Today while working on code/electronics, one jaguar started flashing red. We changed the PWM’s, and whatever jaguar the PWM was plugged into flashed red. We had it working before, so it may be an electrical problem, however, our code has changed drastically since we were last able to test it.
Looking up on Luminary Micro’s website, a slow blinking Red light means a “Fault condition”. I’m not exactly sure what this refers to.
What should we look out for to get the Jaguar working again?
if your code has all checked out correctly, then i would put in another jaguar and test it out. it will take about 5 minutes but its worth it. Just connect the voltage in and the pwm. if their signal lights check out, then completely swap the old one out. (of course this only works if you have a spare which is a good idea to keep around anyways)
There are 4 things that can cause a fault condition:
Power supply under-voltage
Over temperature
Over current
Limit switch activated in the current direction of motion
We had one die on us was well. We checked what we could and eliminated all three causes except ‘Over Temp.’ It does not make sense for a controller to be “hot” when it hasn’t been used in 24 hours. We think there is some sort of malfunction in the temp sensor, however, we do not have the resources nor the expertise to troubleshoot the problem further.
If the flashing red light is following the PWM, then your code is instructing the Jaguar to run, probably at a very low rate if the motor is not turning. The Jaguar (or Victor) will either flash green or red when it is between neutral and full power, depending on which direction the code instructs.
I hope your problem is minor and you can sort it out quickly.
This just reminds me of the time I was helping a programmer, and I was looking at one of our Jags. He asked what it was doing and I reported that the light was blinking. He asked what color it was blinking… my response: “COLORBLIND!!!” haha made for quite a comical situation!