Benedini sound module problems

[Stephen Mason]

Hi all I wonder if anyone can help me with some technical info concerning my Benedini sound module problem on my Panther.

it is the early model Panther with the Benedini TBS5 sound card.
It was all working fine a couple of days ago but now when I try and operate the sounds via the switch no sounds are heard at all. I have the switch where you have to flick it on and off the correct amount of times to select each sound.
I have removed the sound card and powered the model on and the green light on the sound card flashes once. I have tried resetting it by pushing the programming button (the green light flashes 3 times) to try and run through the sequence as per the instructions. Again no sound heard. If I put my ear to the speaker, I only have one speaker on this tank, I can hear it buzzing but that is about it.
I am not very good with electronics so do not really want to go fiddling too much without knowing what I am doing.
If I had hair I would be pulling it out by now lol. Any help with this would be very much appreciated.

Thanks
Steve

[Adrian Harris]

Do you hear any clacks coming through the sound system when you power it up ?

If you have it configured for toggle mode, you should hear three, though it sometimes sounds like six. If there's no noise then it sounds like there may be a problem with the sound output of the TBS5, or with the amplifier, or the connection between them.

Once it is powered up, when you operate the toggle switch, the green light on the TBS5 should light when it is playing a sound - does that happen ?

Adrian.

[Stephen Mason]

Hi Adrian. Yes when I power the tank up I can hear the 3 clacks and the green light flashes 3 times as well.
The speaker buzzes louder when the volume button is turned up. When the programming button is pressed nothing at all happens which is also the same when the toggle switch is operated.
Could it possibly be an amplifier fault even though the speaker buzzes?

[Adrian Harris]

Do you still have all the connections attached to the TBS5, as I don't think it will behave if it can't see a signal on at least one of the receiver connections for the tracks, as well as the control channel.

Adrian.

[Stephen Mason]

I think so. I have looked at the TBS5 connections on Thomas's website and I have the two connections on the right of the board (from the motors) and two on the left of the board as well.

[Adrian Harris]

Would you be able to post a picture of your sound card ?

Adrian

[Stephen Mason]

I can hopefully post a pic tonight.
I am now wondering if I have a possible TX programming issue as I seem to have lost all of my aux channels.

I have a Futaba T8J and have gone into the programming menu, used the gimbal to get to the aux sub menu, scrolled down to channel 6 and designated that to rotary switch "V" which should operate the machine gun movement but nothing happens with that either. Is there another button I have to press once I have selected aux, channel 6, V,to assign that switch position into the tx? I can't see anything in the instruction manual about doing anything else other than just what I have done above.

[Stephen Mason]

Here is a pic of the sound card. As far as I am aware everything is in place.



Ignore my previous post about the aux channels as they are actually working by the looks of it. The machine gun servo coincidentally packed up and the replacement servo that I tried in its place was also kaput. I have tried a brand new servo now and it works as it should so obviously the programming is ok.

Back to the drawing board with the sound system then. Still no sounds at all when I press the programme button, which should run through the set up on the sound card.
I do not mind buying a new part but it is finding out which part that I need to replace.
Does anyone know if there is anywhere local to Southampton that I could take it too for them to check it over and at least tell me what I need?

Thanks
Steve.

[Maarten Schutjes]

Did you ask thomas benedini? He's very helpful: thomas@benedini.de

[Mick Regan]

Hi Stephen

What are you using for your receiver power supply. The TBS5 isn't very tolerant of an over-voltage. I had a similar problem when my BEC blew. Thomas can repair it at a very reasonable cost.

Hope this helps

Mick

[Stephen Mason]

Hi Maarten and Mick. I have now been in touch with Thomas and the sound card is going to be sent back to him for repair as he feels it has a programming issue.

Thomas is a very nice person to deal with and has quite a fast turnaround to boot.

Thanks for all the help.
Steve

[Dennis Jones]

Hi Stephen,

Just in case you have any problems in future I am over in Poole part of the Southern Armour Group Club. We will be at the Bill Target Steam Rally in Eastleigh for 2 days on 16th/17th May.

Dennis.

[Stephen Mason]

Hi Stephen,

Just in case you have any problems in future I am over in Poole part of the Southern Armour Group Club. We will be at the Bill Target Steam Rally in Eastleigh for 2 days on 16th/17th May.

Dennis.

Hi Dennis.
Thanks for that. I will send you a PM.

Steve