Talk:Cam timer

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[edit] Few points

"They are gradually being superseded by microprocessor-controlled systems, where greater versatility and feedback is much easier to obtain."

Obtaining feedback is a process independant of the controller, iow its equally easy to obtain with either type of controller. The controller responding to that feedback dynamically is where the difference lies.

"For example, a typical cam timer continues to rotate regardless,"

Not so. Washing machine cam controllers tend to stop and wait for the thermostat to trigger moving on again, and its common for cam controllers to have a fast forward mode as well, in which they progress at many times the speed.

"so if there is a situation that requires a variable amount of time (for example waiting for a tank of water to heat up to a preset temperature), the cam timer is less than ideal,"

popular WM cam controllers have handled this as standard for many decades.

"though it is possible to make the cam motor itself subject to control, as most washing machine designs do."

"While still fairly popular, cam timers are mechanical and hence subject to wear and reliability problems. Purely electronic systems have largely replaced them for most applications."

These weaknesses do exist (as there are weaknesses for electronic controllers too), but their reliability record remains very good, and this isnt why theyre being phased out in favour of electronic control.

Their weakpoint is more the greater degree of flexibility that cpu based controllers provide. As well as offering more wash program variations, a cpu based WM controller can automatically initiate test cycles, reducing mfr costs, and provide fault codes in the field, again reducing repair costs and providing feedback on real world failure rates and causes. All of these reduce manufacture and business costs. Tabby (talk) 01:17, 22 December 2007 (UTC)