C5ALIVE Forum

C5Alive General Category => C5 Chatroom => Topic started by: Luke S on 26, December, 2012 - 13:05:19

Title: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 26, December, 2012 - 13:05:19
what do the pod lights mean on the left and the right hand side  ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 26, December, 2012 - 19:54:35
Hi there Luke take a look at the photo's ....Sorry about the contrast of the photo's if you cannot read them let me know ..
Bye Chas


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/jordan8_2009/1-SINCLAIRC5usermanual015.jpg)


(http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af46/jordan8_2009/2-SINCLAIRC5usermanual016.jpg)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 26, December, 2012 - 20:28:58
The lights on the right hand side means the battery condition, those lights go down then the C5 starts beeping at me, the battery is charged up and I got the C5Alive battery clamps about 2 weeks ago, we cleaned the connections when I had a different battery and the key switch it worked fine fir about 2 weeks then it started playing up again so that was when we bought the battery clamps, the C5 worked great for about 2 weeks again now its started to do what happened when I had the key switch, do you think the connections on the battery could be dirty  :-\ :-\

The C5 seems to be very complicated for what it is

Thanks, Luke
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: radiomarty on 27, December, 2012 - 07:33:08
Hi Luke - It sounds as if your ULA chip has a defect as this is a classic fault pattern - the only odd thing is that it works for a couple of weeks then starts doing it again - please check your thin brown wire is correctly connected in the control box and that the spade it pushes onto is has a good soldered joint - also make sure the red connector block on the back of the pod is good (ie when you wiggle it does the pod go off) Check the pins on the pod are clean and that the soldered joints are good - If all else fails you could send it to myself and I can test it for you for free if you cover the postage both ways - Marty :)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Karl on 27, December, 2012 - 08:44:40

The C5 seems to be very complicated for what it is


Not really, it's just getting quite old now and with most of the components starting to exceed their design life the number of problems will start to increase .

As a comparison, consider this - how many cars from the mid 1980's are still even out there running about, let alone doing so reliably ?
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 27, December, 2012 - 10:46:35
Hi Luke - It sounds as if your ULA chip has a defect as this is a classic fault pattern - the only odd thing is that it works for a couple of weeks then starts doing it again - please check your thin brown wire is correctly connected in the control box and that the spade it pushes onto is has a good soldered joint - also make sure the red connector block on the back of the pod is good (ie when you wiggle it does the pod go off) Check the pins on the pod are clean and that the soldered joints are good - If all else fails you could send it to myself and I can test it for you for free if you cover the postage both ways - Marty :)
What is the ULA chip and where is it on the C5
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 27, December, 2012 - 10:51:32
don't worry my dad knows
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 27, December, 2012 - 20:02:14
Hi Luke - It sounds as if your ULA chip has a defect as this is a classic fault pattern

What can you do if this has gone
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 27, December, 2012 - 20:29:04

The C5 seems to be very complicated for what it is


Not really, it's just getting quite old now and with most of the components starting to exceed their design life the number of problems will start to increase .

As a comparison, consider this - how many cars from the mid 1980's are still even out there running about, let alone doing so reliably ?

My dad has 2 1972 GT6's they run fine, they have probably been looked after well
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: radiomarty on 28, December, 2012 - 07:29:56
Hi Luke - It sounds as if your ULA chip has a defect as this is a classic fault pattern

What can you do if this has gone

Sadly at the moment there is no replacement - however Karl G is looking into it think - I need to contact him when I get a few spare minutes !
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Karl on 28, December, 2012 - 12:32:39

The C5 seems to be very complicated for what it is


Not really, it's just getting quite old now and with most of the components starting to exceed their design life the number of problems will start to increase .

As a comparison, consider this - how many cars from the mid 1980's are still even out there running about, let alone doing so reliably ?

