Author Topic: DMX Splitter Output Problem (Problem SOLVED)  (Read 3490 times)

Offline pete peters

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Output four on my DMX Splittrer will not work.

Output 1, 2, 3  all work fine.

I have replaced the 485 chip,  Swapped it with other output chips,  I have  replaced the 8 pin socket. I have checked all the solder joints and re soldered the joints.  I have checked the boards foil traces and they check out OK.

I am stumped

Does anyone have any ideas??

Thanks  Much

Pete P
« Last Edit: March 29, 2015, by pete peters »

Offline CaptainMurdoch

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DMX Splitter Output Problem
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2015, »
There was a missing trace on these I believe.  I think it is documented in the build manual in the wiki.  I think I recall having to put a jumper wire on the one I had to get the fourth output working.

Offline dmaccole

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Re: DMX Splitter Output Problem
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2015, »
This is clearly the v1 of the DMX Splitter, as the v2/v3 have only three outputs.

And the reason that v1 was abandoned was because of frequent problems with Output 4 operating.

The blue transformers had limited output current and it turned out that they would not drive all four of the spec'd RS485 chips.

If you don't have ambient-air temperature issues, you might try using either this RS485 chip ...

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The illustrations are of SMD chips, but the metadata says they're through-hole.

It also says they only draw 500 microamps, which even times four shouldn't strain the blue transformer.

I make no guarantees.

\dmc

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Offline pete peters

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Re: DMX Splitter Output Problem
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2015, »
Thanks Very much to both of you!!

I installed the jumper as shown in the wiki.

Now ALL 4 Outputs work!!!

I will also look at upgrading the chips as well.

THANKS Again!

Pete P