KC9LFD.org

So, on 10/06/2008 I packaged up my Ultra Serial I/O Controller from the lightbar and had it shipped via UPS to Whelen. I called on the 10th to make sure they recieved it and had to dig through the pile of incoming packages. Monday, the 13th I recieved a phone call saying that the controller is ready and is being sent out. The person unfortunatly gave me the wrong tracking number.

Apparently calling Whelen to get any kind of information is mission impossible. The controller passed all tests and was modified to Whelen specs. From what I was told that means minor hardware modifications for protection and etc. Interesting. But I can’t wait to get it back and check it out.

Finally talking with one of the repair technicians, he gave me some ideas on how I can troubleshoot the two power supplies in my lightbar. Instead of the Serial I/O control for the power supplies, I could go parallel and apply direct power to the power supply power feed and serial connection. So the power is obviously red and black. He said that I should hook the white and gray wires to power to manually power the strobes. The blue/green wires are the actual serial control itself apparently. But when in serial mode, the gray/white wires are unused.

The technician also suggested I do a continuity test on all the wires. I was hoping to avoid that because of the ratsnest and apparent overcomplication of wiring. But the more I dive into the bar the easier it seems to get.

I’m also getting a copy of the design sketch for the power supply to help with my wiring and troubleshooting. I’m hoping it is anything but the power supplies. Rumor has it that they are somewhere around $400 new (if they can’t be repaired) but I think some are available on ebay for $60-$100. But thats ebay… I need reliability not junkyard treasures.

Part I is to wait for the Ultra Serial I/O Controller to arrive and test that to see if the ’specs’ upgrade was worth the $20 in shipping fees. I can’t complain though, the test and mofification and return shipping was free.