Cencom Sapphire Bench Test Setup

[lightsNsounds]

Dear forum members,


I am in the process of constructing a benchtop station to test the functionality of the cencom Sapphire before install, but I am experiencing some problems.. I will try to be as descriptive as possible:


1) connected the main 100amp power harness to a 12v power supply


2) jumped the ignition wire to turn the cencom on


3) connected the controller to the ethernet port


The problem Im having is that the controller isn't powering up.. is there something Im missing?


P.S. the cencom and controller have both been tested to verify their functionality in a vehicle.

 

[fleetcomm]

Try hooking it up to a battery instead of a power supply.

 

[EMT-BLS]

You need to connect Pin 14 (ignition) to power.

 

[lightsNsounds]

Try hooking it up to a battery instead of a power supply.

I am also working on a portable version of this that has 12v battery and am having the same problem

 

[lightsNsounds]

You need to connect Pin 14 (ignition) to power.

I'm sorry if my description was confusing, but that was my second step.. the Pwr light on the back of the cencom is on, so I know the cencom is receiving power.. but thanks for the help, that pin14 is something that is often missed =]

 

[EMT-BLS]

So what exactly happens? You plug the two reds to power, two black to ground, and Pin 14 to power (continuous). What does the system do?

 

[lightsNsounds]

Specifically, I need to verify the functionality of outputs: 4,5,6, & 7. As long as I can get the LEDs on the top of the cencom to light up, I know I'm in business.

 

[John Hearne]

Not an expert but shouldn't everything be hooked up before you apply power?

 

[EMT-BLS]

Not an expert but shouldn't everything be hooked up before you apply power?

What do you mean when you say everything? If he wants to test it, all he needs to wire up is the brain/keypad.

 

[lightsNsounds]

So what exactly happens? You plug the two reds to power, two black to ground, and Pin 14 to power (continuous). What does the system do?

I get nothing. Typically when you turn the controller on or inbetween functionalities it makes a beeping sound, I dont even get that. I called whelen and they said that it had something to do with the cencom looking for a whelen lightbar. Which kinda makes sense since the WC light blinks on the rear of the cencom. I just don't know how to go about tricking the cencom if that in fact is the problem

 

[John Hearne]

Have the control head hooked up before power is applied.

 

[lightsNsounds]

Have the control head hooked up before power is applied.

Tried that, even though I know it isn't necessary.

 

[fleetcomm]

I get nothing. Typically when you turn the controller on or inbetween functionalities it makes a beeping sound, I dont even get that. I called whelen and they said that it had something to do with the cencom looking for a whelen lightbar. Which kinda makes sense since the WC light blinks on the rear of the cencom. I just don't know how to go about tricking the cencom if that in fact is the problem

That does not make sense because I am using the sapphire on my new vehicles and I do not have a wc lightbar hooked to it.

 

[lightsNsounds]

That does not make sense because I am using the sapphire on my new vehicles and I do not have a wc lightbar hooked to it.

I knew the guy was blowing smoke, but figured I'd post it up anywayz

 

[SireLite]

Have you checked that the battery still contains 12volt? it could very well have less juice in it. ie 9 volts.

 

[Keith K.]

On page 4 of the instillation manual.


Step 4 - "IMPORTANT: The CenCom module case must be either mounted on, or grounded to the vehicle chassis."


I can't say for sure, but maybe this is the problem?

 

[fleetcomm]

I just bench tested a new cen com sapphire unit and it does not need the case grounded. My unit workes fine on the bench hooked to a power supply and here is a crude set up just to show you.

 

[lightsNsounds]

I just bench tested a new cen com sapphire unit and it does not need the case grounded. My unit workes fine on the bench hooked to a power supply and here is a crude set up just to show you. View attachment 46524

Perfect! So it does not require the lightbar to be connected (as was our assumption). But just out of curiosity, does the unit function without all the other connectors and simply jumping a wire from the main pwr harness to the remote pin? It seems like you have the perfect setup for a quick check :undecided:

 

[aacosta367]

This might help you, but run through check ist


1. check for a good ground.


2. Also check your power not with a test light but with a Voltage checker


3. Make your using correct wire gauge for the unit power supply


pm me any question have that unit install in my truck

 

[lightsNsounds]

This might help you, but run through check ist
1. check for a good ground.


2. Also check your power not with a test light but with a Voltage checker


3. Make your using correct wire gauge for the unit power supply


pm me any question have that unit install in my truck

The unit doesn't necessarily need to be grounded (as proven by fleetcomm)


All measurements are taken by a multimeter


Wiring gauges have been verified.


All great points though.. I really appreciate any help/insight on this matter, no matter how small. Seeing as how the simplest mistakes are often overlooked.

