Error Code 18

[ColinPT0357]

Hello All
I am having problems with no motor output and over-current errors.
SFR-1 firmware v1.50b
Battery Nimh 7.2v or Lipo 2S 7.4 (configured correctly in ST for each type during tests).
Nothing else plugged into SFR-1 except data cable, S-Bus to Prop 6 and speaker. Lighting outputs disconnected.
Motor is external to truck and wiring is a simple two connections with good integrity. Definitely no shorts / loose wire.
Radio is RadioLink AT10 and receiver is R9DS configured for S-Bus.
Motor setup completed.

SFR-1 starts up normally (I have a start up function) and sound plays. When connected, the steering works fine. No error messages - everything as expected.

Cruise control is activated. If I run the throttle without a motor connected, the sound changes as expected. Braking and re-acceleration sounds work correctly. All as expected.

If I connect a motor, it doesn’t turn at all as the throttle is increased. On full throttle (still no motor turn) after a few seconds, the motor jolts momentarily as the SFR-1 shows error code 18 (using the diagnosis) and confirmed with the LED codes. On a couple of occasions I have had error code 1. As a result I removed the card, put it in thew PC, reformatted and loaded date back. Re-inserted the card. Starts up fine.

I don’t think the Code 1 is relevant personally. The Code 18 is puzzling. The Motor cables from the SFR-1 are free, no shorts or damage. No heat, no smell.

The diagnosis shows correct tx/rx control between 1000ms and 2000ms, centring at 1500ms. DAT attached.

Finally, I’ve tried two different motors. Each time the result is as above. PS both motors are new and spin freely.

[Rascal]

Hello Colin,

which motor (make and model) are you using?

When you say you changed the motor - same type or different?

[ColinPT0357]

Hi Rascal
I have two motors: a new - out of the box - Tamiya ‘540’ standard can motor and the one fitted to the gearbox is a Carson Truck Puller.

[Rascal]

Thanks.

The diagnosis only shows Error Code 1, which indicates a problem with the SD card. Since there has been some changes to the SW recently that affects the SD card the problem might be caused by this, so Andy will probably have to take a look at that.

What card are you using?

In the meantime you could try another SD card if available (different brand / model) to see if that makes a difference.

[BEIER-Electronic Andy]

Could you please try testing a different SD card?

If the error still persists, you would likely need to send the SFR-1 to us for inspection.

[ColinPT0357]

Thanks for this Rascal, your help as always is much appreciated. I was a little surprised that say, one in four of the live diagnostic runs I made, threw up the SD card error not the Code 18. This is why I removed the card and went through the process of reformatting etc. The SFR-1 error LED codes don’t seem consistent. Some times Code 1 and mostly Code 18. This is the first time I’ve experienced this in fitting over fifty of these units to date!

Last week I fitted a SFR-1 (different job), brand new out the box, and the SD card was completely unresponsive. Wouldn’t format at any price even using powerful software. I binned it, put in a new one and it worked fine.

Anyway, I’ll have a look around for a replacement card and try that.

Is there any value in rolling back the firmware / SW?

[ColinPT0357]

PS for info..

I appreciate the DAT file I sent had the Code 1 in it. I have another file with the Code 18 in it. Of interest, I noticed in the Code 18 file the diagnostics consistently showed there was no current draw at all (shows 0 Amps) and yet it shuts down as if there’s a short circuit.

[ColinPT0357]

Sorry, in answer to your question: the card is the one supplied with the unit. It is a 16Gb. Photo attached.

[ColinPT0357]

Unfortunately I have run out of MicroSD cards. I’ve ordered some for delivery tomorrow.

[ColinPT0357]

UPDATE:

I can’t explain why, but under Speed Controller > Channel reversion > Inverting motor. I ticked the box, sent it to the SFR-1 and now it works. Grateful if you could tell me why motor inversion suddenly makes this work? Surely the motor isn’t polarised and therefore it should work with or without the box being checked. Yours confused..