Hello! I am using a FG401MA with a Arduino Mega attempting to control it via PWM, but have yet to successfully magnetize. I followed the quickstart guide for wiring and code but get an error every time I attempt to magnetize or demagnetize. The status LED will start in unknown state and will show the demagnetizing light sequence (when commanded) but will enter error state shortly after. The same issue happens when sending a magnetize command, although it is more inconsistent on showing a change of state at all. I can clear the fault per the sequence described in the user manual but always fault when I give it a command.
I am connected to a lab power supply and have tried several voltages within the 5-30V range, and have the gripper placed on a large ferromagnetic bench. My oscilloscope shows a PWM signal that is in the correct ms ranges from the user manual.
I am not using the CAN interface, but have tried various PWM frequencies and also the voltage level control with no success. Any advice or help would be appreciated!
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Hi Noah, can you please specify the order number and also check the error code reported by the magnet during fault?
To be able to check the error code you’ll need a CAN adapter (like CanFace).
Assuming both power and PWM signal are correct, this sounds like a failed unit.
Maybe a silly suggestions: did you make sure that the power supply current isn’t set to zero? (This will cause the magnet to timeout while trying to magnetize, one of the possible causes of a Fault pattern appearing.)
If you provide your order number we can ship you a replacement.
PS: The first time it failed at what voltage did you power it? Was is something higher than 20V? Reason I’m asking is that we noticed the occasional failed magnet would fail at higher supply voltages and are working on a firmware update to address this. If it was powered at less than that, it’s something we haven’t seen before.
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The order number is Z3071.
My plan is to eventually integrate the switching with a Pixhawk 6c. Am I able to pull the error codes through the pixhawk or are there limitations? that is my only CAN interface I have available.
I took a picture of my power supply while troubleshooting, and it was set to 28V, 1A. Early on I was hearing an audible clicking from the demagnetizing state, but it has since stopped clicking.
It should also be noted early on I did not understand the ferromagnet had to be near to magnetize so I believe that is why it was not changing states. But I had thought it was a power issue so I bumped up use my programmable power supply.
It is likely a manufacturing defect. We have recently discovered and fixed a reliability issue that has unfortunately affected a number of magnets from the previous batch; we have informed the larger customers of this. Can you please share your order number (either here or to sales@zubax.com with a link to this thread) so that we could ship a replacement? Also please confirm if the original delivery details are still applicable.
I have sent an email with the shipping and ordering information, the only order number I see is Z3071.
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