 

[fleetcomm]

Perfect! So it does not require the lightbar to be connected (as was our assumption). But just out of curiosity, does the unit function without all the other connectors and simply jumping a wire from the main pwr harness to the remote pin? It seems like you have the perfect setup for a quick check :undecided:

the wires I have hooked up are the (14) red/black wire, the (7) white/black, the two 50 amp red and the two ground wires. I would also check the programing to make sure load management has not been set for a voltage higher than you are working with.

 

[lightsNsounds]

the wires I have hooked up are the (14) red/black wire, the (7) white/black, the two 50 amp red and the two ground wires. I would also check the programing to make sure load management has not been set for a voltage higher than you are working with.

Pin 7 (backlight imput)? That's gotta be it! I shall try it when I return to work tomorrow and let you know.

 

[lightsNsounds]

the wires I have hooked up are the (14) red/black wire, the (7) white/black, the two 50 amp red and the two ground wires. I would also check the programing to make sure load management has not been set for a voltage higher than you are working with.

I went ahead and hooked up pin14 and no change


I was wrong earlier in my description of the diagnostic LEDs,


Pwr = solid


Wc = off


Err = blinking 3 times (which isnt in the manual)


Im starting to get frustrated with what should have been a simple project

 

[Keith K.]

You stated that both the amp and head checked ok on a vehicle. Is your power supply providing adequate voltage? What is the rated output in amps for continuous duty?

 

[lightsNsounds]

You stated that both the amp and head checked ok on a vehicle. Is your power supply providing adequate voltage? What is the rated output in amps for continuous duty?

Correct. Both check out..


Actual voltage: 12.6v


Rated at 5Ah

 

[Keith K.]

Correct. Both check out..
Actual voltage: 12.6v


Rated at 5Ah

Is the head to amp cable damaged?


If you have everything hooked up in the manner that has been described above and both parts work in a vehicle, I'd suspect that there is an issue with your power supply. I've had bench top power supplies fail to provide adequate current, but still provide a good 12v signal. If you have another DC power supply, I'd try bench testing your system on that to rule out a bad power supply.

 

[rwo978]

Where does the Glock come into play with bench testing? Mag dump when it doesn't work?

 

[Keith K.]

Where does the Glock come into play with bench testing? Mag dump when it doesn't work?

I was thinking the exact same thing but did not want to suggest using it to reset the CenCom.

 

[fleetcomm]

Where does the Glock come into play with bench testing? Mag dump when it doesn't work?

It is the equivalent of a bigger hammer. no, I had just gotten my new 30S glock that day.

 

[Wattco - Brent]

Did you ever get this working? Just reload the default program... step 2 in troubleshooting a programmable unit of any kind..


Use the latest software..


Who knows what was in there before..

 

[carguy411]

has anyone figured the problem out. i am going thru the same thing i tried everything and nada.\


the first trouble light is blinking saying check wecan lightbar


now i am goetting a wecan lightbar but it isnt in yet the liberty is on backorder so i wanted to try everything else to make sure im good and i can even do that. is there a way of turing offf the wecan controller in the system so i can use it as a normal unit? i looked in programming found nothing unless im over looking it??


please help thanks

 

[Wattco - Brent]

has anyone figured the problem out. i am going thru the same thing i tried everything and nada.\
the first trouble light is blinking saying check wecan lightbar


now i am goetting a wecan lightbar but it isnt in yet the liberty is on backorder so i wanted to try everything else to make sure im good and i can even do that. is there a way of turing offf the wecan controller in the system so i can use it as a normal unit? i looked in programming found nothing unless im over looking it??


please help thanks

There should be no reason it is not working... the error light will not make the rest of the unit not function - so it is something else - by default the unit shows up with a program that includes a bar.. if no bar is attached it will error but all other outputs should work.


Is the unit new?


What is hooked up to what?


Have photos?


Are the power and main large gauge output wires attached to the correct connectors? Many people mix these up and the unit will not work - best way to tell is two LED's will be lit on the ARM, but nothing will work.

 

[SHOF]

IMO it has to be a wiring issue. Check all wire connections. Then double check. Then triple check with the manual. I have never had any issues with a Cencom.

 

[carguy411]

It's brand new out if box. I have 2 8 ga red to 12v red/ black ign to 12v 2 10 ga black to ground even tried grounding case. And have controller plugged in doesn't even lite up or anything. But it takes the program i confirmed that with the timed output feature

 

[SHOF]

If you want it to light up, you have to apply 12v to the backlight wire

 

[carguy411]

That doesn't work either no buttons work slide switch I get no response from the controller at all.

 

[SHOF]

Do you have the ignition wire hooked up? I believe it is red/black. It has to have 12v for the unit to work.

 

[carguy411]

Yep everything hooked up

 

[carguy411]

It almost seems like the controlle head isn't responding. But the brain is. I'm stuck Whelen hotline only is open during the week??