SMC4 Operating Tips

* Determine that the SMC4 is operating and responding to commands.

Reset the SMC4 to factory settings. Once the SMC4 is in a known state you can try issuing switch commands to see how the SMC4 responds. Before resetting it would be wise to disconnect the servos with semaphores from the SMC4. Reset the SMC4 by holding down the Smart button until both red and green LEDs are alternately flashing (about 16 seconds).

If you have a spare servo connect it to output 1. Issue throw and close switch commands for address 1. You should see the SMC4 respond to each command (servo moves with each command). The green LED will also flash when a valid command is received. If this test works than the SMC4 is receiving commands OK. You can try the other servo outputs. Output 2 will respond to address 2 and so on.

* The SMC4 has been programmed to operate in mode 3 (three position semaphore control), but it is not working.

In mode 3, three consecutive address are required for each servo output. These addresses can not over lap with other output addresses. For example if output 1 is programmed with an address of 21 than addresses 22 and 23 can NOT be used for anything else. Addresses 21, 22 and 23 are all used for output 1. In this mode the SMC4 only responds to throw commands. Issuing a switch/accessory 21 throw (reverse) will move the servo to one end. Issuing a switch/accessory 22 throw (reverse) will move the servo to the center.

* Adjusting the servo movement does not seem to be working.

If the SMC4 is in mode 4 the servo adjustment commands do not work (version 14 or lower).
If the center position CVs are programmed too close to either 0 or 127 there will be problems with servo movement.

Alternate procedure related to adjusting movement (section 2.1 in the manual).
1. Reset board to factory
2. Manually center servo arm (as mentioned in steps 7 and 8 in the Servo Package manual)
3. Put SMC4 into ops mode via Smart button
4. Program CV7 to 3 (back and forth) if not moving about center do step 5
5. Program CV13 in small steps (2 or 3) starting at 60 until the servo is moving back and forth about the correct center.
Check end positions:
6. Program CV7 to 4 to move servo to one end
7. Program CV7 to 5 to move servo to the other end
You can now change the range if needed.

Another alternate procedure related to adjusting movement (section 2.1 in the manual).
1. Reset board to factory
2. Manual center servo arm (as mentioned in steps 7 and 8 in the Servo Package manual) Note once this is done it need not be repeated unless the servo mounting is changed.
3. Put SMC4 into ops mode via Smart button
4. Program CV7 to 4 to move servo to one end
5. Program CV7 to 2 to move servo to center, if not centered do step 6
6. Program CV13 in small steps (2 or 3) starting at 60 until the servo is about in the center.
Check end positions:
7. Program CV7 to 5 to move servo to one end
8. Program CV7 to 4 to move servo to the other end
You can now change the range if needed.

* The SMC4 inputs (in mode 4) are being controlled directly by SIC24 outputs. Red and green semaphore positions work but not yellow.

The inputs of the SMC4 are designed to work with our DBD22 and require open collector type drive (open/close switch). The SIC24 has push/pull drive (5 volts or ground). The SIC24 will work by connecting a signal diode (like a 1N4148) between each primary input of the SMC4 and the SIC24 output you are using. The diode cathode should be connected to the SIC24 output.