Controltechniques Troubleshooting Guide
Controltechniques Troubleshooting Guide
Controltechniques Troubleshooting Guide
P/N 400333-01
Revision: A1
ã2001 Control Techniques - All Rights Reserved
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2
i
“FM-3/4 HARDWARE ERROR” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
ii
Troubleshooting
Section
1
Introduction
This document is intended to help a user troubleshoot the Control Techniques E Series
and Epsilon Series Servo Drives. The user will be pointed to possible solutions through Fault
descriptions and Flowcharts.
Drive Status Display
The 14-segment LED display is capable of displaying most letters of the English alphabet
in both lower and upper case. Some characters outside of the alphabet are also used.
Table 1
2
How to use this Manual
Fault Codes
The drive has several built in Fault detection circuits. If a fault is detected, the drive will
display a specific Fault code character.
Fault Description
A brief description of the specific fault and possible causes are found just prior to the
Troubleshooting Flow Chart.
Resetting Faults
Some of the detected faults may be reset using the front panel mounted pushbutton. Other
faults require the power to be cycled. The cause of the fault should be understood and
corrected before resetting.
Safety Instructions
Failure to follow safe installation guidelines can cause death or serious injury. The
voltages used in the product can cause severe electrical shock and/or burns, and could be
lethal. Extreme care is necessary at all times when working with or adjacent to it. The
installation must comply with all relevant safety legislation in the country of use.
Qualified Person
For the purposes if this manual and products, a “qualified person” is one who is familiar
with the installation, construction and operation of the equipment and the hazards
involved. In addition this individual has the following qualifications:
• Is trained and authorized to energize, de-energize, clear, ground, and tag circuits and
equipment in accordance with established safety practices.
• Is trained in the proper care and use of protective equipment in accordance with
established safety practices.
• Is trained in rendering first aid.
3
“C” RMS Foldback
A “C” indicates RMS Foldback in the display window on the EN/EB/EI drives. It is an
indication that the RMS current Foldback is active. This is not a fault, does not disable
the drive. Output RMS current limit is returned to 80%.
Notes
4
“C” RMS Foldback Display
"C"
RMS
Foldback
Yes
Incorrect Select Correct
Download Yes
Motor Selected Motor from Return to
Known Good
for Setup View Normal Operation
Application
Configuration or Motor Tab
No
No
Corrupt
Motor DDF
file
Yes
5
“c” Stall Foldback
A “c” indicates Stall Foldback in the display window on the EN/EB/EI drives. This is not
a fault and the drive will continue to operate. This display indicates that the current
command to the motor is 80% of the rated stall current. Motor torque and drive current
are reduced until the motor commanded velocity exceeds 100 RPM or the torque demand
is reduced.
This is done to protect the IGBT’s from excessive power loss due to a combination of
slow motor speed and high torque. IGBT’s can overheat under these conditions unless
current is reduced.
Notes
6
“c” Stall Foldback display
"c" Fault
Stall Foldback
Search for
Yes Return Load to Return to
causes of
Excessive Load Original Normal
Increased
Size/Value Operation
Load
No
Yes
Incorrect Select Correct
Download
Motor Selected Motor from Return to
Known Good
for Setup View Normal Operation
Application
Configuration or Motor Tab
No
Use Emersize
Yes Determine program to Contact
High Inertia potential determine Technical Support
mismatch causes correct for Assistance
for mismatch motor/drive
match
No
Yes
RST Motor See
Wire Download
Phases Incorrectly Appendix A Reutrn to
Correctly Known Good
Wired For Normal Operation
per diagram Application
Correct Wiring
for Eb/Ei/En
No
Tuning Refer to
Parameters Tuning Download
Reutrn to
not Optimal Procedure in Known Good End
Normal Operation
Epsilon E Series Application
Yes Reference Manual
7
“*” Invalid Flash
This fault is indicated by the display showing an Asterisk. It generally indicates that the
“.fsh” (Flash) file is invalid. The most common cause of this fault is an interruption of the
update of a Firmware Flash process.
