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This is your number one source of treadmill information. Please browse through the pages, and educate yourself before making that important investment. After all, your health is what matters most and choosing the right treadmill is imperative.
How to Shop for a Treadmill
& What to Look For
Treadmill Electronics:
Electronic Motor Control
The motor controller is the "transmission" of a treadmill. This electronic device converts regular 110 Volt Alternating Current (AC) household current, to the Direct Current (DC) required by the motor, and regulates the voltage directed to the motor via the controls of the user.
Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) motor controls are the most recent innovation, and the most suitable for treadmill electronics. A cheaper type of controller (generally found department stores) is the Solid State Controlled Rectifier (SCR). This type of controller can be identified by the excessive audio noise. Generally it causes the motor to generate a loud "humm" at startup. SCR types of controllers generally use about three times more electricity to operate than PWM controllers. Although SCR type of controllers are cheaper for manufacturers to produce, they prematurely wear out motors. The "humm" that they generate accelerates the wear of brushes and motor bearings due to excessive vibration.
If you plan on watching television or listening to the radio while working out, avoid the SCR type of controller at all costs. If you plan on running, your only option should be PWM controlled.
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