Over time, the need to increase device sizes and thus socket pins counts has increased, with this, some sockets require higher forces to fully open sockets.  On manual systems this is not too much of a problem as the operator manually opens the sockets, however, on automated sockets this can cause problems by premature failing of stepper motors and sockets not opening fully.

As a result, BPM provide upgrade options to improve the strength and reliability in two ways.

1. The development of a simple stepper driver upgrade route
   Automated programming sites contain 1 stepper driver board to power both steppers.
2. The development of the S class programming site
   Automated programming sites contain 2 stepper driver boards, one for each of the higher torque steppers.

Option 1 is a quick, simple and cost effective solution in most case, whilst Option 2 provides a more long term solution but requires more rework making it a return to base upgrade with a higher associated cost than Option 1.

Option 1 can also be carried out by competent production engineers in a matter of minutes, without the need to use a field engineer or return equipment for rework.  Full instructions are provided with each upgrade, which includes an upgraded Stepper Driver Card, additional power cable and cable ties.

So if you are experiencing issues with sockets not opening correctly then please contact your local Adaptsys sales or service engineer to discuss the purchase of a 7th Gen Stepper Motor Driver Upgrade.  It would be useful to specify the revision of the stepper driver board that is currently used on your site, which can be found on the underside of the Stepper Driver PCB which is the board with two connections to it, from the stepper motors.

The part should be WWAVSTEPxxx