"*" Fault
Asterisk Displayed
Invalid Flash
Flash
Incompatible file Yes
Remove Power Base Drive Upgrade
for Hardware
& FM Module OK FM Module
Present
See Appendix C
No
Flash
Corrupt Upgrade
End
Flash File Base Drive
See Appendix C
Notes
8
“A” Drive Overtemp
This fault is applicable to the Epsilon Drive only. It is indicated by the display showing
an “A”. If the equipment cabinet that the drive is mounted in has any problem with its
circulation of air or the cooling equipment malfunctions this fault will likely occur.
“ A” Drive Overtemp”
"A" Fault
Drive Overtemp
Epsilon Only
Cycle Power
to Reset
Check for
Yes
Yes continuity between
Possible Ready for Normal
Drive Resets Drive Ground and
Noise Problem Operation
Motor Ground
with Power Off
No
No
Check for
Remove Power Yes Air Flow Restriction
Allow Cool Down Air Filters change Drive Resets
Approx. 30 minutes if needed
Air Conditioning problems
No
High Ambient
Derate by Contact
Temperature End
Check Application 3% for every degree Tech Service
in Cabinet o o
o 40 to 50 C max
Above 40 C
Notes
9
“I” Power-Up Self-Test
This fault is indicated by the display showing a “I”. This display indicates drive did not
complete its internal self test.
"I" Fault
Power-Up Self-Test
Connect Computer
Drive and FM Module Check Website
to Drive, Check Module
for latest Flash Rev.
Establish Flash level
and download
Communications
No
Upgrade Return Module
Flash Module
successful to Factory
See Appendix C
Yes End
Return to
Service
No
Drive Only Recycle Functions Return Drive
Power Normally to Factory
End
Notes
10
“N” NVM Invalid
This fault is indicated by the display showing a “N”. NVM stands for Non Volatile
Memory.
"N" Fault
NVM Invalid
Yes
Use Reset P/B
Return to Operation
to Reset
No
Download Yes
known good Return to Operation
Configuration file
No
Yes
Update Module or
Base Drive
to latest Return to Operation
Flash (.fsh) file
No
DSP
Return to Factory End
Non Operational
Notes
11
“U” Invalid Configuration
This fault is indicated by the display showing a “U”. This display indicates a change in
the physical configuration of the drive. It is not known if setup data in the FM module
matches the current drive and motor attached.
"U" Fault
Invalid Configuration
FM Module
Press and Hold Display Ready for
Present Download
Drive Reset P/B Changes Normal
prior to last Configuration file
for 12 seconds to "d" Operation
Power Cycle
Yes
No
End
No Module
Present
prior to last
Power Cycle
Notes
12
“H” High DC Bus
This fault is indicated by the display showing a “H”. The DC bus is internal to the drive.
This indicates a fault involving the DC bus and voltages or with its associated
components.
"H" Fault
High DC Bus
No
Potential Misapplication
EN-208 Open Internal No
or External Resistor
And EN-214
Drives Shunt Resistor/Shunt Fuse * RSR and ES Maybe Needed
Contact Tech Support
Yes
No
Return Returns
"H" Fault to Factory to Return
End
High DC Bus Normal Operation to Factory
Yes
Yes
High AC Monitor No
Reset
Input line AC Input
with Reset P/B
>264 VAC 47-63 Hz
Examine Program
High Inertia Load/
Investigate Modify Motion
Decel Ramps
High Inertia AT/DT/VEL
Overly Agressive
as required
13
“Z” Power Stage Fault
This fault is indicated by the display showing a “Z”. This indicates a fault in the Power
Stage logic power supply or the Power stages of the drive.
14
“Z” “Power Stage Fault”
"Z" Fault
Power Stage
Fault
No
Disconnect Ohm out Return
Shorted Remove Motor Power Motor Stator Motor
Motor Stator Power Cable Use Procedure OK To
at Motor in Appendix D Factory
Segment #1
End
No
Ohm Out Motor Cable Cable Replace
See Appendix A for Daigram OK Cable
Yes
Segment 2
End
Fault Detected
when using
Serial Cable
Segment 3 Yes
Continuity Not Recommended
No pin 6 to pin 6 for use with
EMC Serial Ohm Out
or pin 5 to pin 6 E Series/Epsilon
Cable Serial Cable
or pin 6 to shield/Gnd? Drives
Yes
Using
Yes Continuity
Sync functions Ohm Out Replace
pin4 to pin 8
and Sync Cable Cable
or pin 4 to shield/Gnd?
