The UCD.BELL Church Bell Linear Motor Controller is designed specifically for controlling linear motors used to swing church bells. It supports bells suspended on straight and cranked yokes, allowing the drive parameters to be adapted to different bell suspension systems and mechanical characteristics.
Unlike external bell hammers, which strike stationary bells, UCD.BELL controls the swinging motion of the bell itself. The controller manages the complete ringing cycle, from initial acceleration to stable oscillation and controlled braking.
The system uses inductive sensor feedback to monitor bell movement and synchronise motor operation with the bell’s natural swing period. During installation, the controller can be configured with parameters including target swing angle, sensor geometry, start-up power, sustaining impulse power, braking force and safety time limits.
UCD.BELL operates in three main modes:
- Run-up – gradually increases the bell’s swing to the configured operating angle.
- Steady ringing – maintains the required swinging motion through controlled motor impulses.
- Braking – reduces the swinging motion to bring the bell to a controlled stop.
A dedicated automatic calibration mode measures the bell’s swing period and stores the operating parameters. During calibration, the display provides real-time information about the swing period and calculated swing angle, helping installers adjust the system to the mechanical characteristics of the bell.
The controller also provides built-in diagnostics and status monitoring. Its display reports operating events, while dedicated LEDs indicate bell movement direction, sensor activity and fault conditions.
Designed for bell installers and service technicians, UCD.BELL provides a configurable solution for linear motor-driven church bells, including both new installations and the modernisation of existing bell ringing systems.
Key Features
- Dedicated controller for church bell linear motors up to 4 kW
- Supports straight and cranked bell yokes
- Automatic control of bell start-up, steady ringing and braking
- Adjustable target swing angle
- Configurable motor impulses for acceleration, sustained ringing and braking
- Inductive sensor feedback for bell movement monitoring
- Automatic calibration of the bell swing period
- Real-time display of operating parameters during calibration
- Built-in diagnostics and event monitoring
- LED indicators for movement direction, sensor activity and faults
- Configurable operating and safety time limits
- Suitable for new installations and modernisation of existing church bell drive systems
Applications
- Church bells driven by linear motors
- Bell installations with straight or cranked yokes
- Automatic swinging bell systems in church towers
- Cathedral, monastery and chapel bell installations
- Modernisation of existing linear motor bell drives
- Professional bell ringing systems requiring adjustable swing control and braking
