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Troubleshooting switches

Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2020 10:01 am
by ken.hougey
With help, I finally have my PDMs virtually complete with all the cables, DMs, CCs, and SVs. Channelizing, mode settings, and expansion cables look good. But I still had a lot of Touch Plate multi-button switches to install. I've just done several, using direct wiring of the green pair to the switch instead of SIBs. Right off the bat, 4 scenes, all non-dimming, have the same problem. The lights come on while holding the button, but don't stay on when I release it. Three of the scenes are 3-ways, with a "B" jumper cable to a second switch, but one is not. Various PDMs, all DMs show mode 1, and channels match with no conflicts.

Re: Troubleshooting switches

Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2020 10:53 am
by dc
Hello Ken!
The Mode 1 is for a toggle switch, not momentary button. Change the mode to 6 and you can toggle on/off with every tap.

There's a detailed description of the modes in the Spec Sheets found in the forum News and Product Releases section. Look for the L2-DM second page of the spec.

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=9937

Momentary buttons are the best way to use the DMs. A standard AC style toggle switch needs complex 3-way and 4-way wiring. With the LC switches, just pop them in series on a wire and set the DM to mode 5. With buttons, use mode 6 or mode 3 if you don't want dimming capability.

Re: Troubleshooting switches

Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2020 1:47 pm
by ken.hougey
You were right. Changing it from mode 1 to mode 3 fixed it. The switches in question are 3 and 4 button Touch Plates. Earlier, by experimenting, I did learn that in mode 1 you can make the switch come on by giving the button a quick flick; obviously that wasn't a real solution. Thanks.

Re: Troubleshooting switches

Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2020 2:11 pm
by ken.hougey
Copied the mode table documentation

Re: Troubleshooting switches

Posted: Sat Oct 24, 2020 7:44 pm
by dc
Oh my. Sounds like there was a bug in Mode 1 if they stayed On after a quick tap. I'll test that condition in the new firmware and see if I can reproduce the error. It should not operate that way in mode 1.

In many modes, we detect the change in button state from On to Off or Off to On, and only act when a state change has occurred. So a quick tap may have detected the Off to On but not the On back to Off.

Occupancy sensors work this way. The DM only changes the output signal to the channel when the occupancy sensor changes from Unoccupied to Occupied, or from Occupied to Unoccupied.

Re: Troubleshooting switches

Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2020 10:30 pm
by ken.hougey
New problem. Panel 3 has PDM 6 and 7. PDM 7 has a szwengao 48 to 12V DC stepdown for bulb fixtures landing on that PDM. Plus side sequence: HEP power supply - DC converter - breaker - PDM. PDM 7 has no power. Tester shows voltage going into the converter, but none coming out. Troubleshooting minus side black wire coming out of converter does complete a circuit with voltage when + tester lead touches HEP + (plus) output. I powered down and removed converter. Can user test the unit?

Re: Troubleshooting switches

Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2020 11:42 pm
by dc
I'll reproduce that configuration in the lab this afternoon and take measurements to report what it should read at all test points. If it was working previously I'll get a replacement part on its way while we take the readings here. Can you direct message me your mailing address and contact info?

Re: Troubleshooting switches

Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2020 11:53 am
by ken.hougey
Hi DC. Any ideas on the converter propblem?

Re: Troubleshooting switches

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2020 7:50 am
by dc
I just got the test setup today and posted the bulb specs after taking measurements. Converter worked as expected so let's see what's up with yours. I'll have a set of tests to check what's happening with yours by next next 1-2 days. See the bulb spec post from today.

Re: Troubleshooting switches

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2020 9:38 am
by ken.hougey
I really appreciate it. I will be waiting to see a test protocol.

Re: Troubleshooting switches

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2020 9:42 pm
by ken.hougey
Love the vintage style E26 bulbs

Re: Troubleshooting switches

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2020 12:04 am
by dc
We've been testing them for nearly 6 months and they're great quality. Very happy with this factory and our team. There were a lot of reported problems from 12vmonster quality and failing when dimmed so we made our own. They are very bright too, but they can dim!
And they sip energy when dimmed.
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