Sync Cabless
15
“u” Low DC Bus
This fault is indicated by the display showing a “u”. Indicates a fault involving the DC
bus and voltages or with its associated components.
Notes
16
“u” “Low DC Bus Fault”
Yes
Operation
"u" Fault Reset with
Returns To End
Low DC Bus Reset P/B
Normal
Segment 1
No
Epsilon
Use Open PowerTools
"u" Fault
PowerTools On Menu Bar
when using
to Disable Click on Options >
Aux Power
Monitoring Preferences>General
Supply (+24VDC)
Segment 3
Go On Line
with the Drive,
Check Box Operation
In Detailed Mode Reset with
Select Advanced Tab Returns To
Select Advanced Tab Reset P/B
Normal
Uncheck Box by
Low DC Bus Enable
End
Increase Input AC
Operation
> 120 VAC or
Returns To End
Increase AT
Normal
(E-Series)
Segment 4
Low Input AC
< 120 VAC &
u Fault
Rapid DT with
Large Load
24 VDC
APS
Disabled,
Low Bus
(Epsilon)
17
RSR-2 Troubleshooting Flow Chart
RSR-2
This information is provided for systems equipped with an RSR-2 and an ES Resistor
package. If your system is not configured in such a manner please use this for reference
purposes only.
Yes
Power LED On Steady,
Check Shunt LEDs On
RSR-2 Reset Functions During Drive
Fuse Drive Ready Correctly Deceleration Period
Replace if for Operation Trig In/Trig Out*
Open
No
RSR-2
Disregard
Configured for
this Flowchart
Master/Follower
Yes
Check for
Master + 10 to +30 VDC
Check Connection Between
Trig Out to Follower Trig In *DC IN +24 V
and DC IN 0 V
Yes
External Shunt Over Temp
Contact
Operated with Over Condition
Tech Support
Temp Sensing Detected in
ES Unit
18
“e” Encoder State
This fault is indicated by the display showing what appears to be a lower case “e”. It
indicates a fault involving the Encoder feedback.
"e"
Encoder State Fault
No
Check PowerTools Pro
Recycle Returns to
Advanced Tab End
Power Normal Operation
Enabled
Yes
No
Invalid Check +5 VDC
Encoder State J7 pin 7 to pin 17 (Gnd) EN Return Drive
End
Reporting J6 pin 7 to pin 17 (Gnd) Epsilon to Factory
Should be 4.9 to 5.15 vdc
Yes
Check Continuity
No
Encoder Phases Replace
End
Motor to Drive Cable Cable
Power Off
Cable
OK?
Yes
Contact
End
Tech Support
19
“E” Encoder Line Fault
This fault is indicated by the display showing a “E”. Indicates a fault involving the
Encoder feedback.
No
*Resettable
Use PowerTools Select "Status" Tab or Fuse Open
Select Analog Mode, "Watch Window" to Allow to cool
Configure Drive and Motor, View "Position Feedback Encoder" Reset is
Download to Drive DO NOT Enable Drive Automatic
Rotate Motor Shaft by Hand
No
Yes
Counts are Displayed? Yes
Return to
Increases with CW Rotation
Normal Operation
Decreases with CCW Rotation Replace Drive
and Return
Replace Motor
No to Factory
and Return
to Factory
Check Routing
Yes & Condition of
Noise Feedback Cable
Recycle Power Return to
Induced in Feedback in Runs End
Run Programs Normal Operation
Cable Relay Coils W/O
Diodes in System
No
Yes Check Continuity Motor Case
Motor and Drive If Resistance Measured
to Motor Feedback Connector Shells
Operating at different Contact Factory
J5* Epsilon or J8* EN
Gorund Potentials Tech Support
Must be Zero!
