Help!!!! DCC concepts alpha problem

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JohnGillott
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Help!!!! DCC concepts alpha problem

#1

Post by JohnGillott »

I am installing a DCC Concepts Alpha push button point control system using DCC Colbalt IP digital motors.
DCC Concepts are very helpful but detailed instruction sheets are a bit thin.
I am using an independent DCC BUS for point control powered thru’ Colbalt Alpha switches connected to 3 Alpha Encoding Units and connected to point motor bus via an Alpha Sniffer Unit (Power BUS Driver and DCC Interface).
I re engineered the BUS cabling soldering all exiting feeds and when tested I have about 15 volts at connections to point motors, the control panel appears to work properly and all the linking wires from the alpha switches to the aeu have been tested.
I have decentered some of the point motors but now have no control over any of the motors, all very frustrating!
Can anyone explain what the ACC and Cab buttons on the Alpha Encoding Unit do please. I have been numbering the point motors using the ACC button, but this seems to be wrong.
Help please!
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Tinker
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Re: Help!!!! DCC concepts alpha problem

#2

Post by Tinker »

I number the Cobalts on a separate DCC supply not connected to the main layout.....I don't have a Alpha but would imagine it controls the points by the number there given via the DCC bus, not sure what the encoder units do or the sniffer unit....never read up on them,,,,,
JohnGillott
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Re: Help!!!! DCC concepts alpha problem

#3

Post by JohnGillott »

Thanks Tinker, I have the same principle but am using the Alpha units to encode and send the signal via the BUS.
JohnGillott
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Re: Help!!!! DCC concepts alpha problem

#4

Post by JohnGillott »

Further info available, I can program first motor OK and it works ok (#51), when I program #2 motor it changes #1 to (#52) and of coarse #1 doesn't work. #2 becomes #53. :twisted: I have tried disconnecting #1 motor and Programing #2 but this makes no difference.
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Brian
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Re: Help!!!! DCC concepts alpha problem

#5

Post by Brian »

While I can't help with these units from DCC Concepts, I would suggest a email to them would possibly resolve your problems? But do ensure your email contains as much information as possible. :D
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JohnGillott
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Re: Help!!!! DCC concepts alpha problem

#6

Post by JohnGillott »

Thanks Brian, I have been in constant touch with DCC Concepts and although they are very helpful we are all guessing on thing or another.
Their latest suggestion is to recheck the wiring from each alpha D switch unit to AEU from push buttons thru’ to final connection on the AEU.
This I will do and then report findings.
If that doesn’t work it’s back to wire and switches for me.
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