User Guide

SideWinder
ECM Motor
Winding Section Analyzer
TM
Model SW-5
Specifications
Contents and Specifications....................2
Safety Information...................................3
Using Your SideWinder.......................4-5
Training Videos and Adapters.................6
Avoiding Problems and Help...................7
Warranty.................................Back Cover
2
This manual has information to help you safely use
your SideWinder tool to test ECM Winding Sections.
Please read it completely before using your tool.
Maximum Input Voltage ..................9VDC
Maximum Phase Voltage........Hand-Spun
Unit Size ...........6.5”L. x 4.75”W. x 2.25” H.
Unit Weight .....................................12 oz.
Warranty .........One Year Limited Warranty
Adapters for new winding section
connectors are available; see our website
(www.ZebraHVAC.com) for details.
Contents
Safety Information
• This manual is NOT comprehensive training.
Do not use this tool if you are not a trained and
experienced HVAC Technician. Additionally,
study the training videos located on our
website before using this tool or a new adapter.
• ECM Motors and their power supply circuits
have voltages that can be lethal. Capacitors
inside the Modules retain high voltages after
the power has been removed; heed the
motor’s cautions and warnings to remain safe,
even after the power has been removed.
• Inspect this tool before each use. If any part of
the tool (including, but not limited to: the case,
wire insulation, connection clips, or wire
harness) becomes damaged, loose, broken, or
frayed; discontinue use of the tool until
repaired or replaced. An accessory case for
our companion product (Universal Zebra)
designed to protect your tool and its
companion adapters, is available from your
Distributor, #UZACC.
3
First, use a voltmeter and other tools (such as
ZebraHVAC’s Universal Zebra) to diagnose the
system. Don’t just assume the motor has a problem,
because the thermostat calls for fan, and it isn’t
running. Do you have the proper power (120v or
240v) at the motor’s input terminals? Do you have
an incoming low-voltage signal commanding the
motor to run? Remember, ECM motors always have
main power connected to the motor, it’s the low
voltage signal, on one or more command lines, that
starts/stops the motor, and determines its speed.
Next, disconnect any plugs and wires from the
motor. Don’t remove the module yet. Spin the shaft
by hand, feeling for any unusual resistance. You are
feeling for something that might feel like a “tight
bearing”, but with strong “pulses”. Experience will
help you feel the normal, slight “pulses” in the shaft
rotation, or notice much more resistance than usual.
That strong resistance would indicate a shorter path
than usual in the windings section. But wait - a
problem in the module could cause that as well, (like
shorted output transistors) so you need to remove
the module and disconnect the module/winding
connector. Now, try the “spin test” again. If the
resistance went away, or decreased dramatically,
then the problem is in the module, not the windings.
However, if there was no unusual resistance at all,
proceed by connecting the SideWinder’s harness
(including an adapter, if necessary) to the winding
section. Connect the ground clip to the motor frame.
4
Using Your SideWinder