CMD402 Controller – User Guide
Setup, wiring, and the parameter reference for the AutoVent CMD402 controller.
Limit switches
What keeps the motor from rolling too far? The answer is the limit switches. They are under the white cover. There are 2 of them: an upper and a lower knob.
Can I change where the motor stops? Yes. The particular position of the limit knobs sets the stopping point.
There are 2 knobs, what does that mean? A knob only stops either the upper or lower position. It takes both to stop at each end.
Adjusting the limits
How do I know which knob is for the upper limit position? The problem is it varies depending on the installation. It takes experimentation to figure it out for your installation.
How do I adjust the upper limit
- Determine which knob stops the motor from rolling upwards.
- Adjust the knob in small increments.
- Watch the stopping point.
- Run the motor to test the position.
- Repeat until the motor is at the desired position. This process is much easier with a 2nd person.
I can’t turn the knob, what’s wrong?
The screw in the center of the knob needs to be loosened slightly.
My motor loses position, in a very short time
The screw in the center of the limit knob needs to be hand-screwdriver tight. If it is slightly loose the knob will move on its own.
Fabric rolling problems
My rollup fabric has a big lump in it and the motor wraps up too far. Fabric is tearing and everything is tight. What’s wrong?
The problem is the fabric isn’t rolling evenly. Bad rolling gets it to the top too soon. The motor doesn’t know it is winding up poorly. It goes the same rotation count regardless. Motor limits are dumb. They only know total rotations.
Unroll the fabric, pull it taut to remove all wrinkles. Try again until it rolls evenly.
Motor & installation troubleshooting
The motor doesn’t go at all, even when it’s connected to a controller
Use a voltmeter, check if there is 24v at the end of the cord. Test voltage with the control opening and closing.
Can I connect the CMD-402 directly to an outlet?
Gearbox orientation
Does gearbox orientation matter? Yes, installed orientation is very important.
Why does orientation matter? Because it will ruin the motor if installed upside-down or sideways.
How do I orient the CMD-402? Install with the motor at the top. Always motor above the limit switches.
How close can I set my top position?
Don’t set it too close. It will roll differently from summer to winter. You want about 6 inches of room for error.
What wire gauge can I use to extend wires
- 12 awg: max length 100′
- 10 awg: max length 160′
Specifications
| Rated amps | 15 |
|---|---|
| Rated volts | 24vdc |
| RPM | 3 |
| Max rotations | 38 |
| Weight without accessories | 23 lb |
| Output shaft size | (2) 0.87″ |
| Max circuit breaker size | 20 amp |
| Max torque | 2200 in-lb |
Motor wiring
Power the motor with an AutoVent Captain10, KVT-400, or CMR models.
Extending the motor lead
The wire length between the controller and the motor is limited. The limit is based on the wire gauge.
- 75 ft with a 14 gauge wire
- 125 ft with 12 gauge wire
- 200 ft with 10 gauge wire
Motor lead cord wire colors
The cord lead has 3 conductors.
Brown = power conductor A
Blue = power conductor B
Connect the brown wire on the right side, blue wire on the left, of a controller’s motor output terminals. If the motor runs the wrong way, swap the blue & brown.
Connection example for KVT-400 or Captain10
CMR connections
The CMR control can power 2 motors per board. Connect up to 2 motors where circled below. If the motor runs opposite of the CMR’s toggle switches, swap the motor’s blue & brown.
CMC-400 connections
The CMC controls can power 2 motors per board. Connect up to 4 motors where circled below. If the motor runs opposite of the CMC’s toggle switches, swap the motor’s blue & brown.
Circuit breaker sizing
AutoVent controls generally come with extra circuit breakers. Use the smallest size that doesn’t nuisance trip. The max size for this motor is 15 amps.
Motor torque
The CMD-402 max torque is approx. 2200 in-lb. The largest circuit breaker/fuse we recommend is 15 amps. Under normal conditions, keep the load to 15 amps or less, so there is some reserve for unusual conditions.
The chart above shows amps versus torque.
Curtain size & rolling
How big of a curtain can I roll with a CMD-402?
Our experience is, this torque is nominally 400 ft of bottom rolling curtain. With a 2 inch roll pipe and no ice.
Bottom rolling versus middle rolling curtain
We recommend rolling curtains from the bottom. Center rolling curtains turn 2 or 3x harder. They take way more torque. Especially if wind is blowing the curtain against grippy bird wire.
CMD-402 position feedback option
Need position feedback? The pot feedback can communicate the real time position to vent controllers via a 3 wire potentiometer (pot). The pot can be field installed but it’s much easier on a work bench.
CMD-402 pot feedback
The pot feedback gives 3 wire position feedback to a curtain controller. The pot does a maximum of 10 revolutions. It has a hard stop on both ends. The position of the pot can be accidentally offset from the limit switches. This could allow the pot to run against itself before reaching a limit. The set screw is in a plastic slip ring. This theoretically allows slippage if the pot gets run against its rotation limit.
Setting the pot position for the first time
With the motor installed on the curtain:
- Use the wrench, loosen the pot’s nut, slide it back till the teeth don’t engage.
- Run the motor from top to bottom. Set the limit knobs, so the curtain stops without binding.
- Run the motor fully closed.
- Watch which direction the pot is moving as it closes.
- Advance the pot in the closing direction, till it doesn’t go anymore, reverse it 1 turn.
- Slide the pot back into position. Retighten. Test.
Pot connection
Green : Voltage output
Blue : Negative
CMD-402 & Phason AutoFlex
The CMD-402 motor with pot feedback can be used with Phason AutoFlex ACT-1 Actuator modules and any variation of the CMR-3224.
- Control conductors: 6 control conductors (3 per curtain), 18 gauge.
- Motor leads: per motor, 2 conductors plus ground, 12 gauge, max 100 ft.
- Position feedback: 3 conductors per curtain, 18 gauge.