Troubleshooting Excessive Position Error on Kinetix 350 Drive (2097-v33pr5-lm) in Studio 5k

Question:

Hello, I am experiencing the mentioned fault on my Kinetix 350 drive (2097-v33pr5-lm) while using Studio 5k on my laptop. This system has been functioning well for the past 2 years. I have conducted a thorough check for any potential mechanical binds, all of which seem to be in good condition. Despite this, the fault reoccurred after producing 3 parts. Subsequently, I disconnected both the feedback and power cables on the motor's side to inspect the connectors, which appeared to be in good shape. The pins on the motor itself also looked fine. However, upon reconnecting these cables, the same fault resurfaced after a few parts were produced. Following this, I power-cycled the entire machine, essentially restarting the servo drive. As of now, it has been running smoothly for the last 30 minutes. Nevertheless, I anticipate another fault in the near future and am seeking potential troubleshooting methods. The manual suggests checking the feedback connections. Is there a way to further inspect this cable beyond a visual check? Can I utilize a voltmeter or ohmmeter for measurements? Additionally, I came across information suggesting that rerunning the hookup test and auto-tune can be beneficial, so I intend to try that next. Any additional advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Top Replies

If it were up to me, I would simply opt to substitute the cable instead.

I will attempt that, however, I am curious as to why restarting the panel only provided a temporary solution to the problem. This situation seems to suggest a potential issue with the drive. If the problem was related to the feedback cable, wouldn't simply re-plugging it in resolve the issue?

I understand your point, but it's worth considering that checking the cable is the most efficient and cost-effective way to troubleshoot before resorting to replacing the drive or motor.

Although I am not an expert on Kinetix drives, if you are encountering a "position error" in your Kinetix system, consider adjusting the acceleration rate slightly. Position error is crucial for the servo to command torque accurately, as it represents the difference between the actual position of the axis and where the controller believes it should be. When the position error is significant, the servo commands more torque to correct it. With the continuous use of the drive over time, components may have worn out, requiring more torque to move the axis compared to when it was first installed. This increase in torque demand during acceleration could lead to the drive operating at its current limit, resulting in a buildup of position error. Additionally, there may be a setting to define the acceptable level of position error in the system.

Intermittent faults can occur while in motion or at a standstill, with no specific pattern. This leads to suspicions of a possible cable issue causing the problem. The unpredictability of the issue makes it quite puzzling to diagnose.

From what you've shared, it seems like you've done a good job troubleshooting thus far! Indeed, you could use a voltmeter or ohmmeter to check for discrepancies that might not be visually identifiable; a guide on how to use these tools can be found online for detailed instructions. Additionally, rerunning the hookup test and executing an auto-tune is an excellent idea and often resolves related issues. Also, consider updating your drive's firmware if you haven't done so recently, as outdated software could sometimes trigger faults. In worst-case scenarios, the Servo Motor could be failing itself, but exploring these other options first would be wise to confirm. Best of luck!

Your troubleshooting steps sound quite thorough so far! Yes, you can certainly use a voltmeter or an ohmmeter to checked the feedback cable, as this will ensure there isn't a break in the line that might not be visible to the naked eye. Just be sure to reference the specifications in the manual to crosscheck your readings. Also, implementing the hookup test and auto-tune is a good idea. On top of these steps, you may want to look into software-related causes. Occasionally, firmware updates can cause unexpected issues. So, you could investigate if there have been any recent updates that may need to be rolled back or bugs that need to be addressed. Keep troubleshooting, you're on the right track!

It sounds like you're undertaking a comprehensive troubleshooting process for your Kinetix 350 drive. Regarding your question about using a voltmeter or ohmmeter to inspect the feedback connection, yes, you can definitely use those tools. An ohmmeter would help you identify any discontinuity. Also, using the voltmeter, you can check if the voltage level within the cable is acceptable and consistent. As for the auto-tune and hookup test, it's a viable option as well. It could help reset the servo gain which might solve your intermittent issue. Remember to ensure your control loop tuning parameters are well optimized. As a last-ditch effort, consider swapping the drive with a different but similar system to check if the issue persists - this could help you identify if the fault is drive-related or not. Hope this is helpful and fingers crossed for a smooth operation ahead!

It sounds like you’ve done a thorough job so far troubleshooting! Since you've already visually checked the connectors, using a multimeter to test the resistance and continuity of the feedback cable can definitely provide more insight—just be sure to disconnect power first for safety. If you notice any irregular readings, that could indicate a problem with the cable itself. Rerunning the hookup test and auto-tune is a smart move; sometimes recalibrating can resolve persistent issues. Also, keep an eye on environmental factors like temperature and humidity, as those can affect performance too. Good luck, and I hope it stays smooth for you!

It sounds like you've done a thorough job troubleshooting so far! Since you've already checked the physical connections, using a voltmeter or ohmmeter can definitely give you more insights into the integrity of the feedback cable. You’d want to measure the resistance across the pins to ensure there are no intermittent breaks. Additionally, make sure that the cable is routed away from any sources of electrical interference, as this can lead to noise issues. Rerunning the hookup test and auto-tuning is also a great step; it can recalibrate the system to determine if there's any drift in settings that might be causing the fault. If the issue persists, sometimes observing the system during operation can reveal patterns or specific conditions that trigger the fault. Good luck, and I hope it stays smooth for you!

More Replies →

Streamline Your Asset Management
See How Oxmaint Works!!

✅   Work Order Management

✅   Asset Tracking

✅   Preventive Maintenance

✅   Inspection Report

We have received your information. We will share Schedule Demo details on your Mail Id.

To add a comment, please sign in or register if you haven't already..   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What could be causing the excessive position error fault on my Kinetix 350 drive in Studio 5k?

Answer: Answer: The fault could be due to issues with feedback connections, mechanical binds, or other factors affecting the motor's performance.

FAQ: 2. How can I further inspect the feedback cable beyond a visual check on my Kinetix 350 drive?

Answer: Answer: You can utilize a voltmeter or ohmmeter for measurements to ensure the feedback connections are functioning properly.

FAQ: 3. Are there specific troubleshooting methods recommended for addressing the excessive position error fault on the Kinetix 350 drive?

Answer: Answer: Yes, rerunning the hookup test and auto-tune as well as checking feedback connections are suggested troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.

Ready to Simplify Maintenance?

Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have transformed their maintenance processes.
Sign up today and start optimizing your workflow.

Request Demo  â†’