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This AC motor speed controller can handle most universal type (brushed) AC
motors and other loads up to about 250W. It works in much the same was a light
dimmer circuit; by chopping part of the AC waveform off to effectively control
voltage. Because of this functionality, the circuit will work for a wide variety of loads
including incandescent light bulbs, heating elements, brushed AC motors and
some transformers. The circuit tries to maintain a constant motor speed regardless
of load so it is also ideal for power tools. Note that the circuit can only control
brushed AC motors. Inductive motors require a variable frequency control.
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R1 1 27K 1W Resistor
R2 1 10K 1/4W Resistor
R3 1 100K 1/4W Resistor
R4 1 33K 1/4W Resistor
R5 1 2.2K 1/4W Resistor
R6 1 1K 1/4W Resistor
R7 1 60K Ohm 1/4W Resistor
R8 1 3K Linear Taper Trim Pot
R9 1 5K Linear Taper Pot
R10 1 4.7K Linear Taper Trim Pot
R11 1 3.3K 1/4W Resistor
R12 1 100 Ohm 1/4W Resistor
R13 1 47 Ohm 1W Resistor (See Notes)
C1, C3 2 0.1uF Ceramic Disc Capacitor
C2 1 100uF 50V Electrolytic Capacitor
D1 1 6V Zener Diode
Q1 1 2N2222 NPN Transistor 2N3904
SCR1 1 ECG5400
TR1 1 TRIAC (See Notes)
U1 1 DIAC Opto-Isolator (See Notes)
BR1,
2 5A 50V Bridge Rectifier
BR2
T1 1 Transformer (See Notes)
PC Board, Case, Line Cord, Socket For U1,
MISC 1
Heatsinks
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1. TR1 must be chosen to match the requirements of the load. Most generic
TRIACs with ratings to support your load will work fine in this circuit. If you
find a TRIAC that works well, feel free to leave a comment.
2. U1 must be chosen to match the ratings of TR1. Most generic DIAC based
opto-isolators will work fine. If you have success with a specific part, feel
free to leave a comment.
3. T1 is any small transformer with a 1:10 turns ratio. The circuit is designed to
run on 120V so a 120V to 12V transformer will work. Alternately, you can
wind T1 on a transformer core using a primary of 25 turns, a secondary of
200 turns, and 26 gauge magnet wire.
4. R9 is used to adjust motor speed. R10 is a trim pot used to fine tune the
governing action of the circuit. R8 fine tunes the feedback circuit to adjust
for proper voltage at the gate of SCR1. It should be adjusted to just past the
minimum point at which the circuit begins to operate.
5. R13 must be chosen to match the load. Generally, larger loads will require a
smaller value.
6. Since this circuit is not isolated from mains, it must be built in an insulated
case.








I found this circuit in my files. I don't know where it came from, but it looks like I
photocopied it from somewhere years ago. I have been told that it came from "The
Robot Builder's Bonanza", by Gordan McComb. Anyway, I thought that it should be
fairly useful, so I decided to post it here. The circuit is very simple and inexpensive.
This is good thing because most commercial stepper motor controller ICs are quite
expensive. This circuit is built from standard components and can easily be
adapted to be controlled by a computer. If you use cheap surplus transistors and
stepper motor, the price of the circuit can be kept to under $10.
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R1, R2 ,R3, R4 4 1K 1/4W Resistor
D1, D2, D3, D4 4 1N4002 Silicon Diode
Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 4 TIP31 NPN Transistor (See Notes) TIP41, 2N3055
U1 1 4070 CMOS XOR Integrated Circuit
U2 1 4027 CMOS Flip-Flop
S1 1 SPDT Switch
MISC 1 Case, Board, Wire, Stepper Motor
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1. You should be able to substitute any standard (2N3055, etc.) power

transistor for Q1-Q4.
2. Every time the STEP line is pulsed, the motor moves one step.
3. S1 changes the motors direction.