• Introduction to the ATOM SCR Power Controller

• Benefits of compact design and digital capabilities

• Communication protocols: Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, and EtherCAT

• Differences between ATOM and MicroFusion

• Power firing options and footprint reduction

• Unique features like Sync Guard and Trans Guard

• Compliance standards and configuration flexibility

• Real-world applications and customer value

• Why Control Concepts stands apart in the industry

[Intro]

Narrator:
Welcome to In The Loop, a New England Temperature Solutions podcast.

In today’s episode, NETS President Dominick DeLuca sits down with Tony Busch, Sales Manager for Control Concepts, on location in Chanhassen, Minnesota, to introduce the new ATOM SCR Power Controller.

Without further ado, here are Dom and Tony, helping you get in the loop.

[Conversation Begins]

Dominick DeLuca:
Hello, and welcome to In The Loop. Today, we’re in lovely Chanhassen, Minnesota, visiting Control Concepts. I’m here with Tony Busch, their Sales Manager.

Tony, great to have you on. Want to introduce yourself?

Tony Busch:
Thanks for having me! I’m Tony Busch with Control Concepts. I’ve been with the company for 15 years—started as a technician, moved into field service, and then into sales. The sales role was a great fit for me, especially with my background in bartending—I’m used to talking with people and solving problems quickly!

I now serve as the North American Sales Manager and love helping customers tackle tough applications or just get answers fast. It’s incredible to work in heat-treating and see how things are made firsthand.

[Personal Background]

Tony Busch:
I grew up hunting and fishing—spent a lot of time outdoors with my dad and uncles. I also love barbecuing—I’m no pro, but I can hold my own!

I’ve got a 6-year-old, an 8-year-old daughter, and a 19-year-old son—which explains my hair situation! We also have a dog named Nelly, a 65-pound fox red lab who’s full of energy and great with the kids.

[About the ATOM Controller]

Dominick DeLuca:
You’re the Sales Manager now, and around the time you stepped into that role, Control Concepts released the ATOM, right?

Tony Busch:
That’s right! The ATOM is a new SCR power controller that fits a niche in the market—it’s compact, cost-effective, and still carries the high-quality support and fast lead times we’re known for.

Dominick DeLuca:
So what sets the ATOM apart?

Tony Busch:
Think of it as a smart alternative to solid state relays. It’s still digital, has built-in communication capabilities, and can be configured in the field. It comes in analog, digital, or a hybrid of both.

Dominick DeLuca:
And it’s physically small. Is that a big benefit?

Tony Busch:
Absolutely. Panel space and cost are at a premium. Smaller size means reduced footprint, which is crucial for OEMs and space-constrained installations. You can stack these on a DIN rail, pack them tightly, and still get excellent performance.

[Technical Capabilities]

Dominick DeLuca:
What kind of data can you get back from the ATOM?

Tony Busch:
You’ll get RMS current, alarms like partial load failure, line power issues, and more. It’s great for troubleshooting and removes the need for analog ammeters. Plus, it’s fully digital—set it and forget it.

Dominick DeLuca:
And what about communication protocols?

Tony Busch:
The big three: Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, and Modbus TCP. We also have versions that support EtherCAT. We’ve even introduced daisy-chainable ports to cut down on cabling.

Dominick DeLuca:
So if someone accidentally orders the wrong communication type?

Tony Busch:
No problem—you can reconfigure the ATOM on the fly. No hardware change required. That flexibility is huge in the field.

[Comparisons and Benefits]

Dominick DeLuca:
Compared to your higher-end MicroFusion?

Tony Busch:
MicroFusion is for ultra-high performance with advanced sampling and precision. The ATOM is a simpler, leaner option, but still very capable.

Dominick DeLuca:
Firing outputs?

Tony Busch:
In single-phase mode, it supports phase-angle, zero-cross, and halfway DC firing.

Dominick DeLuca:
Size range?

Tony Busch:
Single-phase: 16–65 amps.
Three-phase: 16–80 amps.
And even our 80-amp three-phase unit is incredibly compact.

[Unique Features]

Dominick DeLuca:
Let’s talk about Sync Guard and Trans Guard.

Tony Busch:
Sync Guard helps stagger zero-cross firing among multiple units to reduce peak current draw and avoid utility penalties. Trans Guard protects against transients—both features add efficiency and safety.

[Why Choose Control Concepts]

Dominick DeLuca:
So why choose Control Concepts—and the ATOM—instead of a generic SSR?

Tony Busch:
The ATOM is more than just a relay. It’s a digital, calibrated, reliable controller with advanced diagnostics, built-in comms, and a space-saving design. It replaces the need for external firing cards and recalibration. It’s locked in and ready to go for the long haul.

Dominick DeLuca:
And why Control Concepts?

Tony Busch:
We build quality products. They don’t arrive dead. They just work. We pick up the phone, support our customers, and solve problems fast. Our reps—especially in New England—add tons of value too. NETS has been fantastic.

[Wrap-Up]

Dominick DeLuca:
Tony, thank you for your time and for walking us through the ATOM. If you have any questions, reach out to us at NETS. We’ll connect you with Tony and the team at Control Concepts. They’re responsive, helpful, and ready to support you.

Thanks again for joining us on In The Loop. Take care!

[Outro]

Narrator:
Thanks for getting in the loop with us. If you need assistance in the thermal process industry, call us at 800-848-NETS (800-848-6387) or visit www.ets-ic.com.

Got a topic you’d like us to cover? Send us your suggestions. The NETS team is here to help—and we hope you have an awesome day, every day.

Stay Tuned For Our Latest Episodes