MaxFlex Wiring Query

[Doh!Nut]

I am just wiring up a MaxFlex for use in a helmet light.
2Series Li-Ion to 1* Series MC-E.
I want to wire it up with a remote switch and statLED so when the light is mounted on my helmet the switch/LED is down by my temple so the switch is accessible and the statLED is just in my peripheral vision.

I completed the wiring as instructed

Led+ to LED+
Led- to GRD (one of two - the closest one to LED+)

Power Positive in to Vin+
Power Negative to GRD (second of two - furthest from LED+)
I stripped back a few mm extra to allow 3-4mm wire to poke through the through hole.

Two pieces of solid copper wire twisted together about 6" long connected stat to LED anode LED cathode to GRD (the wire poking through the through hole.

Switch was connected by two 6" wires between SW and GRD (wire poking though hole) ((The instructions say max 4" leads for switch but I have used this twisted wire arrangement on a similar light))

I then shrink wrapped the stat LED and the switch wires together and tested - and it does not work.
Well, on power on there is not the warning flash (like I get with B-Flex), the main LED lights and stays on and the stat LED gives one flash. The LED can be turned on and off with a clic (not a press) and sometimes I can get it go brighter.
One time I got is to go a bit brighter - press - a bit brighter - press - a bit brighter.

What I think is happening is the rapid flash of the status LED is being picked up by the switch wires and entering the menu system, so I removed all but 1" of the heatshrink and separated the LED and Switch wires but no improvement.:shrug:

So tonight I will try to separate the remaining wiring and see if that helps, the only thing I have done "wrong" (I think) is to have the switch wires too long.

If I cut the switch wires back to 4" will it really make much difference
Does twisting the wires together prevent it from being an aerial - or just make it worse
Can the switch and statLED wires run parallele at any point - ie leave lamp through same hole
Can I use tripple core (R/C servo ) wire to use a common ground to reduce number of wires or should I be using the other GRD


Any advice
Cheers
Nick

 

[ifor powell]

I don't think it is in UIB2 mode but one of the other two UIF or UIP. I have had this before you need to get into the menu system and make sure you are in the UIB2 mode. Here is the manual bit about getting to the menues from UIF or UIP.

If you are in UIF/UIP mode, then start with the light on, or turn the light on and wait at least 1 second. Click 3 times quickly (the LED will flash off, on, off) and follow that with a press until the LED flashes. So the sequence from the light being on is simply click-click-click-press. The press must come directly after the three clicks, or the circuit will enter lockout mode with an indication of three bright flashes. When you have entered the Menu successfully, the LED will be steady dim.

Ifor​

 

[georges80]

Ifor is correct. You are more than likely still in UIP - that is how maxflex is shipped by default.

Please read the manual that is in the tech section for maxflex and you will see the shipping defaults. You will need to access the menu system and reconfigure some of the defaults for your specific needs.

Dearie me, yes, that means reading the manual... Funny thing is that MANual has MAN in it, yet most of us males seem to find it demeaning to have to read the MANual...

cheers,
george.

 

[Doh!Nut]

Thanks for the replies

Ill try changing the mode but in my defenence this is what is says in my maxflexuni_v3 manual.

"3.1 Initial Power Application
IF the firmware is configured for UIB2 base mode (shipping default):
Upon initial power application to the circuit, the main LED will flash quickly and dimly for three
seconds to indicate that the "Menu entry window" is open. If three seconds pass with no switch
action, the LED will light (because Poweron Mode is active by default) at the lowest level. The circuit
is on and ready to use."

If I am going to get grief from my wife for having a maxflex manual printout as bedtime reading I am not going to take grief for not having read it

PS George what do you think of using three strand servo wire for both the status LED and the switch? should it work?

Thanks
Nick

 

[georges80]

Yes, a typo in the OLD manual. The new manual

http://www.taskled.com/leds/maxflexuni_v3.30.pdf

clearly states it is in UIP by default

Running the grounds will depend on many factors - wire length, battery voltage, output current, etc etc. You will need to determine what works best in your application - ground loops etc. Typically a separate ground wire for LED, Battery and switch work best.

cheers,
george.