No
* Refer to Appendix E Replace Drive
for Connector Locations and Return
to Factory
Check +5 VDC End
Yes
Use of non-Emerson CT J7 pin 7 to pin 17 (Gnd) EN No
Serial Cable J6 pin 7 to pin 17 (Gnd) Epsilon
Should be 4.9 to 5.15vdc
Replace with CT Approved Cable Yes
Return to
Normal Operation
20
Motor Over Temperature Fault
This fault is indicated by the display showing a “M”. This indicates a fault involving
excessive motor temperature.
"M" Fault
Motor Over Temperature
Motor Thermal No
Yes
Switch open Allow Motor to cool Thermal Switch
Return to Factory
due to excessive Approximately 30 mimutes Resets
internal heat
End
No
Yes
Disconnect Check continuinty of Yes Return to Service
Flexing
Motor Motor Feedback cable pin A
of non Flex Cable
Feedback Cable Flex cable during test
Replace Cable
No
No
Yes
Disconnect Motor Feedback Cable
Reconnect and Return to Service
at every connection point,
Improper Wiring Yes
use ohmmeter to check
from Drive to Motor
continuinty of Pin A in cable Replace defective section
If Flex cable try and Flex or entire Cable
No No
Yes
Defective Check Continuity pins T to A Return to Service
Motor Thermal of Motor Feedback Connector
Switch MG/NT Motors
No
shall read short if switch is reset
Yes Return to Factory
No
21
“S” RMS Shunt Power Fault
This fault is indicated by the display showing a “S”. This indicates a fault involving the
drives internal shunt circuitry. The shunt power parameter is an internally calculated
parameter.
"S"
RMS Shunt Power
Fault
No
Reduce
Yes No
Load
High Interial Returns
Check for Return
Load to End
Increase in to Factory
Normal Operation
Acutal Load
No
Yes
Yes
High AC Monitor No
Reset
Input line AC Input
with Reset P/B
>264 VAC 47-63 Hz
Yes
No Investigate Cause
> 264 VAC
for Increase
22
“o” Over Speed Fault
This fault is indicated by the display showing a lower case “o”. This indicates a motor
over speed has occurred.
"o"
Over Speed
Fault
No
No
No
23
“F” Following Error Fault
This fault is indicated by the display showing a “F”. This indicates the following error
detected exceeds the programmed limit value.
"F"
Following Error
Fault
No
Gear Reducer Add/Change
Reconnect
Used? Reducer Oil
Motor to
Check condition with Recommended
Load
and level of Oil Oil
Reset
Return to
with End
Normal Operation
Reset P/B
No
Following
Error Limit Alter Reset
Return to End
Setting too Following Error with
Normal Operation
Agressive Yes Limit Reset P/B
FM-2/3/4
No
No Reset
Yes
Faulty Inspect Motor Check Motor to Drive with
Wiring to Drive Wiring Wiring for Splices Reset P/B
Poor Replace
Splices Cable
24
“L” CW/CCW Limit Fault
This fault is indicated by the display showing an “L”. Encountering either Hardware or
Software limits may cause this fault.
"L"
CW/CCW
Limit Fault
No
No
Check
Change Input
Check Input Wiring
Polarity/
Polarity of Input for Polarity
Modify Wiring
Selected
End
Yes
Jog
Travel Limit Check/Adjust "L" Fault
Off Limit
Software Limit Software Resets
in Opposite
Active? Limit Automatically
direction
Return to
Normal Operation
25
All LED Segments On
All LED segments being on simultaneously indicate this Fault.
Notes
26
All LED’s on Fault
All LED
Display
Segments On
Check
Yes Refer to
Wrong Yes CT No used Pins
Serial CAble
Serial Serial have any
Diagram
Cable Cable Continuity to
in Appendix A
Shield
No
Refer to
Must Match Move
Serial CAble
Diagram to Next End
Diagram
Shown Possibility
in Appendix A
Yes
Check
Feedback Cable Cable Replace
for shorts OK? Motor
See Appendix A
27
FM-3 Hardware Error
This fault is indicated by the display showing a “3”. This is a fault specific to the FM-3
module only.
Note
Two bars are shown in the display during the Flash Upgrade process.
This is a normal indication.
