SteadiHub
2014Follow Focus forum

Motor runaway behavior during calibration on follow focus system

12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

What the thread found

  • A motor that continuously spins during calibration and cannot be stopped by normal controls typically indicates either encoder failure or wiring damage in the signal lines.
  • Checking and replacing the motor cable is a recommended first troubleshooting step before assuming internal component failure.
  • Factory reset can be attempted on digital systems by holding the calibrate button while connecting power.
  • Wiring faults can cause runaway behavior even if the encoder itself is intact, particularly when power or signal lines to the encoder are compromised.
  • Some systems include error handling that detects runaway conditions and automatically stops the motor to prevent lens damage.

Depends on

  • The original poster had an analog system rather than digital, so some digital-specific troubleshooting may not apply.
  • The issue resolved itself after cable adjustment, so the root cause was not definitively identified.
  • Recommendations assume access to testing equipment like a multimeter to diagnose wiring problems.

Parts

Follow Focus

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