Step-Servo drive troubleshooting.

Step-Servo drive troubleshooting.

Problem with a motor not moving properly? Check these items:

  • Basic checks
    • Ensure machine is powered on properly
    • Ensure e-stops are not depressed.  Twist e-stops to disengage.
  • Mechanical
    • Check motor couplings, tighten screws if necessary using 2.5mm hex wrench.  Max torque 2Nm (1.48 ft-lb, 282 oz-in)
  • Power
    • Check that status LED on the motor is flashing green when machine is on.  If no LED flashing, motor is not receiving power or has an internal fault.
      • Check voltage on the harness at the motor plug using a multimeter.  If 48VDC, motor is dead.  If not 48V, check wiring harness and the power supply.
  • Motor error codes
    • Check LED error codes per list.  Most common error is below:
      • Over Current or Current Limit
        • Likely machine is crashing (trying to push into end of actuator, hard stops, etc).  To correct, manually move machine off of hard stops (use motor couplers for Z) and restart
      • Solid red or flashing red (even dimly)
        • May be damaged motor.  For troubleshooting take known good motor from spare kit or elsewhere on machine and install.  If new motor works properly, contact 3D Platform for replacement motor.
  • Motor signal
    • Check motor pigtail
      • Ensure pins in white plug are secure and do not pull out
      • Ensure pins in black Molex plug are secure and do not pull out
      • To troubleshoot, swap pigtail on problem motor with another pigtail from working motor.  IF the problem follows the pigtail, repair or replace pigtail.
      • If it is safe to run the machine, use a multimeter to check the DIR signal against GND on the cable.  make the machine "move" forward and backwards in small increments, ensure the DIR signal is flipping from +5V to -5V (nominal, actual values may be 3-4V).
    • Check control box
      • Check connections at the back of the box, are they securely tightened down?
      • Check inside the box at the signal distribution. Are the terminal strip screws tightened down?
    • Check wiring harness
      • Check connectivity between the signal cables at the motor and the output from the box (take box cover off).  Check both STP and DIR signals.
Motor LED error code chart