Emergency: same day
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Tamagawa · MFE0017
Tamagawa MFE0017 encoder repair, test and alignment
MFE0017 is a Tamagawa serial encoder with 131,072 / 65,535 revolutions counts. We test it, repair or replace it and align it to the rotor. Found on: Panasonic MSM motors, Nachi motors and Bosch Rexroth MSM motors. Star Automations is an independent multi-brand repair company and is not an OEM service centre.
- 25+years of servo repair, since 2000
- 3,000+customers across India
- 100+servo brands covered by our universal servo motor test equipment
- 5sites: Puducherry, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi
- Same dayemergency repair option*
*Where the fault and parts allow. Every repaired unit returns with a printed test report.
Repair turnaround you can plan around
Send a photo of the nameplate first. We confirm whether the motor is repairable, and the quote, the same working day.
Urgent: 3 working days
Repair, encoder alignment and test, counted from the day the motor reaches the bench and the quote is approved.
Standard: 7 working days
Full repair, encoder alignment, run test under load and a printed test report.
- Free repairability check from a nameplate photo
- Printed test report with every motor
- Written warranty, terms stated on every quotation
- Pickup can be arranged; parts that must be imported are quoted with their own timeline
01Facts
MFE0017 at a glance
| Device | MFE0017 |
|---|---|
| Brand family | Tamagawa |
| Type and format | Tamagawa serial |
| Counts | 131,072 / 65,535 revolutions |
| Found on | Panasonic MSM motors, Nachi motors and Bosch Rexroth MSM motors |
| Connector | Per motor model |
| Pole setting for alignment | Set at alignment |
The MFE0017 is a multi-turn serial encoder at 131,072 counts per turn found on Panasonic, Nachi and Rexroth MSM motors. Rexroth also lists it as the MDE0017 on multi-turn MSM motors.
02Faults
How MFE0017 encoders usually fail
- No serial data, usually a cable, connector or board fault
- Absolute count lost after a battery fault
- Incremental A, B or Z channel missing or weak
- Alignment that no longer matches the rotor after a repair or swap
- Multi-turn count lost after a battery fault
02+Alarms
MFE0017 alarms and error codes: what they mean and what to check
These are the alarms most often seen with the MFE0017 feedback device, with what each usually means and what to check first. Many encoder alarms are caused by the cable, connector or battery, not the encoder, so the checks below can save a repair.
| Alarm | Usually means | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Err 21.0 | Encoder communication disconnected; the drive receives nothing | Connector, cable break, encoder supply, then the encoder |
| Err 21.1 | Encoder communication data corrupted | Noise, earthing and cable first, then the encoder |
| Err 23.0 | Encoder communication data error (MINAS A5 family) | Cable and noise first, then the encoder |
| Err 40.0 | Absolute system down: backup battery and main supply both lost, count not held | Check the battery connector and voltage, then set up the absolute encoder again |
| Err 41.0 | Absolute counter overflow | Check the multi-turn range setting, then clear and re-home |
| Err 42.0 | Absolute overspeed: the shaft moved too fast while the drive was off | Check whether the machine turned the motor when unpowered, then clear and re-home |
| Err 44.0 | Single-turn counter error | Points to the encoder; have it tested |
| Err 45.0 | Multi-turn counter error | Battery and encoder memory; have the encoder tested if the error returns |
| Err 47.0 | Absolute status error | Points to the encoder; have it tested |
The list shows Panasonic MINAS A5 wording, because MFE0017 is common on Panasonic MSM motors. MINAS A4 numbering differs, and Nachi and Rexroth drives use their own codes, but the same situations apply: no communication, bad data, lost battery backup, and a faulty multi-turn counter. Alarm numbers and wording change with drive series and firmware, so check the manual for your drive. Drive brand names are used only to identify alarm lists. Star Automations is an independent multi-brand repair company and is not an OEM service centre.
Typical causes and checks
- Alarm at every power-up: reseat the connector at both ends, check the encoder supply at the motor end, and look for a broken wire.
- Alarm only when the axis moves or the cable flexes: suspect a break inside the cable chain, or a shield that has come loose.
- Alarm after coolant, washdown or rain: look for moisture or corrosion in the connector and behind the encoder cover.
- Alarm at random with other drives running: check earthing and shield clamps, and keep the feedback cable away from power cables.
- Position lost after a long stop or battery change: check battery voltage and the battery cable before suspecting the encoder.
- Alarm after a motor, encoder or drive change: check the type, the motor data in the drive, and the encoder alignment, then set the reference position again.
Encoder, cable or drive?
Swap in a known-good feedback cable first. If the alarm stays, move the motor to another axis if the drives are the same type. If the alarm follows the motor, the encoder or motor needs testing. If it stays on the axis with a good motor and cable, the drive needs testing. We test the encoder, the motor and the drive, so send the nameplate if you are not sure which it is.
Related guides: Panasonic Err 21 alarm, Servo encoder alarms, Absolute encoder battery.
03Process
How the repair is done
Receive and identify
We read the nameplate and encoder label and confirm the exact type.
Test
Count per turn, data status, alarm flags and, where fitted, incremental lines are checked on the bench.
Repair or replace
Board, connector or sensor faults are repaired; a matched encoder is fitted where repair is not sensible.
Align
Commutation is set to the rotor and checked at every pole pair using the electrical angle.
Verify and report
The motor is run on the bench and the readings are recorded in the report.
See encoder alignment, memory programming and replacement.
05FAQ
Questions
What do encoder alarms on a MFE0017 usually mean?
Most fall into four groups: no communication, corrupted data, a fault reported by the encoder itself, and lost battery backup or position. The alarm table on this page lists the common codes and the first check for each.
How can I tell whether the MFE0017 encoder, the cable or the drive is at fault?
Swap in a known-good feedback cable, then move the motor to another axis if possible. If the alarm follows the motor, the encoder needs testing; if it stays on the axis, the drive does. A cable or battery fault can be fixed without sending anything.
Can you repair a MFE0017 encoder?
Yes. We test the position count and status, repair or replace the encoder, align it to the rotor and run the motor. We repair Tamagawa units; Star Automations is an independent multi-brand repair company and is not an OEM service centre.
Which motors use the MFE0017?
Panasonic, Nachi and Bosch Rexroth MSM motors.
What is MFE2500P8NBT?
A related Tamagawa encoder at 10,000 counts per turn used on Panasonic motors.
What should I send for a MFE0017 enquiry?
A clear photo of the motor nameplate and, if the cover is off, the encoder label. You can send the motor or only the encoder.
06Enquiry
Send the nameplate or encoder label
A clear photo of the motor nameplate and, if the cover is off, the encoder label is enough to start. We reply with whether it can be repaired and a quote.
Message received
Our team replies by email or WhatsApp, usually the same working day. For a line-down motor, WhatsApp +91 97866 22233.
→How it works
From nameplate photo to a tested motor in 7 steps
One route for servo motors, encoders and drives. You see the price before any work starts, and the report before the unit leaves our bench.
- 1 · Nameplate photoSend it on WhatsApp or the form
- 2 · Repairable? QuoteUsually the same working day
- 3 · Courier or pickupThe unit reaches our bench
- 4 · Bench diagnosisInsulation, windings, brake, encoder
- 5 · RepairFailed parts, bearings, seals, brake
- 6 · Align and run-testEncoder aligned; no-load and load run
- 7 · Report and dispatchPrinted test report with the unit
- Line down?Servo Swap ships a tested unit first. How Servo Swap works
EmergencySame day*
Urgent3 working days
Standard7 working days
*Where the fault and parts allow. Turnaround counts from when the unit reaches our bench and the quote is approved.