How to program a CURTIS DC series winding motor speed controller model 1204M-4201

1204M-4201 is a controller with "24V Working Voltage" option in the "1204M/1205M Series" of CURTIS, ideal for replacing an old CURTIS 1204 controller (1204-004, 1204-036 or other 1204 controllers). With the original controller model number provided by the buyer, the seller could identify more detailed information like "voltage", "current" and "throttle type". Then the controller will be programmed to the same setting as the original one of the buyer.

As the new member of 1204M / 1205M series winding motor speed controllers, the controller model 1204M-4201 has an extra "J5" terminal which offers new function "reverse signal input" or "main contactor driver" (corresponding controller parameter "Rev Input / Main Driver").

The parameter "Rev Input / Main Driver" determines the signal input at the controller’s J5 terminal:

• 0 = reverse input and main driver both inactive; use this setting if you are replacing an earlier model with no J5 terminal and want to leave the wiring as it was.
• 1 = reverse input active (see page 7, figure 5 of controller manual).
• 2 = main driver active (see page 7, figure 4 of controller manual).

For reprogramming the controller 1204M-4201, you may use a CURTIS programmer.

• CURTIS handheld programmer 1313-4331
• CURTIS PC Station Programmer 1314-4402

It is quite simple to connect a CURTIS programmer to controller 1204M-4201. If you are going to diagnose or reprogram a 1204M-4201 in your office, you may prepare a 24V DC power source for feeding the power to the controller and to the programmer.

• Put the MOLEX 4-Pin connector of programmer communicating cable into the mating connector of controller 1204M-4201.
• Connect the power source positive (B+) to the controller B+ main terminal and J1 terminal.
• Connect the power source negative (B-) to the controller B- main terminal.
• switch on the DC power source, then you will see the initiating screen (handheld programmer) or you can start to connect the controller (PC Station programmer).
• Entering the programmer manual, you may choose to:
  • modify the controller parameters
  • monitoring the controller status
  • diagnosing the controller
  • viewing the error history

Relatively, programming a 1204M-4201 is relative simpler than the programming process of other CURTIS controller models. For each different controller models, CURTIS configures a different terminal setting for programmers. But there are some points are common:

• A KSI (key switch input) terminal is always available for activating the controller.
• For activating the logical circuit of a CURTIS controller, a 24V DC power (max. the rated working voltage of controller) positive (B+) should be connected to the KSI terminal.
• For some controller models, a dedicated logical enable terminal is available, should also be feed by the same B+, like KSI.
• The DC power negative (B-) should be connected to B- terminal of controller, for constructing a complete working circuit.

For both handset type and PC station type CURTIS programmers, we can now store the controller program, and re-use it in other programmers for saving it into a new controller of same model, or for future diagnose.