Advice Needed on Troubleshooting SSCv4 Controller [SOLVED]

[dschneck62350]

I have a newly assembled SSCv4 controller that is not functioning properly.   When I test using Xlights on the Test tab, it flashes OK with speed set to 50.  Any faster than that, it begins to lag a fraction of a second on every other color change.   For example on R-G-B, red is OK, green lags, blue is OK, then red lags, and so on.   I'm positive the problem is with the controller and not anything else because I've tried switching components and it's always with this controller.    I've tried reflowing the solder joints, but it still happens.  Any advice on troubleshooting is appreciated.   I have a megatree with a star and have moved this controller to the star so the lag is not as noticeable, but would still like to correct.  Thanks!

[tbone321]

IIRC, 50ms is what the controller was set to operate on.  How much faster do you really need for it to go?

[dschneck62350]

Attached is a picture of the control on the Xlights Test tab I was referring to.   In this case, I don't think 50 on the slider equates to 50ms.  Just halfway between 0 and 100 cycle speed.

[tbone321]

Is this happening to all of the V4 SSC's or just one of them?

[dschneck62350]

I swapped the PIC from a controller that was working and it worked, so the PIC must be flaky and I am ordering a new one from Mouser.   Thanks.

[zwiller]

Reflash if you can.  If it working at all, that should fix it. 

If you are ordering, order 10 to get the price break.  While your at it get 10 fuses for the hub too.  Some other guys are lucky but I am not and will typically need to replace these from time to time.  Normally, when the fuse goes so does the pic... 

[dschneck62350]

Thanks for the tips.   When I reflash the PIC, it appears to flash successfully.   However, if I disconnect and reconnect with the PICkit and Verify the PIC again, I get the message "Verify operation of Program Memory failed".   So it is not good after all.

[zwiller]

Oh well.  Yep, it's shot.  Mine usually throw "no device detected" when kaput.  In addition, to pics getting fried, I have a half dozen or so SSC of various versions that no longer work.  They were built, tested, and run in my show and now for some reason they no longer work.  I would advocate having a few SSC (10%) spares on hand for backups.  Saves a trip a ladder etc.