def neutralize_position(retries = 3):
    for i in range(retries):
        try:
            if abs(manip_x.readback.read()) > 50:
                manip_x.write(0.0)
            if abs(manip_y.readback.read()) > 50:
                manip_y.write(0.0)
                
            time.sleep(1)
            break
        except:
            if i>=(retries-1):
                raise
            log("neutralize_position error - retrying: " + sys.exc_info()[1])