Cart Puller Hook Calibration and Drift Test

This procedure sets the Cart Puller hook’s zero position at the fixed-end blue-tube reference. Complete the mechanical and encoder-slip inspection first if the hooks do not return consistently to the same position.

Safety: Keep personnel and lumber clear of the Cart Puller path. Use short, deliberate manual commands and be prepared to stop movement before a hook reaches an obstruction or mechanical limit.

Mark the calibration reference

The calibration point is on the fixed end of the Retro C, at the end of the blue tube shown below.

1. Place a clear mark on the cart-pulling device directly in line with the end of the blue tube.
2. Use this mark as the physical target for the hook’s zero position.

Open the Cart Puller settings

1. Open the Repair tab.
2. Select Manual Controls, then SpeedCatch.
3. In the upper Cart Puller-V16 window, select Settings.

Set the zero position

1. Use the green Back and Forward arrows to move one hook into exact alignment with the mark at the end of the blue tube.
2. Approach the mark slowly and stop with the hook centered on the reference.

1. Enter 0 in Set New Axis Position.
2. Select Set.
3. Confirm that Motion Position displays 0.0.
4. Select Save, then Quit.

Understand normal board placement

• This is one calibration point; the final cart position varies with board length.
• Short boards are placed in the first bay rather than centered on the cart.
• A 20-foot board should be centered.

Run the hook cycle test

1. Number the hooks with a removable marker.
2. Mark where each hook stops after one complete cycle.
3. Repeat the cycle and compare every stopping position.
4. The hooks should return consistently to the same marks. A changing position indicates drift rather than a simple zero-offset error.

If the hooks drift, do not repeatedly recalibrate them. Inspect the encoder, collar or set screw, coupling, cable, and mounting using Cart Puller Encoder Slipping. Recalibrate only after the drift has been corrected.