Troubleshooting when programming with the PGT-08-S

General information

The PGT-08-S is a programming tool for programmable absolute and incremental encoders using the software SOPAS ET.

Programmable incremental encoders are recognisable with the electrical interface "P" or "M",  programmable absolute encoders with the electrical interface "P", "R" or "S".

Programmable incremental encoders are:

• DFS60
• DFV60
• DFS2x
• VFS60

Programmable absolute encoders are:

• AFS/AFM60 SSI
• AFM60 SSI + incremental
• AFM60 SSI + sin/cos
• AHS/AHM36 SSI

There are two possibilities how to connect an programmable encoder to the PGT-08-S:

• spring terminals if the encoder has a cable outlet
• adapter cables for encoders with a connector

2) Wrong adapter cable

If the encoder has a connector please make sure to use the correct adapter cable. Due to the programmable encoders have different pin assignments there are also different adapter cables available to connect the encoder to the PGT-08-S.

A wrong adapter cable can damage the encoder or the programming tool!

In the following table you see which adapter cable belongs to which encoder. For some programmable encoders there are two adapter cables with a M23 or a M12 connector available.

3) Wrong assignment of the spring terminals

The easiest way to conntect a programmable encoder with cable outlet with the PGT-08-S is to use the spring terminals.

Same as described in the last point, there are also different pin assingments for the spring terminals depending on the encoder.

One pin assignment is for all incremental encoders, the other one for all absolute encoders. Basically only two wire colors are different.

Please check if the correct pin assignment is used.

4) Isolated wires in the spring terminals

If the correct pin assignment is used, there is another error source that happens sometimes.

The talk is about that there is no connection between the wires from the encoder and the spring terminals. There are two possible reasons:

• the wires from the encoder are not stripped long enough.
• the wires are stripped long enough but are inserted too far into the spring terminals so that only the insulation of the wire is clamped.

Please avoid those two points. If the stripped wires look like in the picture below after putting them into spring terminals then you can assume that the connection is good.

5) Wrong SDD file

Please make sure to always use the latest SDD-file for the PGT-08-S.

At the moment the latest version is V2.3 (on the homepage it shows V2.2).

Sometimes and especially for encoders with an old firmware/datecode it is necessary to install older firmware versions.

In the following table you get an overview of the different and available SDD file versions and the date of their publication.

For more information and to get the older firmware versions, check out the following link.

6) Wrong search settings in SOPAS ET

If the encoder is connected correctly from the hardware side, but is not getting recognized in SOPAS ET automatically, try the following way to find it:

1. Click on "search settings...".

2. Select "Interface oriented search" and click next.

3. Select "PGT08s communication" and click next.

4. Select "Unnamed" and then click on the button "Finish".

Afterwards the PGT-08-S as well as the connected encoder should be getting recognized and a window should pop-up asking if the correct adapter cable is used.

7) Customized/ Exclusive encoders

There are also customized and exclusive encoders out there recognizable by the "-Sxx" in the end of a typecode. 

Sometimes those encoders also have a customized pin assignment which is different to the standard pin assignment.

Therefore please make sure to check the pin assignment before you connect those encoders to the programming tool to avoid that the encoder gets damaged. 

8) More recommended suggestions/warnings/safety notes

• Please always use the latest software version of SOPAS ET. Check for the latest upgrade here.

• When connecting an encoder, make sure you are grounded. Static charges can damage the programming tool and/or the encoder.

• The programming tool is supplied with voltage exclusively via the USB interface. Under no circumstances an external voltage supply should be connected! The connection of an external voltage supply damages the programming tool, the encoder and the connected PC.

• The USB interface of the PGT-08-S hardware is designed solely for direct connection to a computer. USB hubs or extensions should not be used.

• The programmable encoders must be connected directly to an adapter cable or the spring terminal block. An extension cable must not be connected in between.

• The SOPAS software is designed for use on a Windows® PC. Other operating systems or virtual machines are not supported.

• Disconnecting the connection to the encoder prematurely can cause data loss and damage to the encoder.

For more information please check out the operating instructions on the following link.