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Acorn+ClearPath Servos - Axis Fault during Home (Resolved)

Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2021 11:29 pm
by wolfgangr
Hello,

thanks for anyone that can help on this. I am converting a PM940 to CNC. I am using Acorn Board (latest software) with ClearPAth Step and Direction Servos. I am experiencing similar issues as the previous post(s) regarding Axis Faults. I have rewired the system based on the latest recommendation/schematics using a 5V power supply with 100 Ohm pull-up resistors controlling the CP servos.

I am a firm believer of 1 picture is better than 1000 words thus please have a look at the attached slide show. This error is consistent and reproducible.
Any suggestions are very welcome! Cheers Wolfgang

Re: Acorn+ClearPath Servos - Axis Fault during Home

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 12:56 am
by RogDC
Please post a current report.

It appears you have an Ether1616 installed but do not have photos of the Ether1616 on the attachment and there appears to be no HLFB- inputs to the Acorn for Axis 1,2 & 3.

Did you insert the correct resistor bank on the Ether1616 for the 5VDC inputs if you are connected to the Ether1616 inputs for your HLFB- input?

Have you verified the HLFB settings in Clearpath Settings with the MSP software to ensure it has the correct output with no drive fault?

If you change motors on each of the cables, does the fault remain on Axis 2 or follow the motor?

Re: Acorn+ClearPath Servos - Axis Fault during Home

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:00 am
by rdsmith24
I am helping Wolfgang with this job...we have the HLFB coming into the Ether16 using 24VDC thus no need for the SIP's. As for the setting on the HLFB on the motor, all we have done is set the encoder resolution and told the motor that it is "Step and Direction" Doesn't appear to have a "Save" in the Tecknic software other than to save the configuration to hard drive.

Re: Acorn+ClearPath Servos - Axis Fault during Home

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:53 am
by Dave_C
Nice slide show, just to test the motor movements try this:

Before you try to move too home with the homing routine, push the MID button and try and jog one axis at a time. See if each one creates a drive fault.

I do the MDI thing each time I home my mill so I don't have to wait for the table to move 20 inches. I jog the table in MDI and then hit cycle start. If i try to jog the table without using MDI, I get drive faults! Once homed, no more drive faults. On my setup it has to do with the drives not being enabled and trying to move them. Pushing MDI makes them go "enabled".

You might have a similar issue with the drive not being enabled in Acorn yet.

And yes, there is a setting for the HLFB signal in the Clearpath setup software.

Dave C.

Re: Acorn+ClearPath Servos - Axis Fault during Home

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 12:19 pm
by rdsmith24
What is the MDI key?

Re: Acorn+ClearPath Servos - Axis Fault during Home

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 12:47 pm
by RogDC
wolfgangr wrote: Tue Mar 16, 2021 11:29 pm I have rewired the system based on the latest recommendation/schematics using a 5V power supply with 100 Ohm pull-up resistors controlling the CP servos.
rdsmith24 wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:00 am I am helping Wolfgang with this job...we have the HLFB coming into the Ether16 using 24VDC thus no need for the SIP's.
How do you have the HLFB+ providing +24VDC to the Ether1616? On the latest schematic HLFB- is tied to the Acorn PS common to the relay board input, and I do not notice any reference to +24VDC provided to the Clearpath from the system +24VDC power supply.

If Wolfgang has +5VDC powering the Enable+, InputA+, and Input B+, have you verified +24VDC on the HLFB+?


I'm currently converting my Acorn control panel to add the Ether1616 and retrofitting to the +5VDC/100 Ohm resistor recommendation. I just haven't reached the point of powering up and testing yet. On my wiring design I have the HLFB+ going to the Ether1616 inputs with the SIP's for 5VDC installed and +5VDC as the reference/common on the Ether1616.

Re: Acorn+ClearPath Servos - Axis Fault during Home

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 2:52 pm
by rdsmith24
Well I am using the 24VDC brought into the Ether16 and using IN5-IN7 for the Drive1,2,3AxisOkay. I can see them being lit up on the LED's when the Acorn enables the drives.

I'd be glad to know if I've done something wrong but I can see the inputs turn on and off on the board and the ALT I screen.

Re: Acorn+ClearPath Servos - Axis Fault during Home

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 3:24 pm
by Dave_C
rdsmith24 wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 12:19 pm What is the MDI key?
MDI + manual Data Input (or manual moves before homing)

F3 at the bottom of the page while in the top screen

Dave C.

Re: Acorn+ClearPath Servos - Axis Fault during Home

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 4:12 pm
by martyscncgarage
When you power up, you should be able to use the VCP Axis buttons to jog the motors.
You can remove the Axis1,2,3DriveOK Input assignments temporarily to see if you get motors to move.
If you left Ether1616 in its default, it takes a GROUND to pull its inputs low to activate them. The inputs themselves should not be receiving 24VDC.
The .pdf file you posted Acorn24VDCInputs.PDF shows that it takes a 24VDC COM to activate the inputs.

Please sketch how you have things wired ( a schematic per se') and post it.
Marty

Re: Acorn+ClearPath Servos - Axis Fault during Home

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 4:21 pm
by martyscncgarage
I see you have another thread going. Could you kindly stick with one thread please?
Thanks
Marty