28
“FM-3/4 Hardware Error”
"3" or "4"
Hardware
Error Faults
Unable to Perform
Yes Locate Specific
Velocities, Reset
Trajectory Motions containing offending
Accelerations with P/B
Fault Velocity, Accel/Decel
or Deceleration Retry
Modify to Acceptable Limits
for Motion Functions
No
Yes Contact
ISR
Replace Module Tech Support
Overrun
for RGA
No
Module
*No Prog will occur
Yes Download for a new drive
contains
No Prog* No Valid
Known Good
out of the box.
Configuration
Configuration Modules are shipped
with no program
No
loaded. Download
configuration file.
Sync
between
Yes Recycle Check
Out of FM Module
Power Configuration
Sync &
Retry file
Base Drive
Lost
No
User Program Error
Yes
Program Review Program
Fault Alter to correct
Highlighted Program Errors
29
Appendix
Section
30
Appendix A: Cable Diagrams
R RED 1
A
RED 2 Drive to Motor Cable
S B
T C RED 3
BLU
A B 1 A
ORN P
A/ C 10 A/
GRN
B N 2 B
Motor P
BRN P
11
B/ B/
Feedback Cable BLK
Z M 3 Z
YEL P
Z/ U 12 Z/
WHT/BRN
U E 4 U
BRN/WHT P
U/ R 13 U/
WHT/GRY 5
V F V
GRY/WHT P
V/ S 14 V/
W G RED/ORG 6 W
ORG/RED P
W/ H 15 W/
RED/BLU 7
+5 VDC K +5 VDC
BLU/RED P
GND T 17 GND
RED/GRN
MOTOR OVERTEMP A 9 MOTOR OVERTEMP
GRN/RED P
NOT USED V 16 NOT USED
Z
31
RED
XMIT 3 2 REC
WHT
REC 2 3 XMIT
BLK Emerson CT
GND 5 5 GND
SHLD Serial Cable
1 SHLD
1 1 1
YEL
2 2 2 RX
RED BLU P
3 3 3 TX
WHT RED
RS485+ 4 4 4 RS485+
BLK BLK P
RS485- 9 9 9 RS485-
BKL/WHT
GND 6 6 6
GRN BLU/WHT P
GND 5 5 5 GND
RED/WHT
GND 8 8 8
DRAIN WIRE YEL/WHT P
GND 7 7 7
DRAIN WIRE
BLK
+A 1 1 +A
BRN P
-A 2 2 -A
RED
+B 3 3 +B
ORG P
-B 5 5 -B
YEL Emerson CT
+Z 6 6 +Z
GRN P SNCDD Cable
-Z 7 7 -Z
BLU
GND 8 8 GND
VIO P
4 4
DRAIN WIRE
SNCDD CABLE WIRE DIAGRAM
32
Appendix B: Using the Watch Window
This procedure covers the usage of the Watch Window diagnostic tool. The Watch Window is built into the
PowerTools FM and PowerTools Pro programming software. It is used to actively monitor Modbus
registers within a base En/Eb drive as well as an Ei drive and any En drive that is equipped with an FM-
1/2/3/4 programming module. Please refer to the appropriate procedure listed below for your particular
application.
Using the Watch Window with PowerTools FM Software
This procedure applies to:
• En base drive systems without a FM module attached
• En drive systems with a FM-1 or FM-2 module attached
• Epsilon drive systems
• Ei (Epsilon Indexing) drive systems
Figure 1
33
After clicking on the “Upload Drives” icon, the software will attempt to open a communication channel
with the drive system. If you have your communications setup properly, you will see the dialog box shown
in Figure 2. If you get a communications error, refer to the Serial Communications Troubleshooting
flowchart.
Figure 2
Once you have clicked on the “OK” button as shown in Figure 2, the current drive configuration will be
uploaded and your screen will look like the screen in Figure 3. Please note the “Connected” status in the
lower right corner of the status bar.
Figure 3
34
Step 2: Configuring the Watch Window
Open the Watch Window configurator by clicking on the “Watch Window” option in the PowerTools FM
“Tools” menu as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4
The available Modbus registers are arranged by group in the configuration window as shown in Figure 5.
The “All” group has all of the registers arranged in alphabetical order. To reduce the number of selections,
choose a group of registers from the drop down list.
