PRODUCTS
Precision Switch Cam Programmer
Precision Switch Cam Programmer for Multi-Circuit Sequence Control
ATC Diversified Electronics offers the 324C Precision Switch Cam Programmer, a compact motor-driven cam timer designed for repeat-cycle timing and machine sequence control. The 324C can control from one to twelve load circuits through individually adjustable cam-operated switches, allowing multiple electrical events to be programmed within a single repeating cycle.
Each switch uses ATC's split-cam adjustment. One side of the cam determines the point in the cycle when the switch actuates, while the other side determines how long the switch remains actuated. This allows the timing and duration of each output to be adjusted independently within the overall machine cycle.
Interchangeable gears provide multiple cycle-time options, while a calibrated setting disc helps with program setup and cycle-progress indication. The 324C is well suited for industrial machinery and process applications that require multiple timed outputs to repeat in a defined sequence.
Why Choose the ATC 324C Cam Programmer?
Control Up to Twelve Circuits: The 324C can be equipped with one to twelve precision cam-operated switches, allowing several loads or control functions to be sequenced from one timer.
Independent Cam Adjustment: ATC's split-cam design allows the switch actuation point and duration to be adjusted independently with a screwdriver.
Fine Timing Adjustment: A quarter-turn of the cam adjustment screw corresponds to approximately 0.5% of the total cycle time, supporting precise setup of individual switching events.
Cycle-Progress Indication: A setting disc calibrated in 1% increments helps operators set switching points and visually reference progress through the timing cycle.
Multiple Cycle-Time Options: Interchangeable gears and available synchronous motors allow the overall cycle time to be matched to the requirements of the application.
Repeatable Sequence Control: The 324C provides repeat and setting accuracy within ±0.25% for consistent multipulse repeat-cycle operation.
Rotary Cam Limit Switch Option: The 324C can also be ordered without a timing motor and with a shaft extension for use as a mechanically driven rotary cam limit switch.
Multipulse Repeat-Cycle Timing
Unlike a basic time delay relay that controls one timed event, the 324C multipulse repeat-cycle timer can generate several switching events during one complete cycle. Each installed cam controls its corresponding switch independently.
This makes it possible to energize and de-energize multiple circuits at different points in the same repeating sequence. Once the shaft completes one rotation, the programmed sequence repeats.
Precision Split-Cam Programming
Each 324C switch is operated by an adjustable split cam. One cam adjustment establishes when the output changes state, while the other determines how long that output remains actuated.
Because the two settings can be adjusted independently, one output may operate briefly near the beginning of the cycle while another can remain active for a longer portion later in the sequence. This provides flexible mechanical programming without requiring a separate timer for every switching event.
One to Twelve Precision Switch Outputs
The 324C can be configured with one through twelve SPDT precision switches. Each switch is rated for 10 amps at 120 VAC and 1/3 horsepower at 120 or 240 VAC.
The number of installed switches can therefore be matched to the number of individual control events required by the machine or process.
Adjustable Cycle Times with Interchangeable Gears
The 324C uses synchronous timing motors and interchangeable gears to provide a broad selection of cycle times. Each motor configuration supports multiple gear-selected cycle periods, allowing the same cam-programming concept to be applied to faster or slower machine sequences.
Gear changes are designed to be straightforward, allowing cycle duration to be changed without altering the individual concept of the programmed cam sequence.
Cam Timer or Rotary Cam Limit Switch
In its motor-driven configuration, the 324C functions as a precision cam timer and sequence programmer. ATC also offers the unit without a motor and with a 1-inch shaft extension on either or both ends for applications requiring a mechanically driven rotary cam limit switch.
This configuration allows switch operation to be synchronized directly with the position of external machinery rather than with elapsed time.
Find the Right 324C Cam Programmer Configuration
Selecting the right precision switch cam programmer depends on the required overall cycle time, number of switching outputs, load ratings, timing-motor configuration, desired switch actuation points, actuation duration, and whether the application requires motor-driven timing or mechanically driven position sequencing.
Explore the ATC 324C above to configure the number of precision switches, cycle timing, and sequence-control arrangement required for the application.
Precision Switch Cam Programmer FAQs
What is a precision switch cam programmer?
A precision switch cam programmer uses rotating cams to operate electrical switches at defined points within a repeating cycle. Each cam can be adjusted so its corresponding output changes state at a specific point and remains actuated for a selected portion of the cycle.
What is the ATC 324C Precision Switch Cam Programmer?
The 324C is a compact motor-driven cam timer and multipulse repeat-cycle programmer. It can be equipped with one to twelve independently adjustable cam-operated switches for controlling multiple electrical circuits in a repeating sequence.
How many circuits can the 324C control?
The 324C can be configured with one to twelve precision switches, allowing up to twelve separate load or control circuits to be operated during the programmed cycle.
How does the 324C split-cam adjustment work?
Each split cam has two independently adjustable sides. One side sets the point in the cycle when the corresponding switch actuates, while the other side sets the duration of that switch actuation.
How precise is the cam adjustment?
ATC specifies that a quarter-turn of the cam adjustment screw corresponds to approximately 0.5% of the total cycle time. A calibrated setting disc marked in 1% increments assists with setup.
What is a multipulse repeat-cycle timer?
A multipulse repeat-cycle timer produces multiple independently timed switching events during one repeating cycle. The 324C uses individual cams and switches to determine when each output operates and how long it remains actuated.
What happens when the 324C completes one cycle?
In its motor-driven repeat-cycle configuration, the camshaft continues rotating and the programmed switch sequence begins again each time a complete cycle is finished.
How accurate is the 324C?
ATC specifies both repeat accuracy and setting accuracy within ±0.25% for the 324C.
How are different cycle times selected?
The 324C uses interchangeable gears together with available synchronous timing motors to provide multiple overall cycle-time options. The appropriate motor and gear combination is selected according to the required cycle duration.
What type of switches does the 324C use?
The 324C uses SPDT precision switches. Each switch is rated for 10 amps at 120 VAC and 1/3 horsepower at 120 or 240 VAC.
Can the 324C be used as a rotary cam limit switch?
Yes. ATC offers the 324C without a timing motor and with a 1-inch shaft extension on either or both ends so the camshaft can be mechanically driven by external equipment for rotary position-based sequence control.
What is the difference between a cam programmer and a standard time delay relay?
A standard time delay relay typically performs one defined timing function. A cam programmer can control multiple independently adjustable switching events throughout one repeating machine cycle, allowing several outputs to be sequenced from a single rotating camshaft.
Can the switching duration of each 324C output be different?
Yes. Because each split cam is individually adjustable, each installed switch can have its own actuation point and actuation duration within the overall cycle.
Is the 324C UL and CSA recognized?
Yes. ATC identifies the 324C as UL and CSA recognized. The applicable product markings and documentation should be reviewed when a specific approval is required for an installation.
How do I choose the right 324C configuration?
Determine the required overall cycle time, number of independently controlled circuits, switch load requirements, desired actuation points and durations, timing-motor requirements, and whether the application requires motor-driven repeat-cycle timing or mechanically driven rotary position control.