SN‐14034230 - How to adjust reference sensor V3

Introduction

The Motion Platform V3 can generate a various range of vibrations and rapid movements. That kind of operation can cause slight movements of internal motion platform’s components, but it will never cause any malfunction. The only component that is not allowed to change its position is control board. If the control board moves away by ~0.5mm from the arms, the reference sensor might not work correctly anymore.

Procedure

If the motion platform reports reference sensor error or stall error, please perform following steps:

1. Turn the device off.
2. Turn the device on and observer what happens with the arm – no 1 is USB socket side, no 2 is power socket side.
3. If the arm moves to the middle and then goes to maximum top or maximum bottom position, then:
   1. Turn off the device
   2. Turn on the device
   3. If the arm returns to the middle position and then goes again to maximum top or maximum bottom position, then go to “Checking encoder cable” section.
   4. If the arm stays at the maximum top or maximum bottom position, then go to “Adjusting reference position sensor distance” section.
4. If the arm stays at the maximum top or maximum bottom position and never goes to the centre, then go to “Adjusting reference position sensor distance” section.
5. If the arm stays somewhere in the middle (between maximum top or maximum bottom position) and don’t want to move, then go to “Checking e-brake” section.

Troubleshooting Diagram

ESD Safety Guidelines

• Before working on any device containing a printed circuit, ground yourself and the equipment you are working on to an earth or building ground. If possible, ise a grounded conductive workbench mat and a grounding wrist strap or heel strap, and ground the equipment to the mat.
• Handle all ICs by the body, not by the pins. Do not touch the edge connectors, exposed circuitry, or printed circuits on boards or cards.
• Never place components on any metal surface. Metal surfaces can hold a static charge that will damage sensitive electronic parts. Use antistatic, conductive, or foam rubber mats.
• Do not touch anyone who is working on ICs. If you touch someone who is properly grounded, your “zap,” or body charge, might cause damage. Always keep your own body charge away from other technicians.
• Use static-shielding storage bags for boards and ICs. Before you leave your bench to take a board to a storage place, put the board in a static-shielding bag.
• Don’t wear polyester clothing or bring plastic, vinyl, or Styrofoam into the work environment. The electrostatic field that surrounds these non-conductors cannot be totally removed without the use of an ionized air generator.

Checking encoder cable

1. Prepare tools (2.5 mm bit or 2.5 mm hexagon socket)

2. Unscrew screws on the lower plate.

3. Push the white connectors (2 pcs) on the encoder.

4. Unscrew the service windows (2 pcs) on the back of the platform.

5. Use your finger to press against the white connectors (2 pcs) on the encoder.
NOTE: There is no need to remove top or bottom covers, the photos was taken without covers only to better show the encoder.

Steps 4 and 5 are unlikely to be needed and more probable is that the cable under the electronics is disconnected.

Adjusting reference position sensor distance

1. Prepare tools (2.5 mm bit or 2.5 mm hexagon socket)

2. Unscrew screws on the lower plate.

3. Loosen screws on both sides that hold the electronics (a few mm is fine).

4. At the indicated point on the plate, press as far as it will go (the electronics must move towards the arms), hold it and tighten the screws.

5. On the power socket side, there is an additional bolt that needs to be loosened in order to move the control board up. This step will require an additional flat screwdriver and 5.5mm wrench.

Attention! The bolt is made of plastic. Do not unscrew completely!

 6. It is also recommended to clean the sensor with spirit.

7. The distance between the RED component attached to the arm and the sensor should be 1~2mm.

Checking e-brake cable

Please check the document called How to adjust Motion Platform V3 E-Brake to see how to inspect and readjust e-brakes: