Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don't work as smoothly as you'd like. Take a look at the following common issues and steps to address them.

MOTOR IS JERKY

Your Smart Chain Hoist motor may need to be auto-tuned. Auto-tune from Spikemark and run the motor again.

Double check all motor and brake terminations in the Harting connectors on installed cable and in machine whip. A loose or poorly terminated brake lead can cause jerky motion and VFD faults.

There may be an issue with the parameters on the VFD, double check that they are correct and adjust them according to the table above. Be aware that improperly set parameters can damage your scenery and/or machine.

LUBRICATION

As with all chain hoists, lubrication is essential to the longevity of the chain. A chain improperly lubricated is not only loud, but can also be dangerous. The increase in friction will cause the dry chain to grind and wear itself out.

The frequency in which you lubricate your hoist chain varies depending on the amount and severity of use. Industrial use of chain hoists usually calls for weekly intervals of lubrication, however it is your discretion if you need to lubricate your hoist chain more or less frequently.

The type of oil used for lubrication is also important to your chain hoist. There are many different oils that can be used, however they should all use an ‘EP’ additive. ‘EP’ or ‘Extreme Pressure’ additives allow your lubrication to stay between your chain links under a full load. CM recommends the use of 10R mineral oil by Lubriplate. The Smart Chain Hoists that we send out pre-oiled with Toolmates 7043 oil by Aervoe. (Note: Never use motor oil as a chain lubricant.)

STAGEHAND DISPLAYS DRIVE FAULT

Your E-stop may be engaged. Check to make sure that your E-stop is plugged in and disengaged.

There may be an issue with the parameters on the VFD, double check that they are correct and adjust them accordingly. Be aware that improperly set parameters can damage your scenery and/or machine.

VFD IS FAULTING

E.EECT - confirm signal cable is connected to the Smart Chain Hoist

E.OSD - most likely a faulty connection in the Motor/Brake cable. Check terminations.

LIMIT SWITCH

If your drive is showing FWD, REV, or ULT Limit, you are on a limit. Jog in the opposite direction to clear the error. If you have a need to travel further, adjust the limits accordingly. Be aware that improperly setting limits can damage your scenery and/or machine.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you get stuck, we’re here to help. The best way to get in touch with a tech expert is via email - even during normal business hours - because most days we are spread around the shop and may not be near the phone. There’s someone in the office from 8:30a-5pm EST Monday - Friday and will return an email or phone call quickly. After hours (honestly when most tech support issues arise) we have a crack team monitoring email and voicemail who will respond quickly to help get you moving.

Last updated