A VFD straight from the box will not give the best performance — and in vector mode it may not even run cleanly — until a few parameters are set to match your motor and the way you want to command it. This guide gives the minimum parameters you must set on a SHZK 300N, then the correct procedure for motor auto-tuning (also called auto-learning or self-learning). Getting this right is the difference between a drive that trips on first start and one that holds full torque down to low speed.
Before you touch a parameter
- Have the motor nameplate to hand: rated power, voltage, current, frequency and speed (rpm).
- Confirm the drive is powered and showing standby, and that it is not running.
- Decide how the drive will be told to run (keypad, terminals or communication) and how speed will be set (keypad knob, analog signal or communication). These are the two “command source” choices.
The minimum parameters — set these every time
| Parameter | Function | Set it to |
|---|---|---|
| P0-01 | Motor type / control mode | 0 = sensorless vector for AC induction motor (default); choose the PM motor option only for a permanent-magnet motor. |
| P0-02 | Run-command source | 0 = keypad; 1 = control terminals (DI); 2 = RS485/Modbus communication. |
| P0-03 | Frequency (speed) source | 0 = keypad digital; 2 = AI1 analog (0–10V); 3 = AI2; 5 = communication. Match your reference wiring. |
| P0-12 | Upper frequency limit | The maximum speed your machine allows (often 50.00 Hz). |
| P0-17 / P0-18 | Acceleration / deceleration time | Seconds to reach full speed. Start with 10–20 s for a typical pump/fan; shorten for fast machines, lengthen for high inertia. |
| P1-01–P1-05 | Motor nameplate data | Enter rated power, voltage, current, frequency and rpm exactly from the plate — essential before tuning. |
Why vector mode needs tuning
In V/F (scalar) mode the drive applies a fixed voltage-to-frequency ratio and needs no motor model — simple, but torque is weak at low speed. Sensorless vector control calculates the motor’s stator resistance, inductance and magnetic current so it can hold torque precisely — but only after it has learned those values from the real motor. Skip tuning and vector control runs on guessed numbers, which is why so many new drives trip overcurrent at start.
Two tuning methods — choose the right one
- Rotational auto-tuning (P1-37 = 1) — most accurate. The motor must be mechanically decoupled from the load, because it will spin at near rated speed during the test. Use this when the shaft can safely turn freely; it gives the best low-speed torque and current control.
- Static (non-rotating) auto-tuning (P1-37 = 2) — when the load cannot be removed. The motor stays still while the drive measures electrical values. Accuracy is slightly lower, but it is far better than no tuning and is the practical choice for pumps, fans and coupled machinery already installed.
Auto-tuning procedure, step by step
- Enter the five nameplate values (P1-01 to P1-05). Take them from the plate — not from a catalogue — and double-check rated current, which is the value most often entered wrongly.
- If rotating, decouple the load and confirm the area around the shaft is clear.
- Set P1-37 = 1 or 2. The display shows tUnE.
- Press RUN. For static tuning the drive energises the stationary motor for a short time; for rotational tuning the motor accelerates and runs through the identification sequence — stay clear.
- Wait until the display returns to standby automatically. Do not press STOP or disconnect power during tuning — an interrupted tune leaves incomplete values.
- The measured motor parameters are now stored. Run the motor and verify direction and smooth acceleration.
If tuning reports Err19 (identification fault)
The drive could not complete the test. Check, in order: that the nameplate data matches the real motor (a rated current entered far too low is a typical cause); that the motor is connected to U/V/W and all three phases are present; and that the drive and motor ratings are comparable — a drive several sizes larger than the motor can struggle to measure small currents accurately.
Fine tuning for the application
- Pump/fan: V/F or tuned vector both work; lengthen ramp times to avoid water hammer and fan stress, and enable the automatic energy-saving option if available.
- Conveyor / constant-torque load: tuned vector; set the current limit (P2-26) and confirm holding torque at zero/low speed.
- Frequent start-stop: check the acceleration current is below the limit and, where needed, add a brake resistor rather than shortening the ramp until it trips.
From our test bench
On our production line every vector drive is rotational-tuned against a coupled test motor before it is released — it is part of the standard test, not an optional extra. In commissioning, we have found that entering the nameplate carefully and running static tuning takes only a few minutes, yet removes the large majority of start-up overcurrent trips and gives noticeably steadier low-speed running.
Related Technical Guides
Talk to the engineers who built this drive
Stuck on a fault code, wiring or tuning? Our engineers test every SHZK 300N drive before it ships. Send us your setup and we will reply with the exact fix.