Virginia Controls and the VF3000 Controller

by Nicholas J. Montesano

On November 16, 2010, approximately 20 major consulting organizations were represented at a jobsite seminar conducted by Virginia Controls Inc. The seminar began with a field introduction by Marty Heinike, director of Operations, of the company’s VF3000 control system installed during a modernization by Richmond Elevator Co.

The presentation consisted of the technical aspects of the controller, along with testimonies from Steve and Jim Duffy, owners of Richmond Elevator, on the installation process of the VF3000. The ease of installation and tune-up were discussed in great detail by Steve Duffy, and the elevator consultants had the opportunity for a hands-on review of the product and the advantages it presents. The survey included a quality-of-ride review performed by each consultant. The tests consisted of smooth acceleration, deceleration and dead-on floor landings.

This installation located in Bronx, New York, was one of approximately 20 VF3000s installed throughout the continental U.S. This product has been implemented throughout the country in the last three years. Its key application is in the 150-fpm speed, 2000-lb. capacity range with approximately 10 openings. The system was designed and built with the company’s reliable base platform, which has been in the marketplace for at least eight years. It utilizes an Emerson drive and features the certified T1A board with safety circuit.

Virginia Controls offered to assist Richmond Elevator during all phases of the installation and tune-up as part of its hands-on contractor service. The controller is 2007 code compliant and can handle up to a three-car group. It interfaces smoothly with the Lift-Net^® Vertical Management System.

After the hands-on field seminar, Heinike and Lisa Nicki-Perry made a presentation at a local restaurant. Here, many of the unique ­aspects of the VF3000 were discussed on a more technical level. The consultants were impressed by the quality of the product and the presentation performed by Virginia Controls. Nicki-Perry announced that the company is in the process of having three to four more projects installed in the New York City metropolitan area.