Massoth Booster 1202B

[adverse camber]

After several years wait Massoth finally produced their power booster. I already run one but needed a second, but I have a strange problem outlined below. Massoth have been sent emails a couple of times but have not yet replied (after almost a month) which is unlike my previous experiences. Any help welcome

I am running a set up with a 1200Z running V2.62, and a1200B both of which have given long service.
I have just added a 1202B with 1200T power unit. The wiring is in parallel. i.e. both outputs connected to the same junction box which then runs some distance using 2.5mm2 cable to the track as in the diagram in the instructions.
I switch them on in the order they are wired, 1200Z, 1200B and then 1202B, and wait for each to fully boot up before I switch on the next in line.
The 1200Z/B combination work fine.
the 1202B will do one of 3 things


1. Boot up OK with both mode (orange) and act (green) lights going on.

2. Fails to boot up as it runs it diagnostics the 1200z shorts out and the B1 stop (red) and mode (orange) light come on., B2 lights are off

3. Boot up OK but only the B1 mode (orange) light goes on and as it boots it makes a slight noise as if it is about to short out but it does not do so. All engines seem to work. I have not yet put enough engines on the track to challenge the power output (which I assume to be only 6 amps)

These 3 types of boot will happen in sequence in the order they are listed, but can start at any point in the order depending on which one was last when it was turned off last.

I have had some trouble following the instructions which are not up to the usual high standard, but have tried to set the unit to the Standard form of operation before connecting to the central station which I understand to mean both orange (mode) lights on, but this makes no difference. As soon as it is switched off an on again it reverts to the situation explained above.

I can run things but having the whole system short out every third time I switch it on is tedious and I cant believe it is good for the electronics. I have the most up to date software on the 1200Z and all my navigators (1st thing I tried was updating it).

All ideas gratefully recieved

 

[stockers]

Am I reading this correctly? Are you putting the feeds together in that junction box and then running them together to the track. If that is so, that is the problem. You need to divide your track into isolated sections and power each section individually.

 

[muns]

The connection as per illustration 2?

Daisy chained booster connection? i.e. 1200Z to 1200B to 1202B ?

To confirm, your layout is split in to 3 sections, with insulating breaks between both rails? One for the 1200Z, one for the 1200B and one for the 1202B?

You have paralleled the output of the 1202B to allow for 12A output?


Have you tried disconnecting the track outputs from the 1202B to see if it successfully starts up then? If it does then I would suspect an intermittent short between sections.

Also try starting the units up in a different order. They should be happy without a data signal (the green LED will blink until the 1200Z powers up and provides the signal).


Can you forward the emails you sent to Massoth and I will try and chase them up for you? (to sales@gardenrailoutlet.co.uk)

 

[PhilP]

I have a theory, but would like to see the answers to Mark's queries before commenting..

 

[adverse camber]

Thank you all for your interest

The set up is as you describe Mark

In order to answer your questions I went back to have a play and found that the B2 "mode" button is faulty and does not spring back out after being pushed in though it can be pulled out with gentle manipulation. When I did this it all stated working normally and I suspect this is the issue. Without your suggestions I would not have spotted this. I will need to get this fixed but probably not till the end of the season.

Many thanks to all

AC