Service Center

What is an Enable Code?

An enable code is a unique string of numbers that is tied to the serial number of the machine, providing important benefits.

• The enable code registers your TigerStop product for convenient access to technical support, upgrades, and service.
• The enable code activates any additional software or accessory options purchased, such as Cut List Downloading, Dynamic Optimization, or Label Printing.
• Your TigerStop product warranty starts on the day an enable code is provided

When a TigerStop machine is powered on for the first time, the display will ask you for an enable code. You will need to obtain and enter an enable code before you can start using your new TigerStop machine. To get an enable code fill out an online Warranty Registration Form in the Service section of the website.

How do I get an Enable Code?

To get an enable code fill out the Warranty Registration Form. It is located in the Service section of the website and can be submitted online. If you are having difficulties doing so online, please copy and paste your answers into an email addressed to service@tigerstop.com. You may also call TigerStop’s Service Department +1 (360) 448 6102.

You will need to obtain and enter an enable code before you can start using your new TigerStop machine. Your enable code is associated with your machine’s serial number. To find your serial number watch the below video.

Why won't my display turn on?

There are a number of reasons that a display won’t turn on, mostly having to do with power reaching the screen. It is easy to verify that power is reaching the screen.

On a SawGear, the LCD screen is back lit if it is receiving power. On our other machines, there is a small LED immediately to the right of the TigerStop logo on the keypad. That LED will be lit green if power is reaching the keypad.

Why is my LED screen flashing?

This frequently means that the safety chain is not functioning properly on an Advanced Interconnect Kit (AIK). Pull the kill line, push the E-stop, and then reset both to the safe position. If your AIK has a large box with a clear plastic top, then you’ll also need to push the blue ‘safety reset’ button on that box.

Why is my LED screen off?

If the LED is off start by checking power into the machine. Use a multi meter set to AC voltage, and measure the power as it leaves the wall or on the power cable as it enters the amplifier (or the SawGear Powerhead). DO NOT unseal and open the amplifier for this step, or at any other time while the amplifier is plugged in.

Check the fuses by removing them, one at a time, and testing for continuity with a multi meter. If your amplifier is silver, then there is likely a fuse drawer on the outside of the amplifier where the power cable plugs in (8A, 250V, fast-acting). The other fuses are located inside the amplifier. DO NOT open the amplifier until the power cable has been unplugged. See the Amplifier Installation Guide for complete instructions. You’ll find a row of two or three fuses (1A, 250V, fast-acting) on the exposed edge of the amplifier. If the amplifier has no fuse drawer, then there is also a single fuse (8A, 250V, fast-acting) near the bottom edge of the circuit board, between incoming power and the round tower capacitors. The SawGear Powerhead has no internal fuses, but there is a fuse drawer as on the modern amplifier.

If the LED is off, power is reaching the amplifier, and all of the fuses are good, then it’s time to check for power leaving the amplifier. Make sure the amplifier is sealed, plugged in, and turned on. Use your multi meter to measure DC voltage on the six pin circular port on the back of the amplifier. Be careful not to bridge between the pins with your probe, as this can blow a 1A fuse. Measure between the center pin and the first pin counter-clockwise from the notch (i.e. the first pin counterclockwise from the gap between pins). You should see a steady ~24VDC (20-28V is fine). If you don’t, it’s time to replace the amplifier.

On a SawGear; if you verify fuses and incoming power but the display isn’t back lit, then it’s time to replace the Power Head. You may order a new replacement power head here.

If the LED is off, but power is leaving the amplifier, then there is most likely a problem with the controller cable or with the controller. If additional working TigerStops are available, test the suspect controller and the suspect cable in those systems (separately). If not, ring out the cable and then replace the controller if the cable tests well.
If the screen doesn’t power up, but TigerStop seems to respond normally to commands, the screen contrast may be set incorrectly. You can restore factory settings to reset the contrast. This is also a good thing to try when a SawGear is back lit but the display doesn’t light up. Restore factory settings.

Why don't my keypad buttons work?

This typically happens because of a keypad membrane problem. Replacing the keypad membrane usually solves the problem. Keypad membranes are available for version 4 and 5 electronics as well as for the SawGear.

On the TigerStop product line, the keypad membrane can be tested in boot diagnostics. Using Boot Diagnostics to test keypad. Boot diagnostics are not available on the SawGear or on electronics earlier than version 3.50.