My dad has 2 1972 GT6's they run fine, they have probably been looked after well

...and I expect the GT6's cost a lot more than a c5 and have had considerably more spent on them in restoration, maintenance and general running costs - just like my MGF . Horses for courses  ;)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 28, December, 2012 - 18:12:09
I have sorted out the problem by cleaning the battery terminals and the connections on the back of the pod, I'll go out on it sume time and see if it still works.  :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 29, December, 2012 - 10:23:43
I took it out just now and the lights on the pod went down then started beeping again >:( >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 29, December, 2012 - 10:27:16
I did not go far and I put my hand on the motor and it was warm. Is it meant to get warm if you have done about 1/4 of a mile
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 29, December, 2012 - 10:59:04
I have cleaned the terminals. Then once I have done about 100 meters the 2 green lights go out. Then once I have done about 1/4 of a mile it starts beeping at me, what dose the beeping mean/ telling you???????????  :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 29, December, 2012 - 12:29:47
Hi there luke on a pod that works as it should  The beeping is telling you that either the motor is over heating or the battery level is very low and the C5 will shut down very soon .But as with your case it looks like the ULA chip is faulty .And giving out false information .
Regarding the temp of the motor it will get hot as there is no fan to cool it down but that is normal ...

You will need to get another pod that is working (That is if you can )and connect it in to your C5 to see if the same thing happens ..
You may have to contact Marty...to test it for you
Bye Chas
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 29, December, 2012 - 12:54:37
So if it is the ULA chip I would need to buy a new pod  :P :P
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: pso-buzz on 29, December, 2012 - 13:37:24
It might be telling you that your battery is shot!
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 29, December, 2012 - 14:55:12
Ok what you can do is to make sure the batter is fully charged put it back on the C5 and switch the power on so the pod lights up .
Then just wait you may see that the lights go down on the right hand side very quickly if so the pod is faulty ....and you may have to bypass it to keep you going but without any info from the pod ....
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Karl on 29, December, 2012 - 16:30:46
its always worth checking and testing the battery as well.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 29, December, 2012 - 16:35:47
Ok what you can do is to make sure the batter is fully charged put it back on the C5 and switch the power on so the pod lights up .
Then just wait you may see that the lights go down on the right hand side very quickly if so the pod is faulty ....and you may have to bypass it to keep you going but without any info from the pod ....

The lights stay up when the C5 is not moving, but when I am moving they go down quicker I think the pod is dead  :( :( :(  RIP pod  ;D ;D
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 29, December, 2012 - 16:50:11
Hear are some pics of the pod

When I connect the battery 

(http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag126/Luke20008/DSCN0246_zps24a69b23.jpg)


When the last few lights on the right go out

(http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag126/Luke20008/DSCN0248_zps43ea2ab7.jpg)

Sorry the pics are a bit bleary
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Lancealot on 29, December, 2012 - 17:21:52
Hi I have also got this issue with one of my C5s and its either a faulty ULA chip or its a bad connection of the 10 way red cable loom / connector. Make sure the terminals in the connectors are clean and corrasion free and that the pins of the POD are also corrosion free and no issues with solder joints.

I have to wiggle my connector to the POD as there is some corrosion to the inner pins - another job when I have time.

Hope it helps

Lance
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 29, December, 2012 - 17:24:20
Thanks, Lance

I'll see if I can get my dad to do it
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 31, December, 2012 - 16:27:30
Well dose anyone have a pod or the circuit board for the pod for sale  :-\ :-\
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 01, January, 2013 - 09:54:33
On the back of the pod how many red wires are there, mine has 9 red wires  :-\ :-\
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: kamilb1998 on 01, January, 2013 - 10:01:40
On the back of the pod how many red wires are there, mine has 9 red wires  :-\ :-\

I believe 9 wires is correct.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: kamilb1998 on 01, January, 2013 - 10:02:37
Well dose anyone have a pod or the circuit board for the pod for sale  :-\ :-\

I think that if someone was offering a POD for sale they would be in touch with you. There is no need to post about it several times a day.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 01, January, 2013 - 15:18:31
I have just found this on the form

http://c5alive.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1601.0.html (http://c5alive.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1601.0.html)

Are these still for sale as as you know my ULA chip has gone.
The man hasn't been online since the 12 June
Dose any one know the chap
If so could you please get in touch

Luke
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 01, January, 2013 - 15:30:11
I have Emailed the bloke and hopefully I'll get a reply  :) :)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Lancealot on 01, January, 2013 - 20:01:22
Hi Luke, the red cable loom has 9 wires connected to a 10 way connector.

