Troubleshooting

Most common issues

Problem	Solution
When running forward, the encoder position decreases. When running reverse, the encoder position increases	The encoder and motor have electrically inverse polarity. You need to either change the motor wiring or the encoder wiring. Re-wire the motor to match the encoder polarity: Swap two power legs on the motor by swapping the wires on Pin 1 and Pin 2 inside the motor plug. – OR – Re-wire the position encoder to match the motor polarity: Swap signal A with signal B Swap signal /A with signal /B
The OLED status display is dark, but the main power indicator is on.	The motion controller may be disconnected internally, to fix it: Unplug the power cord from the Stagehand. Remove the motion controller by loosening the 4 #10 socket head cap screws surrounding the motion controller. Gently pull the faceplate forward to view the back side of the circuit board behind the faceplate. Check that all terminal blocks are securely mated onto the circuit board.
Motor runs roughly or makes strange noises when jogging manually.	Run the auto-tuning procedure outlined on page 14.
The FWD LIMIT or REV LIMIT fault messages are displayed on the status screen and the motor won’t move.	Make sure the Encoder/Limits cable is plugged into the rear of the Stagehand. Check the placement of your limit switches, if either are physically activated, adjust the placement to clear one or both switches. Check the limit switch wiring, confirm that the switches are wired Normally Closed (N.C.) Use the limit override button to allow you to jog the machine off the limit
ULT LIMIT fault message is displayed on the status screen	One (or both) Ultimate limits are engaged. Check limits and clear manually before moving. If you are not using the ULT limits, call Creative Conners.
I’m trying to jog or run the motor, but nothing is happening and the status display shows “SET IP” or “SET SUBNET”	The motion controller is in IP/Subnet Address setting mode, which happens when the knob is pressed (either intentionally or just bumped in passing). Confirm the IP or Subnet Address is correct and turn the knob until the cursor is blinking over the word CANCEL and then press the knob. The motion controller will now be in normal mode and can operate the motor again.
Drive faults whenever the motor tries to move. Stagehand displays “DRIVE FAULT” and the Drive fault icon is showing in Spikemark	There are a few reasons why the drive may be faulting: Confirm the drive fault is cleared. Clear a drive fault by either: Removing mains power for 30 seconds Reset the drive from the Stagehand menu in Spikemark Confirm the brake is releasing by checking voltage at the motor/brake cable Confirm the machine is free to move (no obstruction in the deck track) Open the Apprentice and look up the fault code in the Mitsubishi manual that is shown on the VFD keypad.
The motor operates great with the manual jog controls on the Stagehand but will not operate from Spikemark	Confirm the Stagehand Apprentice is connected to the Stagehand Network with a CAT5 cable Confirm the IP Address and Subnet Address are set correctly Confirm the IP Address of the Stagehand matches in Spikemark Confirm Spikemark is in LIVE mode
Motor won’t run in cue	Confirm the Stagehand is connected and clear of any faults Execute the auto-tuning procedure noted on page 14 Tune the motor within Spikemark, see the Spikemark manual for details.