LOR1602W 2 Outlets/Plugs/Channels/ Don't Work

[jcheslin]

The light strings are good --- LOR Channels are assigned correctly --- 14 other channels work on the Controller --- How can I test/check to see why there is no power to these 2 channels?

Jim

[LightORamaDan]

Hi,

What type of controller is it? Was it a solder together kit? Which two channels are not working?

Dan

[jcheslin]

Dan - thanks for the quick reply. LOR1602W -- Not a Kit -- purchased from LOR built. All of my 16 controllers have always worked -- first test today with actual lights -- Channels 5 & 7 are not working -- tested light strings in other channels and they work. Blue Board version --- 4.30 firmware

[LightORamaDan]

Hi,

You said that LOR channels were assigned correctly which leads me to believe you may be testing using the Sequence Editor (which is how I do it!). Have you tested the unit using the Hardware Utility Program as a final check? and swapped light strings from working channels.


Dan

[jcheslin]

I have a Non-Musical sequence that turns all of my 256 channels on -- I find this an easier test that the Hardware Utility --- I did try the HW Utility --- but gave up for today as it was not doing what I wanted [no lights were on] --- its not intuitive or I just don't get it --- if there is a way to use it and have it actually tell me that channel 5 or 7 is 'bad' --- then that is what I would want.

[jcheslin]

Dan --- I have another question --- one channel just stays on all the time -- [14]. I have used the Hardware Utility to test and it runs the 'program' but it appears to stay on at approx 50% power and never turns off. I have checked all visible plug connections --- do you have any suggestions as this could interfere with my show. Thanks

[LightORamaDan]

jcheslin wrote:

Dan --- I have another question --- one channel just stays on all the time -- [14]. I have used the Hardware Utility to test and it runs the 'program' but it appears to stay on at approx 50% power and never turns off. I have checked all visible plug connections --- do you have any suggestions as this could interfere with my show. Thanks

That sounds like a failed/damaged triac (1/2 failed on)... It will need to be repaired. You can send it in for repair... Currently there is about 2 weeks delay on repairs.

Light O Rama REPAIRS

22 Hudson Falls Rd.

Unit 52

South Glens Falls NY 12803

Include a description of the problem and a return shipping label.


Dan

[orthoman]

Dan,



I have 5 controllers, just ordered 2 more.

I have had a consistent problem with controller #3. Last year, Channel 2 went bad (it stayed on all the time). I sent it in in September 2010 in order to get a jump on this season, you guys found it was a bad triac on channel 2, sent it back to me.

I used that controller for a halloween display. It worked pretty well.

Now, I tested the controller again, to make sure I'm ready for xmas. Now, channel 5 stays on all the time! So, I guess I have another bad triac! I tested this unit both by using the hardware utility and the sequence editor, multiple times. I am sure that this is the problem. All the other units work perfectly.

Now, I do not believe I have enough time to get this "bad one" back to you guys, and then get it fixed and back to me, before the christmas season starts, and it will ruin my display.

The first time I sent it to you, it cost 25 bucks. How many times does a customer need to send a unit back before you just swap it out for a "good" one? Do you have a policy that addresses such an issue? Each time I send it in, it costs 10 percent of what the new unit costs.

Thanks,

Charles Whittenburg

[LightORamaDan]

orthoman wrote:

Dan,



I have 5 controllers, just ordered 2 more.

I have had a consistent problem with controller #3. Last year, Channel 2 went bad (it stayed on all the time). I sent it in in September 2010 in order to get a jump on this season, you guys found it was a bad triac on channel 2, sent it back to me.

I used that controller for a halloween display. It worked pretty well.

Now, I tested the controller again, to make sure I'm ready for xmas. Now, channel 5 stays on all the time! So, I guess I have another bad triac! I tested this unit both by using the hardware utility and the sequence editor, multiple times. I am sure that this is the problem. All the other units work perfectly.

Now, I do not believe I have enough time to get this "bad one" back to you guys, and then get it fixed and back to me, before the christmas season starts, and it will ruin my display.

The first time I sent it to you, it cost 25 bucks. How many times does a customer need to send a unit back before you just swap it out for a "good" one? Do you have a policy that addresses such an issue? Each time I send it in, it costs 10 percent of what the new unit costs.

Thanks,

Charles Whittenburg

It seems like we loose about 0.25% of the triacs per year. ( 1 in 400 )... 1/2 of the failures are caused by short circuits, etc... and the other 1/2 just fail... Also we see clusters of issues with a particular customer while someone with 50 controllers does not have a single failure in a year. People have had many controllers for 5 or 6 years and not have a problem.

To answer your question: "How many times does a customer need to send a unit back before you just swap it out for a "good" one?" As far as failed triacs is concerned a repaired unit is better than a new on. A repaired unit has had a burn-in period where components that are marginal, and passed initial quality checks, have had the opportunity to fail. Thus a repaired unit is less likely to have a failure than a new one.

I understand that this is frustrating. Someone from the support team will contact you via email to take care of this issue.

Dan

[jeffl]

Dan has always treated me right. Even repaired a problem I could have done myself.

I will say however I always keep an extra board on hand just in case I have a total failure (not my idea but others). I also try to keep an extra channel free here and there just in case something goes bad.

Knock on wood out of 40 controllers I have never had a triac go bad.

Good luck.

[gizmomkr]

And can you believe I had to put air in my tire this morning - Its only been on my car for 20,000 miles. I had to pay 120.00 to have it changed because the one before that ran out of tread.


You ever have to put new wire / brackets on a kid because they wont stop chomping down now and later's?. Every time they come in, you have to make another "adjustment", and that poor kids mom has to cough up another co-pay.

[jeffl]

Easy now. This is a stressful time of year.

I was trying to be helpful. I can relate. $12K over the next two years for braces is going to mean no new lights for my wife (she doesn't need more anyway). But, then my kids will hopefully avoid the problems I had later in life when I had to do it myself.

My point is the same. I'm trying to advocate a little preventative care early to avoid and emergency later.

[LightORamaDan]

jeffl wrote:

Easy now. This is a stressful time of year.

I was trying to be helpful. I can relate. $12K over the next two years for braces is going to mean no new lights for my wife (she doesn't need more anyway). But, then my kids will hopefully avoid the problems I had later in life when I had to do it myself.

My point is the same. I'm trying to advocate a little preventative care early to avoid and emergency later.

Yes it is stressful... Unfortunatly we are a couple weeks backed up on repairs. Seems like a lot of people remember that they had a problem last year as they start setting up this year... (happens every year)... So we get lots of last year's problems now.

People should send any repair issues in right after they teardown!

As far as braces... A little bit of every controller sold will soon be in Alex's mouth!

Dan

[progressivetek]

Dan,

Do you sell just the triacs for those proficient enough to replace it themselves?