ELL14 Motorized SM1 Optic Rotator
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting and FAQ
Page 14
DTN000522-D02
The device is not responding during cleaning or optimization
This is normal.
The cleaning and the optimization routines block a device and the associated communication bus for several minutes. When
one of these routines is initiated, the bus is unavailable until the routine is completed, and the device replies busy ‘0GS09’ to all
commands except the stop command ‘0st’ (for a unit at address 0). The stop request can take up to 5 seconds to abort the
operation.
During these routines, the unit may increase in temperature by several degrees. Because of this inherent temperature increase,
consecutive cleaning and optimization routines should be avoided.
After optimization or cleaning, allow a 20 min cool down period before use.
What is the typical product life time?
ELL14 product life time is restricted by the wearing of moving surfaces and the motor contact as motion is started (due to
resonance build up) and performed (due to friction), and is expressed in km travelled. Lifetime will depend on several factors
(e.g. load, number of homing operations, number of frequency searches etc.) and users must take into account all these factors
when considering life time. For example, homing requires more travel than a simple motion, and a frequency search may not
generate any motion at all, but still energizes the motors fully.
The unit is not designed for continuous operation. Users should aim for a duty cycle of less than 40% wherever possible, and
never exceed a duty cycle of 60% for longer than a few seconds. Furthermore, it is good practice to move in the shortest path,
so from position 350° to 5° it is better to move CW 15° (relative move) rather than CCW 345° (absolute move).
A typical lifetime is more than 100 km or 600,600 revolutions.
Handling
The rotator and interface board are robust to general handling. To ensure reliable operation, keep the surface of the plastic track
contacted by the motors free of oils, dirt, and dust. It is not necessary to wear gloves while handling the linear rotator, but avoid
touching the track to keep it free of oils from fingerprints. If it is necessary to clean the track, it may be wiped with isopropyl
alcohol or mineral spirits (white spirit). Do not use acetone, as this solvent will damage the plastic track.
Summary of Contents for ELL14
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