Why won't my machine home?

There are a number of factors that will prevent a machine from properly homing. These include the motor, the amplifier, the encoder, the end sensors (limit switches), and mechanical difficulties. Most of these possibilities can be tested in boot diagnostics. On version 4 electronics, boot diagnostics are accessed by holding down the ‘program list’ button while powering up. On version 5 electronics, boot diagnostics are accessed by holding down the ‘stop’ button while powering up.

How do I use boot diagnostics to troubleshoot my machine?

Boot diagnostics is a simple toolset for checking basic functionality on your TigerStop. Boot diagnostics is not available on SawGear or on electronics earlier than version 3.50. If you have a SawGear, try repeating the first power up (page 10 of the install guide). This solves many startup problems. Another troubleshooting tactic is to separate the Powerhead from the measuring bar to see whether either of them acts up independently. Watch the boot diagnostics video below.

Why won't my positioner move?

There are many reasons why a TigerStop brand machine may stop in the middle of a move. Here is a list of common x out causes and their fixes.  You may be suffering from an end sensor problem, a minimum limit problem, calibration problem, or a mechanical issue.

• Check Minumum/Maximum Limit settings here.
• Use the Motor/Belt Replacement Guide to disassemble your TigerStop and check for debris.
• Test your End Sensors here.
• If the above options don’t work please contact service@tigerstop.com

Why is my positioner inaccurate?

There are many reasons why you may be suffering from inaccuracies. Troubleshooting accuracy problems can be complicated, but if you follow this guide closely, you can solve any issue you are having.

Check part square
If you are cutting parts, check to make sure the cut end of the part is square. An unsquare part can be a sign that the accuracy issue is being caused by inadequate clamping or from the part moving during processing. An unsquare part can also be a sign of excessive saw blade run out. The TigerStop may also be mounted unsquare to the blade.

Check the TigerStop pusher attachment
The pusher attachment mounted to the TigerStop carriage may have mechanical play if not mounted properly. This can cause accuracy and part square issues. A quick way to check for this is to try and wiggle the TigerStop pusher attachment by hand. If you get any front-to-back movement, you will want to remount the pusher attachment. If you still have play, then you may need to check the flip away mounting or check the belt to ensure you don’t have any damage. See the TigerStop Installation Guide and the TigerStop Belt and Motor Replacement Guide for instructions.

Check the saw tolerance
In some situations, accuracy problems can be caused by the saw that TigerStop is mounted to. To check the saw:

a. Move TigerStop to a short distance.
b. Cut 6 parts, without moving TigerStop.
Note: You will be using TigerStop as a stop for this exercise
c. Using a caliper, measure each part. Each part should be the same length. If there is any deviation, make sure it is within your saws specified tolerance. If the parts are beyond your saws stated tolerance, you know your accuracy issue is, at least in part, caused by the saw.

Does the accuracy problem happen only when running a parts list?

If you are running a pusher or pattern part list, does your accuracy issue only happen when inside these lists but its accurate in manual mode? TigerStop handles accuracy differently in manual mode than it does inside a pusher or pattern parts lists. If this sounds like your accuracy issue, you will want to check and set the Kerf setting. Use the TigerStop Version 3.50 – 4.72 Users Guide or the TigerStop Version 5 Users Guide for full instructions on how to set your Kerf setting. Note: SawGear doesn’t push material, so it will not have a kerf setting.

Is the accuracy always off by the same amount at any location?If the TigerStop is not accurate by the same amount, no matter the location, then you will need to adjust your calibration. Use the TigerStop Version 3.50 – 4.72 Quick Reference Card, TigerStop Version 5 Quick Reference Card or the SawGear Quick Reference Card for full instructions on how to calibrate your machine.

Is the accuracy consistently off the farther out you go?
If the TigerStop accuracy gets consistently worse the farther out you go, then you may need to re-tension your belt and adjust your scale setting. Over time, the TigerStop and SawGear belt will wear and need to be re-tensioned. Use the TigerStop Belt and Motor Replacement Guide or the TigerTurbo Belt Replacement Guide to re-tension and scale your machine. If you have a TigerStop product that uses a rack and pinion drive, you will want to check your scale against the machines default value. On these machines, the scale should never be changed.

