Variable Speed Port Issues

[mtrcyclefish]

I'm trying to set up my new LED's to dim from the VSP on my Apex. I'm trying to figure out which wires are the ground and variable voltage. I've searched on here and learned which ones are SUPPOSED to work, but none of them do. I set the ports to "Manual ON" and tested every possible combination of wires with no luck. It is my understanding that with the ports set to "Manual ON" there should be a full 10 volts DC on 2 sets of wires from each connector. The wires that are supposed to be the correct ones have about 1.8 volts when both ports are on. When testing for VSP1, with VSP2 also ON, I get 1.8 volts. Turn VSP2 OFF and I get 2.4 volts on VSP1. With both VSP1 and VSP2 OFF I get about 3.1 volts. This happens exactly the same on VSP3 and VSP4, too. I called Neptune and they only told me what wires were supposed to be the correct ones. Info I already had. Any other suggestions, or does this sound like an issue with the Apex?

 

[aquamanic]

Dumb question but I've done it - are you sure your volt meter is set to DC and not AC?

There is great confusion on the pin numbering on those RJ45 connectors - whether you're counting the plug, the jack, from the left or from the right. Some people do it one way, some do it another.

The ground and signal are always side by side
One pair will be the outside 2 wires, either the left or the right depending on orientation
The other pair will be the middle 2 wires

I doubt it's the base module but I suppose it's possible.

 

[mtrcyclefish]

Dumb question but I've done it - are you sure your volt meter is set to DC and not AC?

Not so dumb... I've also done it. Just not this time. I just tested all of them again. There are no 2 wire combinations that will read 10VDC on either variable plug.

 

[aquamanic]

I would try one more thing.

Create a profile where you vary the intensity from 1 - 100% over 10 seconds. Save it and assign it to V1. If the profile was called 'PF1' then all you need is 'Set PF1'. Turn the outlet to AUTO.

Now when you test those pins, do you see voltage changing at all?

If not, then I'm out of ideas.

 

[fio1022]

wrong post

 

[mtrcyclefish]

The lowest you can set a ramp profile for is 1 minute. Still didn't work. I'll give Neptune a call on Monday and see about sending it in.

 

[Wall_Tank]

Just curious how you are testing. Do you have a DIY cable? So a RJ45 connector on the one end and flying leads on the other?

Here are some problems I had during the course of setting mine up.

1) Corrosion on the Base module connectors. A q-tip cleaned them up.
2) Reversed pin out in my cable when I crimped on a second RJ45 plug, or RJ11 plug

 

[mtrcyclefish]

I just cut the end off of an Ethernet cable and stripped the wires. No crimping involved. I haven't tried cleaning the connection yet.

 

[Wall_Tank]

I just cut the end off of an Ethernet cable and stripped the wires. No crimping involved. I haven't tried cleaning the connection yet.

If you have a standard cable. You're using the Green/White Green and White Blue/Orange Wires.