Figure 5
Configure the Watch Window by selecting the registers that you would like to monitor from the group that
you have chosen as shown in Figure 6. Once you have selected a register, the Watch Window will appear
on your screen with the registers you have selected.
35
Figure 6
The Watch Window is a floating dialog box and can be left open even if the programming software is
minimized as shown in Figure 7. Closing the software will close the Watch Window
.
Figure 7
36
Appendix C: Updating Firmware Using the Flash Upgrade Process
This procedure covers the steps necessary to upgrade the operating firmware in either an En/Eb/Ei drive or
a FM programming module.
The Flash Upgrade procedure should only be performed when absolutely necessary. There are
compatibility issues that must be considered prior to performing this procedure. Please ensure that the
hardware you are attempting to upgrade is fully compatible with the new firmware before proceeding. If
you are in doubt, contact the Control Techniques Technical Support department before you begin to reduce
the potential for problems. Failure to do so may result in non-operational equipment and downtime for your
machine.
It is important to note that you cannot Flash Upgrade a base drive through a FM module. In order to Flash
Upgrade the base drive, you must remove the FM module first. In some cases, both the base drive and the
FM module will need to be upgraded. In that case, upgrade the base drive first and then the FM module.
It is not advisable to attempt to upgrade more than 1 piece of hardware at a time. Therefore, disconnect any
drive to drive serial cables before proceeding and upgrade only 1 piece of hardware at a time.
Obtaining Firmware Upgrades
The latest revisions of firmware for your drive or FM module may be freely downloaded from our company
website at: www.emersonct.com. The files are located in the “Sales & Support/File Downloads” area.
These files have the file extension .fsh and are organized according to product type.
The firmware flash files are also located on our PowerCD. A PowerCD is included in the box along with all
of our equipment.
Figure 1
37
Step 2: Establishing Communications
Once the Flash Upgrade tool has been launched, it will immediately attempt to open a communications
channel with the drive system as shown in Figure 2. If communications are not successful, please refer to
the Serial Communications Troubleshooting flowchart for assistance.
Figure 2
38
If communications were successful, your screen will look similar to the one in Figure 3.
Figure 3
39
Figure 4
Once you have selected the flash file (by clicking on it) and clicked on the Open button, the file explorer
window will close and you will be returned to the Flash Upgrade screen. You will notice that the hardware
information in the window is now active (not grayed out), and you are now ready to begin the upgrade
process itself.
Figure 5
Once you have selected the hardware to upgrade, click on the “Upgrade” button to begin the process as
shown in Figure 6.
40
Figure 6
41
Appendix D: Ohming Motor Procedure
Ohming
Out Motor
Slowly Rotate
Connect Ohmmeter
Disconnect Connect Ohmmeter Motor Shaft
Leads between
Motor Cable Leads between CW or CCW
Pins B and C
from Motor Pins A and B Observe Ohmmeter Reading
on Motor Connector
on Motor Connector See Resistance chart this page
phase to phase test
for motor under test
Connect Ohmmeter
Connect Ohmmeter
Leads between Ohmmeter Shall Ohmmeter Shall
Leads between
Pins D and C Read Inifinity Read Inifinity
Pins D and B
on Motor Connector (open circuit) (open circuit)
on Motor Connector
phase to ground test
phase to ground test
Connect Ohmmeter
Leads between Ohmmeter Shall
Pins D and A Read Inifinity
on Motor Connector (open circuit)
phase to ground test
42
For motors not listed contact Control Techniques to obtain information.
D.C. Resistance
MOTOR (Ohms)
NT-207 11.1
NT-212 4.6
NT-320 1.5
NT-330 1.2
NT-345 1.3
NT-355 1.0
MG-205 18.5
MG-208 7.3
MG-316 3.9
MG-340 1.9
MG-455 1.1
MG-490 0.4
MG-4120 0.4
43
Appendix E: En and Epsilon Drives Physical Connections
Epsilon Eb/Ei Drives
AC Power Input
DC Bus Access
Status Display Motor Power
Connection
Auxiliary Logic
Power Connection
Drive Reset
Pushbutton
Serial Port
Digital Inputs/Outputs
Analog Outputs
Motor Feedback
Connection
Command Connector
44
En Drives
Analog Outputs
Drive Reset Pusbutton
Status Display
Command Connector
Serial Port
Digital I/O
Motor Feedback
Connection
45
Appendix F: Serial Loopback Test
This procedure will demonstrate how to test the operation of a serial communication port (COM port) on an
IBM compatible PC running Windows 95 or Windows 98. This procedure may also apply to computers
running Windows NT 4 and Windows 2000 although this procedure has not been verified on those
operating systems.
