selector stepper error / trimmer error

[mtgraphix]

Hi everyone [img]smile.gif[/img]

Before I say anything, let me assure you that I have already searched the forum for help; I find several people with the same error messages I have, however, there seems to be no resolution.

The message(s) I get:
"Selector stepper index error - not on index while sewing"
and also the same message about the trimmer.

I have an the red AMAYA and current software. The machine will stitch, however it doesn't trim and stops for each color change to give me an error code; I have to trim the thread manually, cancel the msg and push start to get it going again.

So far I have:
1. cleaned and oiled the trimmer

2. uninstalled and reinstalled my software, just to be certain. . . .I recently changed to Vista and also had to change my software versions to get it to work at all. . .

3. called tech and gone through the troubleshooting steps with them - detect trimmer, test, etc.
(My trimmer does not always move, and makes a horrendous noise during the test). Which led me to remove the cover over the PCB and blow off any lint, and checked and re-seated all the connections.

4. I took the cover off the arm so I could see the front of the cables, cleaned out the dust, etc. I did the 'test' function again. . .still no better, and the noises seem to be coming from further back in the machine, behind the arm. I am contemplating taking off the cover at the back of the arm - where it attaches to the machine - to see if the problem is there.

My gut suspicion is that something is either broken or detached? And I'm not really sure HOW that can happen?

Any suggestions?
thanks. . .
Judy

[mtgraphix]

PS - Roland - are you at Sunrise in Claremont? If so, I might stop by. . .

[Rod or Sharon]

Judy,

There is a small stepper motor that drives the pushrod for the trimmer/selector mechanism. From your description, there is a distinct possibility that this stepper motor is going kaput....and need to be replaced.

Rod Springer
Amaya Tech & Trainer

[mtgraphix]

Thank you!!!

How do I go about replacing it?

[mtgraphix]

Found this in my manual:

Cutter Not Home/Cutter Stepper Index Error


This message is displayed when the Start Button is pressed to begin sewing or a Head Timing Function is performed, but the software detects that the cutting blade is not in it's home position. Sometimes this error will occur if there is an obstruction to the moveable knife. All you need to do is execute the steps described in step 1 of the troubleshooting chart below, and then press the Start Button and proceed where you were.

If you are getting this error frequently, troubleshoot the problem using the steps shown in the table below.



1.)
Check for a bind or obstruction of the moveable knife assembly.
Obstruction found = Remove the obstruction

No obstruction = Go to Step 2

2.)
Verify proper connection of the trimmer motor harness and at the optical sensor PCB located in the cavity of the lower arm. (Access it from the back side by removing the lower arm rear cover.)
Loose connection = Secure the connectors. If necessary use cable ties.

No loose connections = Go to Step 3

3.)
Inspect the harnesses for bare, broken, or pinched wires, chaffing or other damage.
Any found = Replace the trimmer motor harness.

No damage to wires = Go to Step 4

4.)
Conduct a "Cutter Function Test" and observe the status of the cutter as provided in the test procedures.
Status box does not alternate between "Open and Blocked" = Replace the trimmer motor optical sensor PCB. The sensor is not detecting home.

Status box alternates back and forth = Go to Step 5

5.)
Test the optical sensor using the steps prescribed in "Testing Optical Sensors"

**Optical Sensors Test

Figure 1 - Breaking Optical Sensor Signal



Prior to testing optical sensors, clean them using compressed air only. DO NOT use any liquid cleaners or solvents on the sensors. You will permanently damage them if you do.

Testing optical sensors is simply done by using a nonmetallic object and break the signal between the two sensors on the optical sensor PCB (use nonmetallic material in order to avoid shorts if you accidentally touch an electrical component). When you move an object between the two sensors on the optical sensor PCB, the corresponding LED on the Main PCB will illuminate on breaking the signal and turn off when you remove the object from between the two sensors.

If the corresponding LED on the Main PCB fails to illuminate but the Main PCB is functioning properly, then the optical sensor is probably defective, provided continuity in the harness is good on all leads (check only if you replaced the harness). Refer to the replacement section for the respective optical sensor PCB for locations of the corresponding indicator LEDs on the Main PCB.

Optical Sensor is dirty = Attempt to clean it or replace it


Optical Sensor good = Contact Melco Technical Support. The Main Control PCB might be defective.


