Z21 loconet fault?

[Darlofan59]

This is a long shot - maybe someone has had the same problem.  I had Z21 with a couple of Uhlenbrock occupancy detectors and also Digikeijs versions all working fine via loconet for the sections connected. All points etc working no problem and all elements working ok on iPad app and through Train Controller app on laptop.  This has been on a layout and working fine for a few weeks now. All fine then having been away for a week I have switched it all on and the re is no indication of occupancy showing on the iPad app.  The trains drive round no issue and the points switch etc (I didn't try TC again yet).  To make the check as simple as possible, I  disconnected all and set up a simple 3 section piece with 1 of the 63320 units. No change - you can see the 63320 is sensing because as you move from one section to the other the module indicator light flashes but nothing shows up or changes state on the iPad.  So here's the problem : is the Z21 faulty and how can I check? I cant tell if the signal is going into the Z21 or if it's not coming out to update the iPad. )  Or is it the occupancy module? ANy help on diagnosing any of the units would be much appreciated. (The Z21 maintenance app and firmware etc are all up-to-date). Help anyone ??

[Darlofan59]

The Uhlenbrock module works via LocoNet. That has the advantage you can set up an alternative "feedback control system" with it: the LocoNet protocol allows a device to respond directly to any/all LN message(s) directed to it w/o interference of the command station. So, grab an LN-equipped accessory-decoder and program it to respond to the message the feedback module uses for that section by switching a point on entry (by the train) and switching it back when the section is empty. If this works, the module is fine.

 

Next item: is the Z21 passing this info on towards whatever is attached to it? To check that, set up a PC with RocRail to see if the info of the occupation of the track sections is passed on to the PC. If that works, the issue is the apple. See if you can get an Android device, these are better supported by Roco, or more correctly said: apple puts up too many restrictions to get the app to work properly as Roco would want it to be

Thanks for the quick reply !!  I only have LN occupancy detectors - the points are controlled using Switch pilots modules. I don't think I can set it up to do that check can I?

I will check using TC to see if the detection is working - I just thought that as nothing is showing on the iPad , TC wouldn't get a signal either. I'll update tomorrow - thanks again,

Steve

[Darlofan59]

I see. In that case, you should be able to program the 63320 module to dispatch an LN message to switch a point, which then should be picked up by the Z21 and translated into a command to the respective points decoder instead. If that works, you know 2 things at once: the module works, and the Z21 processes that info. But if it doesn't, you're still none the wiser

 

Fortunately, you can build your own LN receptacle, using an Arduino and some additional electronics. For more info on that, read up on:

http://mrrwa.org/loconet-interface/

https://sourceforge.net/projects/mrrwa/

 

The Arduino platform is explained here:

https://www.arduino.cc

 

It helps if you have at least some understanding of electronics and/or programming, but if you haven't, you should be able to follow instructions to get a working example.

 

HTH!

 

Well thanks again for all that info and advice  - I'll check it out. I connected up the laptop using TC and all works ok! So it must have been the iPad app.  Cant get over that really - working fine then go away for a week and switch back on and it doesn't work.  These gremlins sent to test us !  Cheers

[PaulRhB]

Have you tried rebooting the app? If not try double tapping the home button and swiping it up to fully close it, then open it again. I've had occasional lock ups of the app that stop it and a simple close and restart of just the app, (not the phone or tablet), sorts it in seconds. They do seem to struggle sometimes if too many apps are open

Edited September 20, 2017 by PaulRhB