EasyTune

The EasyTune module automatically does a series of axis identification and servo parameter optimization steps on the selected axis with minimum user input necessary. In the Configure workspace, you can find this module in the Basic Editing mode of the Axes category → Servo topic. The output of EasyTune is equivalent to servo optimization that is done by an experienced controls engineer. If EasyTune completes successfully, it is not necessary for you to use the other tuning tools unless your application requires very low tracking errors for high-dynamic motion. When you use EasyTune, it is not necessary for the selected axis to be stable or enabled.

If the EasyTune module shows a message that tells you EasyTune does not support the selected axis, move directly to the Repeated Failures path of the Servo Tuning Workflows flowchart.

Each time that you run EasyTune, a log file is automatically saved to the EasyTune directory in your User Files directory.

  1. In the Axes category of Automation1 Studio, select the Servo topic. Then make sure that you are in the Basic Editing mode.
  2. Select the EasyTune module.
  3. Click the drop-down arrow to select the axis that you want to configure.
  4. To specify a performance target, select the Use a custom performance target box.
  5. Select the performance target that you want to use, which includes Conservative, Normal, and Aggressive. Aerotech recommends that you start with a value of Normal for the first time that you run EasyTune.
  6. Click the Start button to start EasyTune. If it is necessary to stop EasyTune, click Stop or click the Abort button in the application toolbar.
  7. If a dialog box comes into view and asks you, enter a Travel Distance (primary units) and Travel Speed (primary units / second) for the axis.
  8. When EasyTune is completed, the optimized servo gains and servo filters are automatically applied to the controller. Test the performance of the selected axis.
  9. If necessary, change the performance target. If the axis is slow when it moves into position, try a more aggressive performance target. If the axis is overshooting when it moves into position, try a more conservative performance target.
  10. Click the Start button to run EasyTune again.
  11. When the performance of the selected axis is satisfactory, click the Save All button on the bottom-left corner of the application. This makes sure that the updated parameters will have an effect after the next controller reset.

EasyTune does not always complete successfully. The table that follows shows common issues that might occur and how you can try to correct them.

Table: Troubleshoot EasyTune

Error Message Solution

EasyTune cannot identify the axis.

Before you start EasyTune, make sure that you are getting valid position feedback from the selected axis.

EasyTune cannot complete because the controller generated an axis fault.

If the axis fault is an End-Of-Travel limit fault or a Software Limit fault, make sure the axis is away from all the limits. Then click the Start button to do EasyTune again.

If the axis fault is a Maximum Velocity Command Fault, increase the values of the VelocityCommandThreshold and VelocityCommandThresholdBeforeHome parameters. Then click the Start button to do EasyTune again.

If the axis fault is a Position Error Fault and it is safe to continue, increase the value of the PositionErrorThreshold Parameter or use a more conservative performance target. Then click the Start button to do EasyTune again.

If the axis fault is an Over Current Fault, use a more conservative performance target. Then click the Start button to do EasyTune again.

EasyTune cannot optimize the axis.

If it is safe to continue, do the EasyTune procedure again. Make sure that you double the Travel Distance (primary units) and Travel Speed (primary units / second).