Fill out a TigerStop Data Log
If the accuracy problem doesn’t seem to be caused by one of the causes listed, then you should fill out a TigerStop data log. The data log is a worksheet that will have you send TigerStop to a number of locations and then record data at each location. Download the Data Log in the Service section of the website under Downloads or search for “data log”. Read the instructions and be sure to fill it out completely. Once finished, email the data log to service@tigerstop.com.

Can I use a TigerStop on the left or right side of a tool?

Some TigerStop products are ambidextrous, but are shipped from the factory as a right or left hand machine. To use TigerStop in the opposite direction, follow the instructions in the TigerStop Installation Manual  on page 8 and 16. The Installation Manual is found in the Downloads section of the Service page online under Product & Accessory Installation Manuals.

To see examples of a TigerStop on the left or right side of a tool visit the TigerStop configurator by CLICKING HERE. 

What is that high-pitched noise coming from my TigerStop?

This noise is completely normal. You will frequently hear this high-pitched whiny noise when the TigerStop is holding at a constant position.

Most tooling processes are louder than this noise, but if you want the noise to stop while you’re doing quieter work in the shop, you can use the ‘sleep’ functionality to make the noise stop. The easiest way to access (and exit) the sleep mode is by using the power button on the keypad. Sleep mode can also be activated based on a timer. Sleep is not available on version 4 and earlier electronics.

Be aware that while the machine is asleep, it will not hold its position. In other words, you’ll be able to manually move the positioner and it will not return to the original position. However, it will track this motion and reflect the proper position upon awakening.

The sleep timer setting puts the machine to sleep after a given amount of time. On most of our machines, the sleep timer is set in seconds. It is accessed via the ‘options’ menu. On a SawGear, the sleep timer is set in minutes. It is accessed by pressing ‘D’ button followed by the power button. Setting the timer to zero on any machine prevents sleep mode from automatically occurring.

What is My Warranty?

Your Warranty begins on the day you receive an enable code. To receive an enable code fill out the Warranty Request Form located in the Service section of the website.

Each TigerStop, LLC/Precision Automation, Inc. product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the date the product is enabled or the equivalent of 2080 hours of production use, whichever shall first occur. In the event that a product is not enabled within thirty six (36) months from shipment date the warranty shall lapse. If a product is enabled before thirty six months (36) and after thirty (30) months, the warranty shall be in effect until thirty six (36) months from shipment date. Seller’s liability under this warranty shall be limited to repairing or replacing, at the discretion of Seller, defective parts or components. Consumables, such as wear on painted surfaces, window finish and condition, light bulbs, seals, chip removal system, etc. are not covered. Seller-specified maintenance procedures must be adhered to and recorded in order to maintain this warranty. The warranty is voided if the machine is subjected to mishandling, misuse, neglect, accident, improper installation, poor or improper power conditions, improper maintenance, or improper operation or application, or if the machine was improperly repaired or serviced by the customer or by an unauthorized service technician. Shipping damage and non-functional cosmetic damage are non-warrantable.

TigerStop, LLC/Precision Automation, Inc. saw systems (limited to TigerSaw 1000, TigerSaw 2000, TigerSaw Miter, TigerSaw Ferrous, TigerRip, and TigerAngle) are warranted for on-site labor during the warranty period. Buyer is responsible for all travel and living expenses associated with on-site labor. Only Seller may authorize and schedule any on-site labor.

With the exception of the foregoing warranty, SELLER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH REGARD TO ANY PRODUCT OR ITS COMPONENTS AND HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. Warranty is non-transferable from the original registered owner to any other party. Optionally purchased one (1) year extended warranties are available and shall be subject to the same terms of duration as original warranty. Seller’s liability under this agreement shall be limited to repairing or replacing, at the discretion of Seller, parts or components.

All spare part(s) are warranted for thirty (30) days from invoice date. For all non-warranty spare part(s), items will be invoiced in full at time of order and require full payment prior to shipment. All warranty spare part(s) will be invoiced in full at time of order and secured with buyer’s authorized credit card. Payment will not be charged to buyer’s credit card immediately. If warranty part(s) are not returned within thirty (30) days from invoice date, the buyer’s authorized credit card will be processed for full invoice amount. Additionally, if warranty part(s) are returned and warranty is denied, the buyer’s authorized credit card will be processed for full invoice amount. All other warranty terms apply.