This procedure relies on a Windows communications utility called “HyperTerminal” being installed on
your computer. To determine if you have this program installed follow these steps:
Figure 8
46
Initial Tests
If you are having communications problems and you are sure that the serial cable you are using is correctly
configured per the serial cable wiring diagram (see Appendix A), verify that none of the following are true
before proceeding:
1. There are no other programs consuming the serial port’s resources.
Typical examples of programs that can cause problems would be any Fax software or Palm Pilot
software that may not be active and open, but yet are “poised and ready” in the Windows system
tray (See Figure 2). These programs “watch” the serial port for any activity and when they detect a
connection attempt will block access to the port. If you have any programs of this nature
(including Allen Bradley’s “RSLinx” software) close them at once by right clicking on their icons
in the system tray and then closing the programs.
Fax software icon
Palm Software icon
Figure 2
2. You have the serial cable plugged into the wrong port.
Ensure that the serial communications cable is plugged into the serial port on the En/Eb/Ei drive.
Refer to Appendix E for the location of the serial port on the drive.
3. The power is turned off.
In order to communicate with any En/Eb/Ei drive, the main AC power must be present.
4. The drive you are trying to communicate with is faulted.
There are certain faults that can cause communication failures. If you cannot reset the drive, it may
be that you will not be able to communicate with it either.
Serial Loopback Test
47
Figure 3
Begin by giving the new connection a name. A good choice would be “Comx Test” where x is the number
of the Com port you are testing. In this example, Com 1 is being tested.
Figure 4
48
Next, you will be presented with the dialing properties dialog box. This program assumes that you are
trying to connect to another computer using a modem. However, if you expand the “Connect Using” drop
down box, you will see not only your modem (if you have one installed) but also all of the available Com
ports. Select the Com port you would like to test from this list.
Figure 5
Next, configure the properties for the Com port you have selected. Ensure that your configuration matches
the picture in Figure 6 exactly.
Figure 6
Once the Port Settings are defined, click on the OK button and HyperTerminal will open the Com port
automatically. You can determine if the program is active by referring to Figure 7. HyperTerminal will
show “Connected” in the lower left corner of the Status bar.
49
Figure 7
Do not expect the ability to communicate with an En/Ei/Eb drive using HyperTerminal. The En family of
drive products, including Epsilon drives, communicate using a binary form of communication (Modbus).
HyperTerminal uses ASCII protocol for all of its communications and therefore will not work. The point of
this test is not to test the ability of the En/Epsilon drive to communicate, but rather to test the operation of
your PCs Com port.
Disconnect the Com port by clicking on the Disconnect icon on HyperTerminal’s toolbar (see Figure 8).
Figure 8
50
To complete the settings for the new connection, Select “Properties” from the HyperTerminal “File” menu
as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9
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Click on the “Settings” tab as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10
Expand the “Emulation” drop down list and select “ANSI” from the list.
Figure 11
Save your new connection by selecting “Save” from the HyperTerminal “File” menu.
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Figure 12
Close the HyperTerminal Program.
Figure 13
Using a metallic object such as a small screwdriver, short pins #2 and #3 together. The pin numbers will
correspond to the diagram in Figure 13. Be careful not to accidentally touch any other pins!
Open the HyperTerminal connection that you configured in step 2.
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Using the keyboard on your computer, type in some characters as shown in Figure 14. If your serial port is
working correctly, whatever you type on the keyboard should be echoed back to the HyperTerminal screen.
If you do not see any characters on the HyperTerminal screen, and you are sure that you have the correct
pins shorted together on the cable, this would indicate that your computer’s serial port is not functioning.
Your choice is to have the port repaired, or switch to a different computer and try the procedure again.
Figure 14
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