Send a
driver enable
command. The device does not require homing.
Communication Errors
There is no communication with the device; the Yellow LED does not come on or flash.
There are several things that should be checked:
Make sure the correct serial port is selected. Try selecting other serial ports in the software.
Check the baud rate, hand shaking, parity, stop bit, etc. when configuring the serial communications
software. The required settings are listed in the
RS-232 Communications
section above.
Make sure there are no bent pins in the ends of all the data cables
Make sure the device is powered. The Green LED should be on.
If the computer is a laptop running on batteries, try plugging in the power. Some laptops disable the
serial ports when running on batteries.
Make sure a null modem adaptor or cable is not being used.
Make sure the correct adaptors(if any) are being used. Refer to the pinouts in the
RS-232
Communications
section above.
If the problem was encountered when trying to control the device with custom software, try using
one of the demo programs from the Zaber website to verify that the hardware is functioning properly.
Two or more devices both respond to commands sent to device 1.
Most devices are shipped with their device number set as 1. If you connect the devices through Zaber
Console, you will be prompted to renumber them. If you aren't able to install and open Zaber Console, send
the
renumber
command in the software you are using to set all of the device numbers to different values.
The Yellow LED comes on briefly when sending a command, but the device does not move and does not
reply.
Check baud rate, hand shaking, parity, stop bit, etc. are set as per the
RS-232 Communications
defaults.
The device numbers may not be what is expected, issue a
renumber
command. Make sure that the
computer does not transmit anything else while the devices renumber.
If the problem is encountered when trying to control the device with custom software:
Use a demo program from the Zaber website to verify that the hardware is functioning properly.
Make sure that the receiving part of the code or commercial package is correct.
Check the serial port settings are correct.
Check connectors for bent or broken pins.
Slipping and Stalling
The device moves smoothly, but only moves for a short time then stops. The Blue LED is flashing but the
device is not actually slipping or stalling.
The internal encoder counter needs to be re-initialized. Reset the device by power cycling it or
sending
system reset
command, then re-initialize it with the
home
command.
Ground the device and avoid operating it under statically noisy environment.
The device makes noise but does not move. The Blue LED is flashing.
The device is stalling.
Try removing all external loads. If the device now extends and retracts normally, the problem is excessive
load. Try to reduce the load and ensure the load is less than the maximum thrust. A higher thrust or torque
can be achieved by lowering the speed of the device using the
maxspeed
setting.
If a device is stalling with no external load at default speed and acceleration settings then it requires
servicing.
Warranty and Repair
For Zaber's policies on warranty and repair, please refer to the
Ordering Policies
.
Standard products
Standard products are any part numbers that do not contain the suffix ENG followed by a 4 digit number. Most, but
not all, standard products are listed for sale on our website. All standard Zaber products are backed by a one-month
satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, we will refund your payment minus any shipping
charges. Goods must be in brand new saleable condition with no marks. Zaber products are guaranteed for one
year. During this period Zaber will repair any products with faults due to manufacturing defects, free of charge.
Custom products