A chain motor is simply a large electric motor with a gearbox and a chain drive mounted in one chassis. The chassis of the motor generally has a large hook mounted on its underside, to which loads are attached. An extremely heavy gauge chain with a hook at one end passes through the motor and into a chain bag. The hook of this chain is generally clipped to the shackle of a wire rope sling, which is attached to a load-bearing overhead beam. Once the attachment has been made to an overhead hang point, the motors can have loads attached for flying.
Several methods exist for the control of the chain motors.
Complex computer-controlled systems exist for automatic flying of equipment. These systems can control dozens of motors simultaneously. Systems this complex are not generally necessary for a small number of chain motors. At WPI, a pair of chain motors with handheld controls are often used to fly lighting truss. The most common venue for this is Alden Hall, where several sets of hang points exist for such a purpose.