You will not get a reply from Phil as he has left the C5 forum unfortunately but he left the POD replacement a freeware.

Lance
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 01, January, 2013 - 20:26:13
Hi Luke, the red cable loom has 9 wires connected to a 10 way connector.

You will not get a reply from Phil as he has left the C5 forum unfortunately but he left the POD replacement a freeware.

Lance

Thanks Lance  ;) ;)

Has any one made one of these ULA replacement modules before, if so approximately how long would it that my dad to do
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 01, January, 2013 - 20:56:00
I have bought a pod off eBay hopefully it will work :D :D :D :) ;)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 02, January, 2013 - 18:47:14
I have bought a pod off eBay hopefully it will work :D :D :D :) ;)

The pod I bought is different to the picture on eBay according to the seller so it probably wont work :( :( >:( >:(
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: KarlG on 02, January, 2013 - 18:52:22
You were assured yesterday that it would work, why not wait and see.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 04, January, 2013 - 15:02:31
You were assured yesterday that it would work, why not wait and see.

It works!!! :) :) :)

But now the motor dose not work, dose any one know how to get round this problem
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 04, January, 2013 - 15:17:26
Also are the lights on the left hand side meant to flash when the c5 is not moving
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Dave.76 on 04, January, 2013 - 16:19:08
Hi Luke

Sorry to hear you are having problems. As far as I know, the left hand set of LEDs shouldn't flash when stationary. They certainly don't on my C5. As far as I am aware only the outer set of orange LEDs  on the left hand bank should stay on (not flashing) when the motor is not in use.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 04, January, 2013 - 16:43:48
Year the 2 orange ones on the left hand side don't flash
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 04, January, 2013 - 16:45:21
May be it's flashing because the motor wont work. The motor works fine with the other pod but not with this one :-\ :-\
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: dansretropod on 04, January, 2013 - 16:56:10
Quote
The motor works fine with the other pod but not with this one

Looks like your new POD is just as broken as your old one.  Have you considered removing the POD and control box and just running your C5 from a relay?  It'll save you all the hassle/cost of dealing with faulty ULA chips.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 04, January, 2013 - 17:07:46
I'll just see if I can get my dad to look at it tonight
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: radiomarty on 04, January, 2013 - 17:20:04
Hi Luke- sounds like possibly another duff pod - the offer is still there if you want to stick them in the post to me I will see whats wrong with them for you - just cover the postage (£4 ish) - Marty
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 04, January, 2013 - 17:31:16
I'll talk to my dad when he gets home.
Can you swap ULA chips over between 2 pods :-\ :-\
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: dansretropod on 04, January, 2013 - 17:58:59
Yeah you can swap them over.  Just be careful to handle them correctly and protect them from static.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: KarlG on 04, January, 2013 - 19:15:26
Hi Luke,

your best bet is to send both units to Marty, if any thing can be saved he's the man. I don't know if your Dad is into electronics, if not then it's best to leave it to an expert. The chips in the POD can be VERY easily damaged by static electricity. If you mess up then it will mean a lot of work and money.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 04, January, 2013 - 19:18:46
My dad got it working!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It may not work for very long but we will see. I'll send another reply if I go out tonight to tell you all how it goes, if it stops working again I'll see if I can send them off to Marty :) :) :)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 04, January, 2013 - 20:51:12
I ran it to my old primary school and back which was about 2 miles or more and it ran fine all the way, but the 4 out side orange lights went out but is still ran, my dad and I think it's just a dirty connection. Now all we have to do is change the front of my old pod with the new one because the it's a bit grey
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: kamilb1998 on 04, January, 2013 - 20:59:41
It does sound like you may have another duff/partly duff POD. I don't think that there is any connection that could cause the problem you are now experiencing.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Lancealot on 05, January, 2013 - 08:10:12
Hi as previously advised I have a C5 that the battery lights disappear but the C5 still runs. I have to wiggle the connector at the back of the POD. It is definately bad connections from the 10 way connector as the POD works on another C5. It is not as bad as your issue so I have not done anything with it yet.

