ASC BPC problem

Is the command base LED flashing at the same time? I am thinking there is a continuous signal being generated.

Power everything up and then pull the batteries from the Cab controller. If the LED's stop flashing, a button is stuck or something failed in the remote which is continually sending a signal.

Are the batteries in good shape in the remote?

If that is not the case, power off and pull the cable for the daisy chain so that only the first unit is connected. Power on. LED flashing? No. Work your way through the chain adding 1 at time until you find the offender if the first one tests ok. I would power off each time a connection is made.

Try the HALT button. Then power off\on.

OH yeah, take your parked engines off any blocks so they don't launch. I know, I know, but stranger stuff has happened.

Thanks for responding Moonman.  Checked the base. No flashing.  One of the first fixes I tried was removing the batteries from all 3 CAB1s.  Did not affect blinking. I talked with Dale Manquin yesterday. He also suggested isolating one BPC.  Removed power from all other BPCs and ASCs, Disconnected daisy chain signal wires. With power supplied to single unit, no signal, no flash.  Providing signal by direct hookup of db9 cable to single BPC. Flashing returns.  Dale had me repeat the isolation test with the 2nd BPC in the string. Same results.  At his request, I have mailed him the first BPC I tested.  He is stumped, which is unexpected since Dale is probably the most technically knowledgeable person on the board.

   Thanks for your suggestions and please let me know if you think of any other possibilities.

I too was thinking a maximum device issue on the data line, like Mike CT.

Are the flashes at the signal rate or the programming rate?

I too, am stumped.

I sent Jon Z. an email and requested that he give this issue some time. Be patient, he will.

taylorra,

Here is Jon Z.'s reply:

"Sorry to reply late, traveling.  The max device count depends on the devices attached.  The ASC, BPC don't present much load on the serial line, so he should be OK.  The TPC, does represent a bigger load, as it has an opto on the input from the serial connection. 

After reading over the thread, it seems to me the base serial drive transistor is weak or failed.   The base can be fixed easily, or maybe he could try a different base to isolate the issue.   I have a spare base he could borrow, if it helps to sort out the issue. 

LMK jon"

Oh well, keep working on it.

Taylorra,

Any new information from Dale?  Did you troubleshoot the track power or electrical supply issues any further?

 I have emailed Dale to get my BPC back.  I have done some searching, but the bottom line appears to be that I get 400 ohms ( if I am reading the meter right which is questionable), all over the layout.  Checked from ground screw source to common bus, with a 30 foot test lead, checked ground screw to track common rails all over the layout, checked common side of all accessories to ground screw. All give same reading.  Dale is vacationing in Lake Tahoe, (tough life), but he emailed that 400 ohms is not too bad, but it would be good to find and eliminate the short.  I am thinking about replacing all of the coated earth ground wire with bare copper copper wire to make testing for shorts easier, but this will take a couple of weeks to do.