Drum Speed Control

[SusanJoM]

Who uses a DC controller to vary the drum speed, and how do you use it?
What does it accomplish?
Can you make the drum go faster and slower or just one or the other?
Has anyone used it with the perforated drum?

[coffee_cat]

Hi, Susan. I installed a little inexpensive DC motor controller between the power supply and the motor. It won't speed up the motor, but if you've got the faster motor, you can continuously slow the motor. Did this to hit a speed between the two standard motor speeds.

To set it, I put a little piece of white tape on one of the "fins" inside the drum and made a video with my iPhone, then counted the number of revolutions in 30 seconds.

The exact seller on eBay doesn't have it anymore, but here's the description:

1PC New PWM DC 6V 12V 24V 28V 3A Motor Speed Control Switch Controller

(We need the 12V, if I remember correctly).

[SusanJoM]

Do you set the motor speed and leave it, or do you slow and un-slow the drum during the roast? 

[coffee_cat]

No, I've just used it to get the RPMs based on something I read in Rao. BTW, there's a good podcast with Scott Rao on the "Cat & Cloud" podcast. Some light banter, but interesting, and then some more meaty talk on roasting.

I suppose one could adjust during roasting, but for me it's enough to try and stay on top of fan and gas settings!   -- j.