Speed Queen: why the strong nudge to electronic controls?

[eemac]

A Speed Queen top-loader is in my near future! Woohoo!

I'm strongly leaning towards mechanical controls. I like the simple operation. The electronic controls offer a few more cycle options, but nothing I particularly want.

However, the Speed Queen site STRONGLY encourages buyers to choose electronic controls. "Choose either mechanical or the unmatched performance and durability of our industry-leading, commercial-grade electronic controls." That's a pretty darn heavy marketing nudge.

My question: if both models are selling, why would SQ care? Is there something about the controls (mechanical or electronic) that makes one _that_ much better than the other?

 

[Chetlaham]

Others would know more than I do, but theoretically well designed, high quality electronic controls should outlast an electromechanical timer because their are no moving parts, and assuming you've got thyristor or triac switching of components(fill valves, motor, ect) there are no electrical contacts to pit from arcing and sparking.

Also, I've heard of problems with TOL electromechanical Speed Queen (on here and from an appliance tech) sold a few years back stalling and not starting the motor in certain spots. To be frank, IMHO Speed Queen crammed far to many cycles into a single timer on their TOL models. The more increments and switching steps you cram into a timer, the fewer degrees each switching step has to be exactly spot on- which is caused by the fact each cam indent/spike shrinks in size and further acerbated by the fact contacts must make/break in correct sequence (start windings must make before run windings) The slightest manufacturing variants make themselves known in a multi cycle timer unlike a single or dual cycle timer. In fact I was originally going to buy the TOL version in 2013, but because of that I bought the BOL to be safe.

But considering that Speed Queen is aware and the new timer dial Speed Queens are layed back cycle wise I don't think these models will have timer problems like the TOL 2009-2013 models.

As for electronics which have gotten a black eye thanks to cheezey value engineering, I highly doubt you will run into that considering its Speed Queen. On the contrary, I'd wager an electronic speed queen control will outlast even the best mechanical controls on the market today.

Personally, I'd go by that you want. Being Speed Queen both are excellent choices IMO.

 

[tolivac]

The BIG problem with electronic controls is poor resistence to lightening strikes and power surges-yes this could be incorporated into the control panels-but adds extra cost the makers seem to feel the customer won't want to pay for.Another problem with the electronics is its TOO automated.Sometimes you may need to interject into the devices operation.Mechanical controls for me--please!and mechanical controls can actually last LONGER if they are properly made.I think SQ should make machines that have either mechanical controls or the digital electronic ones-lets just make both worlds happy.I live in the second most lightening prone are-My KA dishwasher-can't use now-its control-timer boards have been blown TWICE from lightening hits.You have to unplug electronic controlled machines here or the electronic/digital controls don't last.And another thought electronics and dampness don't mix.Both washers,dishwashers have this.

 

[gusherb]

The electromechanical timers have been mentioned to have reliability issues multiple times over the years, nothing has ever been said about the electronic controls which have really been in use for over 20 years on the commercial machines. My biggest concern about the electronic machines after having seen some 11 year old well abused commercial TL'ers is the buttons wearing out, but I think it was just the plastic covering and not the functioning part itself. 

 

 

[tolivac]

On commercial/professional machines the controls are going to be different than for consumer machines-they are going to have the surge/lightening protection,and the components in them are going to be larger sized and better heat sinked-and sealed from moisture.In consumer products these measures would be too expensive.

 

[gusherb]

I haven't seen inside a commercial TL SQ to confirm but the electronics in the AWNE model seems pretty robust. For one the circuit board that is the control panel seems to be pretty high quality, and the actual relays and controls are in a sealed plastic box at the base of the machine - seems too well thought out to have not been originally designed for commercial use. I could be wrong though.

 

[tolivac]

Seems like the electronics in SQ machines were built to last like the rest of the machine----unlike OTHERS out there in the appliance wilds.And the SQ could be easily repaired-not thrown into the dumpster like those OTHERS!

 

[ryanm]

when I recently spoke to a technical support guy right at Speed Queen, he told me when the 'new' models are released after this year, Speed Queen will no longer be offering any models with 'dials' they will all be electronic only. I was very surprised at this statement, not sure if it will actually come to pass, but apparently he told me that the new models will be compliant with 2018 government regulations (unfortunately) and the machines design will be different. I asked him how different, he told me it will be a 'direct drive system' with higher spin speeds. He told me dial models will be available this year, but after that not likely. Sounds like they may be going the 'low water' route to me. Time will tell, again this is just what I was told when I called Speed Queen directly with questions pertaining to different models I was looking to purchase.

 

[gusherb]

Will be interesting to see how that new design of machine holds up. I can't imagine it being very durable TBH, even if it is made by Alliance. OTOH it will still be a far cry better than anything else anyone puts out these days I'm sure.

 

[48bencix]

2018 Regulations

You have to wonder if the new regulations will take effect.

 

[rp2813]

2018 Regulations

The one and only positive change we might see under the current administration (and I use that term loosely) is the return of washers that fill all the way to the top like they're supposed to.

 

[washman]

<blockquote>
You have to wonder if the new regulations will take effect

 

</blockquote>
God I hope not. Along with this, there's tons of other goobermint nonsense that needs to be run off into the ditch.   Permanently.

 

[gusherb]

Yes, possibly the only good thing that might come from this administration is not restricting appliances usage of resources....or at least not make it any worse.

 

[ryanm]

I forgot to mention that the Speed Queen technical support also told me that the new 2018 models will have 'lid locks' as well.

 

[Chetlaham]

Lid locks?

Why? For? No, what are they doing to you Speed Queen! :,( :,(

I assume they are removing the breaks, which I can understand, but I can't see what they couldn't just apply a brief DC current to the motor once the lid is opened. GE did it on their Hydrowaves.

 

[lorainfurniture]

The amount of energy needed to stop a full tub spinning at 1000 Rpms is intense. No way it could be done consistently and still be reliable.

This is all just gossip,

Lid lock will only be active during spin only.
Definitely no more mechanical control
For sure is going to be a bldc motor driven by an inverter

My understanding is that they are going to take a front loader and basically turn it vertical.

 

[DADoES]

1000 RPM Spin Braking

 
Could be 1,010 RPM.  Stops as such every time when the lid is opened.  Coasts down during normal end of spin and the braking activates for a moment toward the end.

Machine will be 18 years old in July.  No repairs other than a pump replacement in Oct 2011.

Sorry for the poor video quality, it was done years ago.

 

[panthera]

My two cents, for what they're worth

You're going to have this machine for a very long time.

Why don't you try both versions - even in a dry run?

You may find the electronic control is easier to use.

Or, you may find the electro-mechanical system feels better.

 

One thing is clear - modern electronics and modern mechanical timers are both mature technologies. Both have their weaknesses, but given the horrendous prices for mechanical timers, I'd not be so awfully convinced that the potential failure of an electronic system is sufficient argument to avoid one.

 

If you go electronic, I would definitely pull the cord before electrical storms and run it on a real surge-protector, not one of those $9.95 units from Walmart.

 

[vacerator]

I bet

the regualations will stay, because the designs are already done. Changing them costs too much.
Even the lowest price top loading machines have electronic timers today even thought they look old fashioned.
Municipalities have also already increased our water rates in light of water saving toilets, low flow faucets, and laundry.