GS Series Drives Frequently Asked Questions
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Question:
Will the DOP professional software work with the GS series of drives?
Answer
The DOP software is no longer available The DOP software is used exclusively to program Hitachi (discontinued) drives.
For the GS1, GS2, and GS3 drives, use the GSOFT software.
For the DURApulse GS4 and GS20 series AC drives, use the GSOFT2 software.
FAQ ID: 944
Question:
How can I establish a minimum speed on the GS2?
Answer
Adjust P-6.16 lower bound of output frequency.
FAQ ID: 945
Question:
Can the GS1 drive perform dynamic braking?
Answer
No, it does not have this function. Also, since the dc bus is isolated internally, a dynamic braking unit would not be feasible either.
FAQ ID: 946
Question:
Can I use the MOP type terminal speed control with acceleration and deceleration times of less than 1 second? E.G. settings 14 and 15 for DI3-DI6 on GS2 and 14 and 15 for DI3 and DI4 on the GS1.
Answer
For the GS1, GS2, and GS3 drives
No.
When the acceleration time or deceleration time is set below 1 second, there is not enough time for the cpu to process the speed change. If the lower times are required, use any of the other methods of speed control available.
FAQ ID: 950
Question:
Can I power the GS3 series drives from the D.C. Bus?
Answer
No the GS3 has input phase detection that will not let the drive run without three phase input.
FAQ ID: 1029
Question:
My horsepower requirements fit either the GS2 or the Durapulse drive families, which is the best choice for me?
Answer
The GS2 is now obsolete, but it really depends on your application requirements.
Few key points:
- GS3- Only drive with Vector encoder feedback.
GS4- for larger HPs up to 300., sensorless vector control
GS20- most advanced drive. Sensorless Vector with most precise control.
FAQ ID: 1030
Question:
Can I use these on electric vehicles?
Answer
AutomationDirect is a direct seller of automation and industrial control products such as PLCs, sensors, pushbuttons, AC drives/motors, enclosures, operator interfaces, and much more.
AutomationDirect is aware that many engineers and hobbyists are currently designing or converting vehicles from internal combustion engines to electric engines. Our current drive and motor products are intended to be used in industrial applications. As a result, AutomationDirect does not currently support or encourage the use of our products in electric vehicles. We apologize for this, and may revise this policy at a later date if more suitable equipment becomes available.
FAQ ID: 1073
Question:
Is there a good way to do a master/follower with the VFDs?
Answer
Master/follower is a combination of AC drives and motors to get the follower motor to have a proportional speed of the master motor.
The GS2 and GS3 VFD's have an analog output 0-10 Volt for frequency.
This can be used for outputting an approximate speed control signal.
Error can be from 1% to 5 %, depending on the speed percentage; at lower speeds, the error is bigger.
You may offset the input frequency of the follower using the parameters P4-01 to 4-03
Just connect AO of the master into the analog input for frequency set point on the follower with a wire. Connect the ACM terminals from the master to the follower.
Program the analog output for frequency and the analog input for 0 10 Volt (P4-00 as 2)
If you want higher precision, consider the use of Durapulse drives with encoder feedback.
This will reduce the error to less than 0.5%.
In either case, this is not electronic gearing.
GS4 and GS20 both have 0-10V inputs.
GS20 allows single pulse input feedback which can be set up to command a slave drive which would be the most accurate way to do this
FAQ ID: 1076
Question:
Do you have a cable to connect my GS2 drive to my DirectLogic or Click PLC?
Answer
Yes
For one GS2 drive ONLY, you can use the GS-RJ12-CBL-2 to connect to the 2nd port of a DL05 or Click PLC. The slider switches on the GS2 need to be in the RS232 positions.
For 2or more Drives, from one 06 or 260 you can use
GS-485HD15-CBL-2 to any port on the ZL-CDM-RJ12X4 or ZL-CDM-RJ12x10, then plug GS-485RJ12-CBL-2 cables into the drives and any remaining port on the CDM module. The slider switches need to be in the RS485 positions.
FAQ ID: 1191
Question:
How can I set a higher maximum speed (RPM/frequency) than 60hz for the drive and motor ?
Answer
For GS1, 2, and 3 drives, change the setting in P0.04 (Motor Maximum RPM)
For the other drive series (GS4, GS20, WEG) please refer to parameter settings for maximum operating frequency in the appropriate manual.
Do not exceed the motor manufacturer's maximum RPM specification
FAQ ID: 1245
Question:
Does the GS1 have Line Start Lockout feature like the GS3 ?
Answer
Yes;
- P6.30 Line Start Lockout
- 00: Enable Line Start Lockout
- 01: Disable Line Start Lockout
- default = 00
FAQ ID: 1265
Question:
Can the sinking type 4 - 20mA analog output of the Click PLC be used to provide a speed reference signal for the GS series drives?
Answer
The GS2 and Durapulse drives are compatible with the 4 - 20mA sinking analog output of the Click PLC. The GS1 drive is not compatible as the discrete and analog inputs share the same common connection. Wiring should be as follows:
- + (18 - 30VDC, PS) connected to AI (analog input of drive)
- - (18 - 30VDC, PS) connected to ACOM of Click PLC
- ACM (analog common of drive) connected to DAxI of Click PLC
FAQ ID: 1312
Question:
I get a duplicate function error when setting external source of speed.
Answer
For the GS1, GS2, and GS3 drives, Set 4.13 = 4
FAQ ID: 1376
Question:
Can I feed a GS3 drive with single-phase 230volt input and power a 3-phase motor? Can I use a single high-leg 230 volt supply (one power leg at 230v and a neutral), which is common in Europe?
Answer
Yes, but only up to the 3HP rating.
No derating is required.
For a single high leg supply, the 3 hp maximum still applies, and you connect the high leg and the neutral to any of the L supply terminals.
Note that only GS1-2xxx, GS2-2xxx or GS3-2xxx are suitable for this, as they are 230volt drives.FAQ ID: 1520
Question:
Can I use a drive on a mill or lathe?
Answer
While possible, the main limitation is a VERY important one- you will lose power if you slow the motor down with a drive.
This means you can't take heavy cuts, or use large cutting tools, which are the primary reasons for reducing speed.
If you are reducing speed for hand operations like sanding, then there should be no issues. The same holds true for light cuts, the power loss due to the reduced motor speed may not affect the operation. But...you must be aware that it could.FAQ ID: 1552
Question:
My GS3 won't auto-start after a power outage ( or after a shift to generator power). What can I do to correct this?
Answer
Momentary Power Loss
The GS3 drives have a maximum setting of 5.0 seconds for P6.02 ( Momentary Power Loss), but larger GS3 drives ( about 5 hp and up), can actually take longer to fully power down.
So if the power is off for 6-12 seconds, the drive becomes stuck in a gray area, and won't go back into RUN.
What is ideal is to have a main supply contactor upstream of the drive, that is controlled by a Time Delay Relay, in On-Delay mode.
Once the power comes back on, the TDR begins timing, and after 15 seconds, it closes the Normally Open contact pair it energizes the contactor, which supplies power to the drive. The drive had sufficient time to fully power down, and will power up normally.
As an alternative, use the TDR to make sure the RUN signal doesn't come on to the drive till after that 15 second period. The TDR breaks the signal from DCM ( or +24, depending on drive setup) and Digital Input 1. So the TDR is powered up, as before, and after 15 seconds, it closes its' contacts and makes the circuit into Digital Input 1, for the RUN command.
MS4SM-AP-ADC is an example TDR
TP411X base for TDRFAQ ID: 1603