
8 • XM678D I&O Manual 026-1219 Rev 3
If the current measurement using the method
described below is less than the recommended value
by more than 20%, the CPP parameter may be
increased by up to 2 (12 to 14 or 16 to 18). The CPP
parameter must be less than 20 when using the
Inductor Extender (P/N 335-3500).
For a CPP parameter of 12, the measured current
should be near 120 mA AC, for a CPP setting of 16,
the measured current should be near 160 mA AC.
Below is a description of using an AC current meter
to test a stepper valve:
Using an AC Volt meter to measure the voltage across
a stepper valve will not produce accurate results if the
valve is driven by a voltage chopper constant current
valve driver. XM678D controllers use a voltage
chopper constant current stepper valve driver.
The stepper valve voltage can be checked by using an
in-line True RMS AC current meter. The AC current
meter will produce a more accurate reading than AC
voltage due to the valve drive switching the voltage to
the valve on and off at a frequency much higher than
a voltmeter can read. The voltage chopper constant
current valve driver maintains a constant AC current
through the valve while the valve is moving, which
makes an AC mA meter ideal to test the valve. The
current can be read in each of the stepper valves two
windings/phases. Due to the fact that current unlike
voltage is the same at any point in a wire, the current
test can be performed at the XM678 controller or at
the valve, and will have the same results. It is no
longer necessary to take apart the case or get on a lift
to access the valve, the in-line current test can be
performed at the most convenient location.
An AC clamp meter will not have enough resolution
to read the stepper valve milliamps.
If the current meter used is not a True RMS meter, the
readings will be approximately10% higher due to the
stepper drive producing square waves and not sine
waves.
1. Power down the XM678D controller.
2. Disconnect the Sporlan valve white wire from the
XM678D controller.
3. Connect the meter red lead from the meter 10A
terminal to the Sporlan valve white wire.
4. Connect the meter black lead from the meter COM
terminal to the XM678D controller where the
Sporlan white wire was removed.
5. Change the meter dial selector to AC amps (~A).
6. Note the mA terminal on the meter. It should be
labeled 400 mA or 300 mA.
7. Power up the XM678D controller.
8. Cycle the valve and verify the meter AC amp
reading is less than 0.3A.
9. If step 8 reading was less than 0.3A, power down
the XM678D controller and move the meter red
lead from the meter 10A terminal to the meter 400
mA or 300mA terminal.
10. If the meter dial selector has an AC mA selection
(~mA), change to the AC mA selection.
11. Power up the XM/678D controller.
12. Cycle the valve and record the maximum constant
meter AC mA reading.
13. The mA reading should be within 20% of the Phase
current CPP setting.
14. The valve voltage can be calculated by multiplying
the mA reading by the valve coil resistance. For
example: 102 mA x 100 ohm valve coil = 10.2V.
150mA x 75 ohm valve coil = 11.25V.
The 2nd valve coil current/voltage can be tested by
repeating the above procedure on the Sporlan valve
Green wire and XM678D controller.
The in-line AC mA meter is also compatible with the
constant voltage stepper valve drivers used in the
MultiFlex ESR, CC100, and CCB.
CAUTION: 0.3A is 300mA; if the AC amp
reading in step 8 was above your meters mA
terminal label: STOP and check. DO NOT
proceed or your meter will be damaged.