Ren 16 tests ok but not to sequence

[Stevendi]

I'm at my wits end, built two boards, 1 works other don't. Using the same sequence and profile in Vixen 1st board works perfectly, swap input onto second board and I get random flashes.

It tests ok, channel test fine all working as advertised even when daisy chained, but when I send sequence to the board nothing happens just the occasional seemingly random event.

I think I've tried everything, swapped H1AA1, reflashed the pics, swapped RS232/RS485 chips, ran diagnostic firmware, checked everything still no joy, obviously stuffed up somewhere.

Any tips, pointers, advice gladly accepted.

Steve :confused:

[dnesci]

Steve,

Need a little more information. As you in Autralia, I'm assuming your using an XMas 116 and not a Ren16ss. If so, the Xmas need an external ZC. How are you bringing it to the board? Also, an external power supply. Someone on this board will walk you through.

[Stevendi]

Using a standard Ren 16 from XMUS, with usual on board ZC, power from serial input. All seems to check out, was wondering if oscillator ok? Could that affect input response? Is there an easy way to check?

Many thanks
Steve

[ctmal]

You said you ran the diagnostic firmware(I assume with lights on the outputs). When you had this hooked up, did you send a sequence with constantly changing values?

If so, what was the result on the channels?

[kychristmas]

You said that you have the Diag Code. I would put that back in and report back the results. With the Diag code, what do you get? I have some 16's, I think you have to use the channels to for the indicators as it does not include any lights.

I would also consider using some of the beta Diag firmware. One of the Beta's uses the internal Oscillator and simply cycles through the channels. That way you'll at least know if the board is good past the PICS.

[Stevendi]

Thanks guys,

I have used the beta diag code with lights attached and all seemed ok, but I am about to try it again and as suggested by ctmal, run a sequence as well and see what happens then.

Steve

[Stevendi]

Ok, The saga continues:-

Rechecked board with beta diag code, all OK, worked fine with lights attached and when receiving sequence from Vixen. So far so good.

Still not working! :confused:

BUT! after lots of stuffing about with test sequences found that when sequence only lights 1 channel all ok, but when 2 or more channels active nothing at all. AH-HA! So cross talk somewhere? (Same sequence on other board working fine)

So now what? Talk to me guys I need your wisdom!!

Steve

[kychristmas]

Ok, The saga continues:-

Rechecked board with beta diag code, all OK, worked fine with lights attached and when receiving sequence from Vixen. So far so good.

Still not working! :confused:

BUT! after lots of stuffing about with test sequences found that when sequence only lights 1 channel all ok, but when 2 or more channels active nothing at all. AH-HA! So cross talk somewhere? (Same sequence on other board working fine)

So now what? Talk to me guys I need your wisdom!!

Steve

I'm extremely confused. You said it works with Beta Diag Code when receiving data from Vixen. So you get a power up sequence that does what it is supposed to, right? Also, if you are saying the Vixen is working with Beta Diag code completely then its your regular PIC code or your COM configuration. if this is the case, then your Cable and controller are good so stop messing with them.

I would re program your PICs. Then, verify COM configuration in Windows, Vixen Renard Plugin and make sure the Baud rate matches your PIC code. I would download a fresh copy of the Firmware Source and only change the Baud Rate.

[Stevendi]

Sorry, just to clarify that last post a bit.

It wasn't until after I wrote that post that I realised that the board actually failed the first part of the diag test as it didn't turn on all channels on start up. All other parts of the test ran fine, CH2 heartbeat ok, Ch5 ZC ok, Ch6 serial data ok, Ch7 no framing errors, Ch8 no overrun

The board happily runs one channel at a time, on either bank, but will not run more than one channel at a time.

I have already checked the COM settings, Renard plugin and so on, these all run another board without any problem, but as you suggest I will recheck all that and reflash the pics again.

sorry for the confusion.

Steve

[Stevendi]

Just noticed something else. Whilst re-running diag noticed that heartbeat and ZC seem a little erratic, 5 normal flashes then 2 very rapid flashes then 5 normal and so on.

What that about?

Still didn't get all channels on at start up.

Steve.