Staff Assigned: Bill Lynch CFW error motor timeout. Error = 31004

Discussion in 'STX and STXL Series Cameras' started by hodmandod, Jun 17, 2019.

  1. hodmandod

    hodmandod Standard User

    Joined:
    May 11, 2015
    Messages:
    16
    Hi

    New SBIG STXL camera and FW8G wheel. When I am setting up in daylight, and testing things, I get the above error report.

    How should I deal with it please?

    Philip
     
  2. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2014
    Messages:
    9,934
    What software are you using to control the camera? Does it work correctly from CCDOPS?
     
  3. hodmandod

    hodmandod Standard User

    Joined:
    May 11, 2015
    Messages:
    16
    Hi Doug

    I am using TSXPro, which I have been using for years. It worked my last SBIG camera, and my Trius camera. The STXL is new.

    I have not used CCDOPS for many years. I guess I could load it and find out if it works. I will let you know.

    Regards

    Philip
     
  4. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2014
    Messages:
    9,934
    First steps - get your software up-to-date. Just because old cameras worked with old software doesn't mean newer ones will:
    • Update TSXPro to the latest version.
    • Upgrade your SBIG drivers: Download the latest SBIG Driver Checker (don't use the update button - the whole application has been improved) and update your drivers and, if necessary, camera firmware.
      To download a fresh SBIG Driver Checker use:
    ftp://ftp.sbig.com/pub/InstOps.exe

    Also what are the serial numbers on your equipment?
     
  5. hodmandod

    hodmandod Standard User

    Joined:
    May 11, 2015
    Messages:
    16
    Hi Doug

    TSXP is up to date.

    All the drivers were downloaded yesterday.

    I was not able to download the FTP file - I just got a blank screen.

    I tried it with CCDOPS, which gave this error:[​IMG]

    CFW Error
    Error occurred in the Query State
    CFW Motor Timeout

    Cam serial X1905000
    Filter FXD190102

    HTH

    Philip
     
  6. hodmandod

    hodmandod Standard User

    Joined:
    May 11, 2015
    Messages:
    16
    I'll be out for most of the day Doug

    Philip
     
  7. hodmandod

    hodmandod Standard User

    Joined:
    May 11, 2015
    Messages:
    16
    Hi Doug
    I am hoping to get a response to my last question
    Regards
    Philip
     
  8. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2014
    Messages:
    7,380
    Location:
    Earth
    Philip, Doug was out yesterday, and I'm at the CASCA conference.
    The ftp should just work from your browser.
    To attach an image, use the Upload a File button in the lower right.
    Does the filter wheel move at all when you power up the camera? Do you hear anything?
     
  9. hodmandod

    hodmandod Standard User

    Joined:
    May 11, 2015
    Messages:
    16
    Hi Colin

    I am not used to these forums. The filter wheel does move, and does go through each filter, and then it stops, after making a double click sound. This is the first time I have used it, as I only just got the needed fitting from Precise Parts.

    I will retry the FTP file.

    Regards

    Philip
     
  10. hodmandod

    hodmandod Standard User

    Joined:
    May 11, 2015
    Messages:
    16
    I downloaded the FTP file with no further problem.

    I opened CCDOPS, and went to filter choices. The first one said "CFW reported a Motor Timeout Error when calibrating/Initialising filter wheel"

    The second said "CFW Exerciser" had the same type of error.

    I would conclude that there is an issue with the filter wheel motor, the filters, or the cables.

    Please advise where I should go from here.

    Philip
     
  11. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2014
    Messages:
    7,380
    Location:
    Earth
    Is this new hardware (who's your dealer) ? Or new-to-you hardware?
     
  12. hodmandod

    hodmandod Standard User

    Joined:
    May 11, 2015
    Messages:
    16
    Hi Colin

    The camera and filter wheel are brand new from Diffraction Limited in Ottawa on May 21 st. I have yet to use them.

    Philip
     
  13. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2014
    Messages:
    7,380
    Location:
    Earth
    Philip,
    Our service expert Bill Lynch bill (at) sbig (dot) com and I have had a discussion.
    We are wondering if something happened to the Home Position sensor. This is an opto-electronic sensor used to find the position of the filter wheel.
    It may have come out of position, becomes blocked, or some electrical fault.
    It might be best to disconnect power, and then open up the filterwheel and have a look.
    Bill can provide additional info if necessary.
     
  14. hodmandod

    hodmandod Standard User

    Joined:
    May 11, 2015
    Messages:
    16
    I will do this Colin.
    You are probably wondering why I bought it in Canada. So am I. It must have been a senior moment, for which I paid heavily.
    Philip
     
  15. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2014
    Messages:
    7,380
    Location:
    Earth
    It could be as simple as a loose screw or something about when you installed the filters. We want to make it right.
     
  16. hodmandod

    hodmandod Standard User

    Joined:
    May 11, 2015
    Messages:
    16
    Hi Colin

    I looked inside the filter wheel, and found nothing that I could say was wrong. All wires are connected, and nothing is loose. I enclose an image.

    Philip
     

    Attached Files:

  17. Bill

    Bill SBIG Service and Repairs Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2014
    Messages:
    527
    Philp,

    Motor timeout leads me to believe the wheel isn't finding "home". In order to help determine if it is in the camera or the FW, do you have any other instruments that can be used to test the cameras I2C with? Another SBIG filter wheel or AO perhaps?

    -Bill
     
  18. hodmandod

    hodmandod Standard User

    Joined:
    May 11, 2015
    Messages:
    16
    Hi Bill

    I have the STXL CCD camera, and I have the FW8S-STXL / FW8G-STXL filter wheel. I also have a Klein Tools MM200 multimeter. My electrical skills are limited, as my memory has been badly damaged from Lyme disease. But point me in the right direction, and I will march.

    Regards

    Philip
     
  19. hodmandod

    hodmandod Standard User

    Joined:
    May 11, 2015
    Messages:
    16
    Hi Bill

    Shall I return it to you, or I could even drive it to you. Anything to speed up the process.

    Regards

    Philip
     
  20. Bill

    Bill SBIG Service and Repairs Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2014
    Messages:
    527
    Philip,

    You can send it but I was hoping to determine whether the camera and FW both need to come or just the FW. I suppose if you were to drive it, it wouldn't matter. You can just bring both. Send me an email, bill@sbig.com, and we can figure it out.

    -Bill
     

Share This Page