Thanos Troubleshooting

• Motion feels very slow/sluggish
• Motions cut out during gameplay
• Motion isn't working correctly or not at all
• Sim Racing Studio only sees one Thanos4U when using 2 controllers

An additional Actuator Setup Links guide created by our community is available here: https://www.simracingstudio.com/forum/motion-profiles-actuator/actuator-setup-links

Motion feels very slow/sluggish

If all motion feel slow, ensure you have the latest firmware update for your Thanos controller and verify step #25 has been completed in the firmware update guide here: https://www.simracingstudio.com/forum/motion-profiles-actuator/thanos-firmware-update-guide

Also ensure you Spike Filter is set high enough for the game you are playing. If the Spike Filter is too low (under 1800), it is possible it is engaged all the time and making motion very slow. 

Motion cuts out during gameplay
If motion cuts out during gameplay, try the following steps: 

• Verify that USB Power Management is turned OFF in Windows
  1. Open Device Manager
  2. Select Universal Serial Bus controllers
  3. Select any that are listed (Note: you will need to do these steps for all the listed devices)
  4. Right click on the selected controller
  5. Select Properties
  6. Select the Power Management tab
  7. Turn off (un-check) "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power"
  8. Click "OK"
• Verify you are utilizing USB 3.0 ports or higher to ensure high bandwidth/low latency
• Do not use a Powerline Adapter type network that works through your wall sockets. This can cause issues with internet and network connectivity due to potential EMI from the servo drivers within the power lines. 
• To avoid bandwidth or latency issues, do not use the Thanos AMC Controller on a USB Hub unless it is the only device on the HUB. The Thanos connection require high bandwidth; a direct connection to the PC or a Powered USB HUB with only the Thanos controller is recommended. 
  
• Use a common wall socket to avoid ground loops
• Ensure the platform is properly grounded
• Route the Thanos USB cord away from power cables
  
• Ensure the USB cord used for your Thanos AMC Controller has a ferrite core on it
  

• Ensure you have an EMI Filter installed 

Motion isn't working correctly or not at all

If motion isn't working correctly (ie. one actuator is moving wrong or not at all) or there is not motion at all, the most common issue is a loose wire. Double check all your wired connections for your platform. Below are some suggested areas but is not all inclusive:

• Check all the wires connecting your actuators to the servo drivers and ensure they are wired correctly.
• Check that the servo cables are connected tight, wires are connected internally, and that all cables are routed so they are not damaged. 
• Check that all power connections are tight and secure for the servo drivers. 

If all wiring has been checked, please perform a motion test with only the Thanos controller. Use the test procedure on page 5 in the Thanos user manual located here: https://github.com/tronicgr/AMC-AASD15A-Firmware/tree/master/Manual-and-Datasheets?ref=hgw3cy4vty

E-Stop isn't working with two Thanos4U controllers

If you have more than 4 actuators, you will need two Thanos4U Motion Controllers. In order for a single Emergency Stop Button (eStop) to work with two Thanos4U Controllers, you must connect them via a 3-Pin Female-to-Female Jumper Cable. These are not included with the purchase of the Thanos4U Motion Controller.  It is highly recommended to: 

1. Use as short a cable as possible to mitigate interference as the cable can act like an antenna.

2. Use a shielded cable, if possible, to avoid EMI interference
   
   

When using a single eStop, the 3-pin Jumper Cable can be connected to either the left or right side from the Primary Controller to the left or right side of the Secondary Controller. Any combination will work. Once the cable is connected, no other settings on the Thanos4U or SRS are required for the single eStop to work. 

Note: Connect the eStop RJ45 cable to the Thanos4U Controller that you want the LEDs to be displayed. 

Example non-shielded cable (Note: 5 cables are shown):