Motortronics

25/08/2026

There was no soft start from Plymouth Albion RFC on Saturday.

The Janners raced into a 14-0 lead against the Jammers.

Cornish Pirates' experience and pedigree came to the fore and they eventually ran out 21-35 winners.

Great atmosphere at Brickfields and many thanks to players from both teams who stayed behind after the final whistle to talk to and have photos taken with fans.
Attendance was over 1,700 - excellent turnout for a friendly.

Well… technically it’s a scoreboard. 😂

After a few minor scoreboard issues last season, we’ve gone back to basics for today.

Cream first. Jam first. And someone keeping a very close eye on the score. 👀

The good news? LED Synergy will be installing our brand-new scoreboard ready for the first league game of the season. 🙌

Until then, we’re doing it the old-fashioned way.

What could possibly go wrong? 😂

06/08/2026

🤔Did you know…
… Motortronics VMX-synergy Plus comes with a detachable 3.5” colour touchscreen user interface which is rated IP66/NEMA4X - as standard?

The display shows all messages in full (not just an error code that you’d have to locate and interrogate the user manual for) and in a selection of global languages.
The use of schematic images facilitates complete understanding as to where any fault may have occurred. The last 10 trips are also readily available.
This UI, along with Motortronics pre-programmed Smart Applications Suite allows set-up of an extensive array of parameters in under a minute.
During operation, the built-in meter displays in-running power usage in kWh.

04/08/2026

🤔Did you know…
… Motortronics VMX-synergy Plus and VMX-agility soft starters are equipped with a ‘Fire Mode’ feature?

These models allow for an external input signal to override ‘normal’ operating conditions giving the green light for the motor to continue "running at any cost" for emergency situations. Ignoring any fault or advisory that may occur.

Fire Mode is required in critical applications like tunnel ventilation and stairwell pressurisation fans which ensure exit routes are free from smoke. Fire mode can also be utilised to ensure sprinkler pumps can run in extreme conditions.

01/06/2026

As the sun sets on a fantastic year for Plymouth Albion RFC we hope that the playing staff and those who work tirelessly behind the scenes have a great summer and are able to come back fresh and hungry for the 2026-2027 season.

There are some (James Greenacre and others) that are still working hard to firm up additional sponsorship for next season. Motortronics are already committed and looking forward to what next season may bring.

We attended the end-of-season Awards on Friday - congratulations to all - and most interesting to chat with the players and coaches on their aspirations for next season. I feel big things are coming for Albion!

27/05/2026

Welcome to Motortronics’ definition of Summer Madness.

Following on from a really successful in mid-May, we are exhibiting at THREE great events this June starting with Smart Manufacturing Week - Drives and Controls at the NEC in Birmingham (UK) JUNE 2nd to 3rd

Next up will be the EASA Convention & Solutions Expo at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida (US) – JUNE 14th to 16th

To finish the month off, we are at Hillhead - aka ‘The Quarry Show’ in Buxton (UK) JUNE 23rd – 25th

Keep an eye out for more details of what we'll be up to at each show

12/05/2026

Just 2 days to go until Motortronics are back at the Telford International Centre for this year's edition of the Water Equipment Show.

Steven Atkey, Matthew Johnson,Nicholas Squires and Nikki Sandhu will be on hand to answer all your soft starter related questions. Come over to stand F25.

Steven and Nicholas will also be in room C at 14:40 giving a short talk on the importance of collaboration and partnerships in the Water Industry. Smart Connections: Driving Efficiency with SWW and Motortronics. Pop along - they'd appreciate your support.

09/05/2026

Plymouth Albion RFC finally got a mention on BBC News Spotlight last night!
Albion - proudly sponsored by Motortronics - took to the field at Brickfields yesterday for a final training session before heading up to South East London for todays England Rugby League 1 play-off against Blackheath Rugby Club .

Winners of this game will play either Richmond Rugby or London Scottish Rugby in the Champ Accession Final on May 23rd.

Albi! Albi! Albi! Come on you Janners!

27/04/2026

3S Technology Explained

Electric motors can suffer from poor, inefficient and noisy start/stop due to imbalances across the phases, although it is important to point out that minor phase imbalances always exist in the real world and electrical equipment or systems are designed to cope with these situations.

2-phase starters WITHOUT 3S technology incorporated in the firing method - a phase imbalance will create a dc component in the field which inflicts stresses in the form of locking torques creating vibration, heat and inefficient motor control. These stresses can mechanically damage internal components and result in noise being generated at start-up. Most small-power soft starters can only offer short starting times, limiting the number of applications they are useful for. Further difficulties can occur due to higher Locked Rotor Currents and power factor variances, compounding synchronization & firing issues in motor control. Loss of control of the load pulsing allows wobbling and notching of the torque forwards and backwards, generating high current levels causing overcurrent protection devices to operate.

3S Technology - a specifically formulated algorithm developed exclusively by Motortronics UK
implements an automatic ramp control sequence profile

ensures a smooth start/stop performance is delivered every time

without causing any undue stresses on the motor

noise level as per normal efficient motor start-up experiences

This unique algorithm;
enables stable acceleration & deceleration in all operating conditions

controllers adopt an asymmetric firing technique

delivering a per phase symmetry for motor loads

eliminates dc components inflicting stresses (torque vibration & heat)

constantly monitors signals from the motor

adjusts the firing delay angle in increments of 0.5µs

ensuring smooth starting and stopping performance

These techniques allow a longer start/stop time of 30 seconds

Myth - 4xSCR controlled soft starters have one of the phases uncontrolled, as you can see from the diagram (above right) this is not correct.

Motortronics offer two model ranges which incorporate 3S Technology - VMX-agility and VMX-PFE. Designed and manufactured in the UK, these soft starters not only allow smooth and effortless starting of 3-phase induction motors but can also be set-up to start single-phase motors.

16/03/2026

Plymouth Albion RFC did not need any luck at Brickfields against Rams this weekend - but you've gotta love a double rainbow!!😍