Guess I know what I'm doing this afternoon. . .again. . .

[Rod or Sharon]

That information is related to the Big Red Amaya. XT Amaya trimming systems are totally different and therefore the above instuctions do not fully apply.

You are now entering the realm of the tech world where things can/may get very complicated. Where advanced training is required to understand the connection of the complex systems that can/may affect each other in combinations. Where certified techs have spent thousands of dollars to learn what is necessary to fix and/or repair the Amaya to it's full potential.

Fixing a specific problem is one thing, finding the "Root Cause" that caused the issue in the first place is another....

Good luck in your adventure with the old Big Red.....

Rod Springer
Amaya Tech & Trainer

[mtgraphix]

Actually I'm hoping it's just a dusty sensor. Much beyond that & I will be calling my not-so-local tech guy. I'm sure you can understand why I try to troubleshoot and fix it myself when my nearest tech guy is about an hour away; I would feel like an idiot if I called him up here for something stupid that I could have taken care of myself.
LOL "Ain't Skeered" hahaha

[The Embroidery Authority - OLD]

Judy,
If you say you're getting the error "selector stepper not on index", AND you have the RED covers on your machine.....

Rod, back me up on this....

I'm going to guess that your machine was manufactured around the end of 2005.
Which means you have one of the earliest Amaya XT's. To add to what Rod said about what techs must go through to be "Certified"....
Most Amaya owners don't want to be bothered with all of the changes that your trimming system has gone through over the last three years. They would just want it to work right.
However, to make sure it's fixed correctly, and to last as long as possible, you will want to know that someone has taken into consideration all of the latest upgrades and apply what's necessary to do the repair correctly.

Without seeing the machine, I'm guessing your problem is with one or more of a:
sensor
motor
trimmer assembly
cable
housing
cable block
bracket
main board
software
etc...

This may be why you haven't found a definite source for this issue in the archives.
I respect your willingness to fix it yourself. If I could give you free help over the Internet, I would. From what you've described, I'm guessing it's time to replace a part or two.

Best of Luck,
Ed Orantes
504-258-6260

[Rod or Sharon]

Regardless of the machine, the stepper index error would mean the selector is not returning to it's full home position and will not allow the needle to drop as a safegard.

There were some Pre-Production XT's that were Red & White in color. The easiest way to identify one is the presence of the round sewing arm vs the flat top sewing arm of the older Big Reds. I personally have one of the Pre-Production XT's.

Both will give the selector stepper index error if the cuter/selector is not where it needs to be on the next attemped down stroke of the needlebar.

There ya go Ed....got your back....

Rod Springer
Amaya Tech & Trainer

[mtgraphix]

OK, Thank you both - now I know I'm not crazy. I was told that it was an early XT, and it DOES have the round sewing arm, it is red and white in color.
Guess I better call the tech guy. darn it.

[mtgraphix]

so, here's the story:
My tech was here today. . .
it was the pcb board that runs the trimmer.

So, nothing I could have done would have changed anything. . . and I understand that this part is a very uncommon failure.
Now I am wondering if a recent power outage could have had anything to do with it? Surge?
I usually unplug at the end of the day, but sometimes it goes out while I am working if we have wind, snow, etc. (it's maddening)

Anyhow - thanks Rod and Ed for your help, I appreciate it [img]smile.gif[/img]

[signman]

We have a good size APC power backup hooked to ours...and by gosh, it worked! Power went out last month in the middle of sewing, and the machine kept right on working. Power was back shortly but the machine did finish what it was doing without a burp!
You can get APC brand backups at Staples now-cheaper than buying direct. I have about 6 of them in the office and shop-every computer is on one, various 'sizes' from 500 to 1500. It's cheaper to buy a new one than a battery replacement sometimes, so when I have to replace one-I get the next size up. Cannot run a printer on one (laser printer) because it draws too much amperage or something.

[The Embroidery Authority - OLD]

Judy,
Good to hear you're back in the game.
Just Curious, who was your tech?

Ed

[mtgraphix]

signman that's a good idea. I have everything on surge protectors and usually unplug when not in use, but we do get power snaps occasionally during the day around here.

Ed, my tech is Brian Kirk from Manchester, NH. It didn't take him long to figure it out. . .