SPARK Flex Operating Modes
Brake/Coast Mode - Idle Behavior
When the SPARK Flex is receiving a neutral command the idle behavior of the motor can be handled in two different ways: Braking or Coasting.
When in Brake Mode, the SPARK Flex will effectively short all motor wires together. This quickly dissipates any electrical energy within the motor and brings it to a quick stop.
When in Coast Mode, the SPARK Flex will effectively disconnect all motor wires. This allows the motor to spin down at its own rate.
The Idle Mode can be configured using the Mode Button, CAN, and USB interfaces.
Mode Button Configuration
Follow the steps below to switch the Idle Mode between Brake and Coast with the Mode Button.
Use a small screwdriver, straightened paper clip, pen, or other small implement to press the button. Do not use any type of pencil as the pencil lead can break off inside the SPARK Flex.
Connect the SPARK Flex to main power, not just USB Power.
The Status LED will indicate which Idle Mode is currently configured by blinking blue or cyan for Brake and yellow or magenta for Coast depending on the motor type.
Press and release the Mode Button.
You should see the Status LED change to indicate the selected Idle Mode.
Please see the Status LED Patterns guide for information on how to identify the Idle Behavior configuration by the color of the Status LED!
USB Configuration
Follow the steps below to switch the Idle Mode between Brake and Coast with the USB and the REV Hardware Client application. Be sure to download and install the REV Hardware Client application before continuing.
Connect the SPARK Flex to your computer using a USB-C cable.
Open the REV Hardware Client application and verify that the application is connected to your SPARK MAX.
On the Basic tab, select the desired mode with the Idle Mode switch.
Click Burn Flash and confirm the change.
CAN Configuration
Please see the API Information for information on how to configure the SPARK Flex using the CAN interface.
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