What is TigerStop's Return Policy?

The Buyer must obtain a return goods authorization (“RGA”) from Seller before returning any product eligible for return. No return of eligible products will be accepted by Seller without an RGA, which will be issued at Seller’s sole discretion. Special order products may not be returned for any reason if non-defective.

All authorized returned products must be unused and resealeable, in factory-original shipping cartons and must be complete with all packing materials. If returned products are claimed to be defective, Buyer must notify Seller of the nature of the defect prior to returning the product. All items not eligible for return will be returned to Buyer, transportation costs collect. Product returned to Seller by Buyer for no fault of Seller may be subject to a restocking/handling fee. Contact service@tigerstop.com for more information.

TigerStop Parts Return Policy

Standard Parts Returns:
To return your part you will need an RGA (Return Goods Authorization) Number from TigerStop’s Customer Service. You may call customer service at 360 448 6102 or email customer service at service@tigerstop.com to receive your RGA number. Please supply 1) your original order number and 2) reason for return code to speed up the return process.

Additional RGA and Restocking Information:
Please note that RGA’s are issued at TigerStop’s sole discretion. Customer Service may need to work with you to gather more information before issuing an RGA number. TigerStop will not issue an RGA for special order parts or custom parts.

Parts less than 30 Days old:
TigerStop will gladly issue an RGA for parts ordered within the last 30 days. If the return arrives complete and in new condition, full credit will be issued for the returned part. Returns that do not arrive complete and in new condition are subject to a minimum 20% restocking fee. Zero credit may be issued for returns that are incomplete or damaged.

Parts over 30 days old:
For parts ordered in the last 6 months, TigerStop will issue an RGA so long as the parts are complete and in new condition. Please note that all parts returned over 30 days are subject to a 20% restocking fee. Zero credit will be issued for returns that are incomplete or damaged.

Packaging Your Return:
In an ideal world everyone would perfectly preserve their packaging for returns, but life isn’t always that simple. That’s why we don’t require factory original packaging for returns. Hooray!

What we do care about is receiving returns in one piece and with the RGA number written prominently on the package. Adequate packaging is critical to preventing shipping damage. Remember, the inspection determining whether credit can be issued happens after arrival at TigerStop. So, if it looks like a herd of water buffalos made their annual migration over your package, TigerStop won’t be able to accept it. (Another good rule of thumb is that circuit boards should never mix with Styrofoam.)

Who Pays for the Return?
Shipping on standard returns is the customer’s responsibility. Original shipping costs will not be credited. However, customers may be credited shipping costs on a case by case basis depending on the reason for the return.

TigerStop Returns Address:
Once your return is carefully packaged with the RGA number prominently displayed on the exterior of the package, sent it to:

TigerStop LLC c/o Returns Department
12909 NE 95th Street
Vancouver, WA 98682-2426

Credit:
All returns are inspected for condition and completeness after arrival at TigerStop. Based on the inspection, applicable credit will be issued. If the item was purchased via credit card, return credit will be issued to the same card.

When credit can’t be issued, TigerStop will do our best to contact you and explain. If we can’t issue credit and you want the returned part back, we will gladly return the part at your expense. TigerStop can store returned parts for 30 days from the first contact attempt. If we can’t reach you and don’t hear from you by then, the parts will be scrapped.

TigerStop’s goal is to make purchasing and returning spare parts as easy as possible. Our aim is to get you up and running so that you can continue manufacturing cool products, quickly and accurately, for your growing customer base. If TigerStop made a mistake in any way, please let us know, and we will do our best to remedy the situation. We love our customers, we love what we do, and we are continuously striving to do better each day. If you have suggestions about how we can serve you best, don’t be shy! Feedback is welcomed with open paws. You may share your thoughts with service@tigerstop.com.

How do I get a shipping or freight quote?

TigerStop’s Shipping Department can estimate any shipping or freight costs. Please email shipping@tigerstop.com.

How do you calculate shipping and freight?

Shipping rates on machines depend on where the shipment is going. All part shipments use standard UPS pricing. You can calculate spare parts and accessories prices during checkout on the online store. Contact TigerStop’s Shipping Department shipping@tigerstop.com for a freight quote on larger machinery purchases.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes, TigerStop can ship anywhere in the world from our Vancouver, Washington factory or our Wierden, Netherlands factory.

