What does this mean?

[GeorgeCarey]

When I consult the log file I see this. What are the blue lines all about?

 

 

 

Balance Test Speed (degree per sec)=0.2
Balance Test Time before reversal (seconds)=5
13:19:47.483: ...End INI FILE
13:19:47.483: *************************************
13:19:48.824: readInt16 read error  2x. Received error# from ftdxx.dll was 3072
13:19:48.824: Now trying ResetDevice, this returned  0
13:19:48.840: readInt16 after ResetDevice still not working, returned error#  3072
13:19:48.840: Firmware Version Number 0
13:19:48.918: Axis 1 synched to 0.00
13:19:48.980: Axis 2 synched to 0.00

[Waldemar]

What about this as an alternative power supply?

 

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/375w-linear-dc-variable-voltage-bench-power-supply-rp10l

Looks good... be aware that the small snap-on connectors can only deliver  3A.  Somewhere in the ASA documentation I read a warning against the use of lab type power equipment, I don't know if this one falls into that category.  I don't know why, either...

 

Mean Well makes very nice switching power supplies too. Smaller and a lot cheaper.

[GeorgeCarey]

My existing power supply is a MeanWell. I would be surprised if it is really the problem.

I have sent another email to ASA for help.

 

http://www.meanwelldirect.co.uk/product/150W-12V-12-5A-High-Reliability-Miniature-Enclosed-Switching-Power-Supply/RS-150-12/default.htm

Edited April 7, 2015 by GeorgeCarey

[nakbrooks]

My PSU is a Siemens industrial one - not particularly cheap but seems rock solid. As an aside, how do I access the logged power data - is it logged by default or do I configure this in Autoslew?

[GeorgeCarey]

Hi Nigel,

You have to tell Autoslew to log the data.

I think it is in 'Drive.... Settings'.

[MarkS]

Interesting!

 

I run either from a power supply set at 12.5V, or a 12V battery which does not drop below 12.5V even if running all night.

 

Some time ago I asked ASA about voltage; their advice was to keep it at or above 12V.

 

Mark

[Adamo]

 

Hello Adamo,

 

My voltage was 11.8V. There is a small adjuster in the power supply and I have increased the voltage to 12.7V.

 

It may be too soon to be sure but the DEC current at the moment is almost steady, only a very small rise.      

 

George

 

 

Me enough and works well.

Edited April 8, 2015 by Adamo

[GeorgeCarey]

The power supply easily gives 9+  amps.

 

[GeorgeCarey]

New power supply, capable of 30A. Very low ripple and noise,

The problem remains.

 

[Waldemar]

So... are you going to send the mount back to ASA George?  It seems you are out of options now...

[GeorgeCarey]

I am waiting to hear from ASA. The only option I haven't tried is to power the mount with a12V battery. I charged a big car battery up but the voltage was only 10V so I did not use it.

However, I am almost certain that it is not a power supply problem. The voltage in DEC rises in the same way every time, and is slow and steady. Voltage spikes would tend to produce random errors.

Yesterday I did a trial and got a similar effect in the RA Axis, which is quite rare. It is almost as if the error occurs when the total current hits 5A (limit set in the ini file), and then whichever current is highest runs away to 5A. I will post yesterday's graph later.

I might try altering the 5A limit set in the ini file and see what happens.

[Waldemar]

^{Be careful not to toast the coils.}

[GeorgeCarey]

Yes, I would only try 5.5A to start with. This is the graph from yesterday:

[MarkS]

Hi George,

 

From all you have shown, I think it is NOT a power supply problem. As I observed previously, my set-up with the ASA10N never gets anywhere near 3A total - let alone 5A!

 

I think it's over to ASA.

 

Regards,

Mark

[Waldemar]

Did you check if the electrical resistance changes while rotating the mount by hand?  If that would be the case, it could indicate damaged wire insulation.

[GeorgeCarey]

I am not sure how that would be done. I don't fancy taking anything apart.

[tbaehnck]

Hi George,

 

I think it is aprox.1,5 -2 years ago that I have the same problem as you. The currents in DE rises and end up with a possitioning error.

I send the mount back to ASA and in deed there was something damaged within the DE-axis. In the same step I got the last electronic update. I never got any details about the failure, but I think it will be the best to contact ASA and send the mount to them before you waist your time in searching the failure.

Best regards

Thomas

[Waldemar]

I am not sure how that would be done. I don't fancy taking anything apart.

No need to take anything apart. Just disconnect from the powersource and connect your Ohm meter over the plus and minus leads.

The value in ohms will be the total resistance of the main electronics in your mount.

If you turn the axes one by one and you see a change in resistance towards sero on your meter, you will know that something is wrong with the internal cabling.

Maybe damaged shielding. Not that you would take it apart to repair or so, but it may satisfy some curiosity and it is a simple measurement.

Of course there can be other causes.

Edited April 19, 2015 by Waldemar

[GeorgeCarey]

Thanks everyone for your help. I have contacted ASA and am waiting to hear from them.

George

[Waldemar]

I really hope your problem will be solved fast.

[GeorgeCarey]

Thanks. I got an email from ASA today.

[GeorgeCarey]

I ran a test with a 12V car battery. Same problem, so we can rule out power supply problems.

Over to ASA.

[Gerald]

George, I recommend to contact ASA support on this issue?

 

Gerald

[GeorgeCarey]

Thanks Gerald. Martin has replied to my request.

[GeorgeCarey]

The mount is going back to Austria

[Waldemar]

Hi George, 

 

Any news about your mount, yet?

 

Regards,

Waldemar

Edited May 19, 2015 by Waldemar