempt to unveil those mysteries with some help to explain the Control Techniques Unidrive Security Code Basics.

Security Basics

Without entering the basic security code, 149, you will only be able to view Menu 0 parameters.   The “as shipped” security code for the Unidrive is 149. To enter this code you would maneuver to #00.00 and enter 149.   Once this security code is entered, you will be able to maneuver throughout the Unidrive menu structure freely to view parameters.

After a security code is entered, it will remain in effect until power is removed from the drive or if you wish to re-establish this security, you can set  #XX.00 to 2000.  (where  XX means  “any menu”  )

The User Security Code parameter is #11.30.  The “as shipped” value in this parameter is 149.

For more info you can check our webpage here, or email sales@mroelectric.com or call 1-800-691-8511.

If you find that you cannot change R/W (Read/Write) parameters (including those in Menu 0), someone has most likely assigned their own security code.

User Security Code Assignment

User’s can assign their own 3 digit security code within the range of 1-255 by placing it into #11.30 (writing over the 149) and performing a STORE.1 Note that this does not eliminate or change the “Normal security” code number – 149.

From this point forth, access to parameters will require that code to be placed into #XX.00.  At this point you only have access to Menu O. After this code is entered, you must still enter the normal access code (149) to gain access beyond Menu 0 parameters ( full access).

These security methods do not affect serial communications.  Security affects only access to parameters through the keypad on the front of the Drive.

Forgotten Security Codes

People often forget their security codes.   A User assigned security code is not visible at #11.30 via the serial port (you would still see 149).  To retrieve the forgotten security code,  you must go in through the “back door” .

“The Back Door”

To obtain the forgotten security code, you can DEPRESS and HOLD the MODE key, LEFT ARROW key and either UP or DOWN Arrow key then APPLY POWER to the drive.   The User security code number should appear on the data display at #00.00. Normally, the drive displays the contents of parameter #0.10 upon application of power therefore the User security code may not immediately appear.  You must use maneuver to #00.00 to see the forgotten security code then enter it (hit the mode button twice).

Security Bypass 

During initial start-up of the drive, having to enter the security code after each power-up can become a nuisance and slow down the start-up process.   To bypass or eliminate the need to enter a security code, one can accomplish this by placing a 0 into parameter #11.30 and performing a Store.
If this bypass is done to speed up the start-up process, you should remember to re-assign the 149 default to #11.30 (and Store) before leaving the job site. Otherwise, the drive will have no parameter access security.
Note: Defaulting the drive parameters (using 1244 or 1254) does not reset the User security code.  A previously assigned code by the User will remain in effect even after defaulting parameters.

Additional information     

Parameter 0.49 Security Status
Coding:  RO, U Range:  0 to 1000
This parameter indicates the current status of the drive parameter security system. Each digit indicates a particular aspect of security as follows:-

Units digit:  0 = Standard security has been unlocked    1 = Standard security is still set

Tens digit:                0 = User security has been unlocked or is not active    1 = User security is active preventing RW access

Hundreds digit: 1 = Parameter 11.30 not equal to 149*

Thousands digit: 1 = Parameter 11.30 equal to zero*

* The value of 11.30 is the last value written by the user. Parameter 11.30 always appears as 149 when first accessed by the keypad to hide the real value last written by the user. If 11.30=149 then user security is cleared. If 11.30=0 then user security and security preventing access outside menu 0 is cleared.

Note: – In contrast to all the other parameters in menu 0, this parameter does not exist in any other menu.

Control Techniques UNIDRIVE Alarm and Status Indications

Control Techniques Unidrives
Control Techniques Unidrives

When there is a critical condition detected in your Control Techniques UNIDRIVE, the drive will continue to operate, but the lower display’s status indication will be replaced by an alarm indication. When an HF trip takes place, the Drive Healthy relay will open and serial communications will not function. It is important to give attention to alarm indications, because if an issue is not corrected, the drive could trip.

Refer to the guide below to help identify what kind of error your UNIDRIVE may be experiencing. A comparison chart with status indications is also provided to help identify what happens at each stage of operation.
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