What is TigerStop's Address?

TigerStop’s Headquarters are located at 12909 NE 95th Street Vancouver, WA 98682-2426 in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

How Do I Test an AC Motor?

Preparation:
Motor should be removed from machine

Items Required:
Multimeter & AC Motor Cable Pinout document

Test One – Cogging:
Rotate motor by hand, it must turn freely with a small amount of cogging. The motor will not produce the required amount of power without cogging. If no cogging, then FAIL.

Test Two – Short:
Tie all 3 drive wires together and rotate the motor by hand. It should be hard to rotate. If not, FAIL.

Test Three – Voltage:
Set multimeter to measure DC voltage connected to M1 & M2, Rotating the motor by hand, should produce a voltage reading on the multimeter. If no voltage, FAIL. Repeat between all phases (M1 & M3, M2 & M3).

Test Four – Open:
Set multimeter to measure resistance Ω. Measure from each phase to motor case. If readings show
anything other than OL or infinate, then FAIL.

Test Five – Resistance:
Set multimeter to measure resistance Ω. Measure between all phases (M1 & M2, M1 & M3, M2 & M3)
Readings should be around 2-4 ohms. If not, then FAIL.

Where can I find the AC Motor Cable Pinout?

How Do I Test The AC Motor Cable?

Preparation:

• Unplug the 19-pin connector from the motor
• Turn off, unplug power & open amplifier enclosure

Items Required:

• Multimeter &  Motor Cable Pinout (previous FAQ)

Testing:

• Ohm out the motor itself, at the 19-pin connector. You should expect 2-4 ohms between the phases (B-C, C-D, B-D) and open circuit from each phase to ground (B-R, C-R, D-R)
• Examine the connector, on both sides. The pins should be a uniform length with no scorching or oxidation. The cups on the female side should be a uniform height as well, and similarly clean
• The pin-out shows which pins on the female 19-pin connector should be connected to which wires inside the amplifier. Unplug before opening the amplifier. Make sure that these connections are good, and also that there aren’t shorts between connection points (e.g. pin R should be connected to the motor ground and ONLY to the motor ground)
• Reconnect the 19-pin connector and re-ohm the motor from the wires inside the amplifier. You are expecting the same resistances as before, plus a small amount for the intervening cable. Each phase must be open line to the ground wire
• Please report these results

How Do I Test Incoming Power?

Tools Required:

• Multimeter

Testing:

• Unplug AC power cable from amplifier
• Set Multimeter to measure AC Voltage
• Test all phases as indicated in diagram below
• Record readings
• You should expect readings similar to the diagram below (the voltage range indicated  is dependent upon whether you are plugged into 120v or 240v )
• Please refer to FAQ “What are the Power Requirements for TigerStop Products” for more detailed information
• If performing this test as a part of troubleshooting with a TigerStop technician, please email readings to service@tigerstop.com

What Are the Power Requirements for TigerStop Products?

For the following instructions, please follow standard safety precautions while working with live electricity. If you are not familiar with standard electrical safety precautions, you should not be making these measurements

Saw Systems

• With a voltmeter or a multimeter set to AC Volts, go to the place where the TigerSaw is plugged in
• Measure from Ground to each of the 3 hot legs, record the result
  Measure between each of the hot legs, record these 3 results

Good 3-phase:

• The three ground-hot readings are the same as each other (+/-10%)
•  The three leg-leg readings are the same as each other (+/-10%)
• The leg-leg voltages should be 1.7x bigger than the ground-leg readings

Typical example readings:

• 120V, 120V, 120V / 208V, 208V, 208V
• 277V, 277V, 277V / 480V, 480V, 480V

If one of these is more than 25% different than the others, you have a high-leg, which is unacceptable

Typical high-leg example readings: 120V, 208V, 120V

TigerStop, Turbo, HD2

With a voltmeter or a multimeter set to AC Volts, go to the place where the TigerSaw is plugged in

• Measure from Ground to hot and neutral, record the two results
• Measure between hot and neutral, record the results

Good single phase:

• Ground-Neutral is less than 5V
• Ground-Hot and Neutral-Hot are within 10V of each other
• Ground-Hot is between 100V and 250V

Typical example readings: 1V, 120V, 120V

Anything else is usually unacceptable