Troubleshooting
We aim to make any product as plug and play as possible, though sometimes challenges crop up right out of the box or years down the road. See below for solutions to common operational challenges.
Motion
Issue | Checkpoint |
Motion is not smooth | Confirm cable is wrapped correctly on drum |
Confirm cable rigged correctly through any mule and turnaround pulleys | |
Confirm deck track is clear of obstructions | |
Check PID tuning in Spikemark:
| |
Motor is spinning, drum is not moving | Confirm lower drive belt is connected and intact |
Drum is spinning, fairlead is not moving | Confirm upper drive belt is connected and intact |
Stagehand Display
Stagehand Display | Checkpoint |
E STOP + IP Address | The E-stop cable is unplugged or the E-stop is engaged |
DISCONNECTED + IP Address | Machine is on and ready to connect to Spikemark |
CONNECTED + IP Address | Machine is on and connected to Spikemark |
SET IP | Confirm the IP Address is correct, use the scroll wheel to highlight OK and click |
SET SUBNET | Confirm display shows 255.255.255.0, use the scroll wheel to highlight OK and click |
DRIVE FAULT | The Servo Drive is in a fault state, reset from Spikemark or by removing main power at the breaker for 30 seconds |
FWD LIMIT + IP Address | The Forward limit is engaged. Adjust position of roller arm limit switch or manually jog off the limit |
REV LIMIT + IP Address | The Reverse limit is engaged. Adjust position of roller arm limit switch or manually jog off the limit |
Blank Display | Check main power and local breaker |
Connection/Power
Issue | Checkpoint |
Stagehand display is blank | Confirm machine power is connected and local breaker is ON |
Able to manually jog the machine from the Stagehand but unable to connect through Spikemark | Confirm IP Address is set correctly on the Stagehand as well as in Spikemark |
Confirm Ethernet cable is connected | |
Confirm network switch is connected and powered on |
Rigging
Check out the "How To Rig a..." slideshow.
Issue | Checkpoint |
Cable is rubbing on keeper | Re-rig so cable is on the correct side of the keeper |
Cable not aligned with drum grooves | Re-rig so cable exiting the fairlead pulleys is aligned with the drum groove |
Adjust fairlead pulleys along the ACME rod. See the section titled “Partial Rigging” for instructions. | |
Drum noise | Confirm fairlead/drum alignment |
Excessive cable wear | Confirm fairlead/drum alignment |
Lubrication
Like any machine, the moving parts will stay moving longer if they are properly lubricated. The ACME rod that the fairleads travel on is the only item that needs lubrication.
Inspect the ACEM rod prior to load in. Any excess dirt on the ACME rod should be wiped off and reapply a synthetic grease. We use Super Lube - you can find it at your local home improvement store or industrial supply house.
The Linear guides do not need to be lubricated.
Last updated