Problem with NEw LED and controller.

seasmurf · 05/28/2012, 10:12 AM

I just purchased two AI Sol blue modules which are mounted and run from my Reefkeeper Elite ALC controller (V 2.0, all firmware updated yesterday). I ran a test program to ramp both lights up over 1.2 hour, run at 100 % B and 100% W for 1/2 hour and then ramp down over 1/2 hour. Both modules started out OK but about 15 minutes into the ramp, (referred to henceforth as module #2, or bad module) blinked off, then back on again. At full power, the blue LED's were extinguished and the white LEDS pulsing in a slow rhythmic fashion on module #2. The other module (#1) simultaneously was at full power and seemed to follow the program perfectly. Note that the incoming data line from the ALC comes into module #1 (good module)

To diagnose the problem, I executed the program again, running the daisy chain from the same port on module #1 to the second data port on the problem module….same result. I then switching to the other data port to output to Module #2 (both #2 data ports were tried independently) with the same result.

I then switched the data line coming from the ALC so it fed into a data port on module #2. Same result with module #1 following the program.

FInally, I completely disconnected module #1 and tried to run only module #2. It blinked a few times during the ramp up and then settled down to the same blue channels off, white pulsing slowly and dimly mode.

This morning I tried executing a new program and module #2 is dead, showing no light output at all. Measuring the power supply output voltage shows both power supplies are putting out 36.9 VDC. WHen I look at the DC voltage coning from the ALC module to LED module # 1, it reads .084 V spiking regularly (and periodically) up to 0.122 and 0.22 VDC. WHen plugged into module #1, the data cable leaving module #1 shows the same voltage so the signal entering and leaving module #1 looks the same.

If I unplug the data cable and power cable from module #2 and plug in only the power cable, All LEDs come on at what appears to be 100 % power.

I am at a total loss at this point. I suspect there is a problem with LED module #2. I have contacted both AI and DA but wonder if someone has experienced the same problem?

best regards,

Robert

P.S. Yes I did make my wire bundle according to directions, using a multimeter to identify the wires coming from the AI data jack, The base of the jack (ground shielding sheath) is spliced to the white data wire (gnd) on the RK cable while the center jack wire (red, in my case), is connected to the red wire from the RHE serial cable. The RKE cable is plugged into the SD out port on the RK ALC module.

seasmurf · 06/02/2012, 06:38 AM

I contacted both Aqua Illumination help line as well as Digital Aquatics for help in figuring out why only one of my two AI Sol Blue modules was following the Advanced Lighting Program I placed in my Reefkeeper Elite Head Unit. I have to admit, both companies were really quick to respond with useful suggestions…..Thanks Guys!

Ininitially diagnosing the problem, I executed the program using every combination of options for hooking up the serial input cables. Each AI Sol unit has two so there are 12 combinations of how the units can be daisy chained together. I also ran each module as a single unit as well as swapped power suppliee bewteen units. In all cases module 1 followed the programming flawlessly wihilst #2 would come on for a couple of minues, suddenly get bright, momentarily turn off and finally just stay off for good.

Aqua Illumination quickly mailed me out this new control board plus instructions on how to install it. The boards looked slight different with the new one labeled R8.1 vs. the R8 it was replacing.

The actual swap was very easy but have a gentle hand! The entire cover comes off with 4 allen screws and the optics lift off of the LEDs very easily. The board itself is connected to the base through 3 phillips head screws but the board is very thin, so take care when pulling it off of the four sets of LED pins. I can see how an unknowing brute could flex the board and snap it.

Same warning when installing. Make sure all fo the board sockets are lines up with the LED pins before gently pushing the board home in all sockets. When replacing the phillips and Allen screws, just tighten them minimally. I can see how it would be easy to strip the tapped hole in the thin plastic of both the board and the cover.

After reassembly, tried out the lights and they both worked great, following the program in perfect synchronization. Time to start aquascaping!

05/28/2012, 10:12 AM	#1
seasmurf Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Pepperell, MA Posts: 53	Problem with NEw LED and controller. I just purchased two AI Sol blue modules which are mounted and run from my Reefkeeper Elite ALC controller (V 2.0, all firmware updated yesterday). I ran a test program to ramp both lights up over 1.2 hour, run at 100 % B and 100% W for 1/2 hour and then ramp down over 1/2 hour. Both modules started out OK but about 15 minutes into the ramp, (referred to henceforth as module #2, or bad module) blinked off, then back on again. At full power, the blue LED's were extinguished and the white LEDS pulsing in a slow rhythmic fashion on module #2. The other module (#1) simultaneously was at full power and seemed to follow the program perfectly. Note that the incoming data line from the ALC comes into module #1 (good module) To diagnose the problem, I executed the program again, running the daisy chain from the same port on module #1 to the second data port on the problem module….same result. I then switching to the other data port to output to Module #2 (both #2 data ports were tried independently) with the same result. I then switched the data line coming from the ALC so it fed into a data port on module #2. Same result with module #1 following the program. FInally, I completely disconnected module #1 and tried to run only module #2. It blinked a few times during the ramp up and then settled down to the same blue channels off, white pulsing slowly and dimly mode. This morning I tried executing a new program and module #2 is dead, showing no light output at all. Measuring the power supply output voltage shows both power supplies are putting out 36.9 VDC. WHen I look at the DC voltage coning from the ALC module to LED module # 1, it reads .084 V spiking regularly (and periodically) up to 0.122 and 0.22 VDC. WHen plugged into module #1, the data cable leaving module #1 shows the same voltage so the signal entering and leaving module #1 looks the same. If I unplug the data cable and power cable from module #2 and plug in only the power cable, All LEDs come on at what appears to be 100 % power. I am at a total loss at this point. I suspect there is a problem with LED module #2. I have contacted both AI and DA but wonder if someone has experienced the same problem? best regards, Robert P.S. Yes I did make my wire bundle according to directions, using a multimeter to identify the wires coming from the AI data jack, The base of the jack (ground shielding sheath) is spliced to the white data wire (gnd) on the RK cable while the center jack wire (red, in my case), is connected to the red wire from the RHE serial cable. The RKE cable is plugged into the SD out port on the RK ALC module.