HomeWorks Support

Multi-Channel Tape Controller Troubleshooting

Wiring Verification Mode

Often times with strange load behaviors it is desirable to first ensure the 6 wires on the tape light are connected to the controller properly. The device has a built-in wiring verification mode to assist in testing that these connections are good.

Entering Wiring Verification Mode

To enter wiring verification mode, press and hold the button on the device for 6 seconds, until the green LED starts rapidly flashing. 

Exiting Wiring Verification Mode

To exit wiring verification mode, press and hold the button on the device for 6 seconds, until the green LED starts rapidly flashing. After the LED flashes for 2 seconds, it will either stay on to signify the device is unclaimed or turn off if the device is claimed. The device will also timeout of wiring verification mode if there is no button interaction for 10 minutes. Any button interaction while in the mode will reset this timer. 

Testing Connections in Wiring Verification Mode

While in wiring verification mode, the green LED will flash slowly to indicate which channel it is checking. For channel 1, the LED will flash once every 4 seconds, for channel 2 the LED will flash twice every 4 seconds, and so on. The active channel will be powered on at 20% intensity to provide visual confirmation that the channel has a good physical connection. Refer to the tape light wiring specifications for order in which colors are matched to a channel. After channel 5, the device will cycle back to testing channel 1. 

Specific Error Behaviors

Intensity is controllable but not color or color temperature

The device is activated in the system but does not have a tape light type assigned to it. Go back into the GUI and ensure that a tape light type is associated with the device, then transfer the database again. 

Slight flicker on one tape when another tape is controller (internal eyes only) When two controllers are T-tapped to the same power interface, but set to different zones, it is possible to see a slight flicker in one load when the other load is changing due to voltage interactions between the two controllers. If this occurs, it is advised that the the two controllers are homerun back to the power interface separately.

Red LED flashes once followed by a 2 second pause

There is an output short circuit. Check the load connections and then turn the load off and on again to reset. 

Red LED flashes twice followed by a 2 second pause

The output is drawing too much current. Check that at a maximum only 32 ft (10 m) is driven by a single controller, then turn the load off an on again to reset. 

Red LED flashes three times followed by a 2 second pause

The input voltage is too low, make sure the input voltage is at 24 VDC +/- 10%. 

Red LED flashes four times followed by a 2 second pause

The input voltage is too high, make sure the input voltage is at 24 VDC +/- 10%. 

Green LED is on continuously

The controller has not been activated in a system