It might be a good idea to look at replacing the connector with a crimped pin type or solder type connector as the original is a cheap push cable with v shape prong type - not the best.................

Have a look at Maplins - they do a 10 way (FY94C)
http://www.maplin.co.uk/0.1-series-socket-housing-1490 (http://www.maplin.co.uk/0.1-series-socket-housing-1490)

Lance
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 05, January, 2013 - 08:44:37
It does sound like you may have another duff/partly duff POD. I don't think that there is any connection that could cause the problem you are now experiencing.
The C5 works fine though  :-\ This is the best its work since I got it at the beginning of August
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: radiomarty on 05, January, 2013 - 10:35:16
Hi as previously advised I have a C5 that the battery lights disappear but the C5 still runs. I have to wiggle the connector at the back of the POD. It is definately bad connections from the 10 way connector as the POD works on another C5. It is not as bad as your issue so I have not done anything with it yet.

It might be a good idea to look at replacing the connector with a crimped pin type or solder type connector as the original is a cheap push cable with v shape prong type - not the best.................

Have a look at Maplins - they do a 10 way (FY94C)
http://www.maplin.co.uk/0.1-series-socket-housing-1490 (http://www.maplin.co.uk/0.1-series-socket-housing-1490)

Lance

Hi Lance thanks for the link - the problem I mainly come across is with the pin connections in the pod be it dry joints or corroded pins etc - I have had real problems sourcing the longer reach pins used - the pitch is still 0.1 however the majority of supplies only stock the shorter reach versions (like these :http://www.maplin.co.uk/2.54mm-0.1in.-pin-strip-1500)- if you ever come across them I would very much appreciate a link - Cheers Marty
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Lancealot on 05, January, 2013 - 12:17:43
Hi Marty have you tried Farnells - Big electrical outlet based in leeds.

I will have a look next week when in work.

Lance
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: KarlG on 05, January, 2013 - 14:06:00
Hi Marty, what lenght are you looking for?
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: radiomarty on 05, January, 2013 - 17:53:40
Hi Marty have you tried Farnells - Big electrical outlet based in leeds.

I will have a look next week when in work.

Lance

Thanks Lance (blimey Farnells forgot all about them - used to buy from them in the late 80's)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: radiomarty on 05, January, 2013 - 17:55:57
Hi Marty, what lenght are you looking for?

Hi Karl - Measured from the top of the pin to the bottom of the pin is 22MM (standard is 11.6mm)- Regards Marty
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 05, January, 2013 - 18:59:32
I'll be sending my old pod to you soon as that is the one that dose not work ;)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: KarlG on 05, January, 2013 - 19:50:01
Hi Luke,

if I were you, ::) I'd send both units to Marty. If you have problem 'A' with one and problem 'B' with the other maybe Marty can make one good one from the two.

Just a thought.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 05, January, 2013 - 19:58:55
The one I got about 2 days ago works fine, It's the old pod that came with the C5 dose not work. The only problem with the new pod I got 2 days ago is that one of the resisters have nearly burnt out so I'll see if I can get my dad to replace it but it works fine now with the nearly burnt out resister  :) :) :)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: kamilb1998 on 05, January, 2013 - 20:05:12
The one I got about 2 days ago works fine, It's the old pod that came with the C5 dose not work. The only problem with the new pod I got 2 days ago is that one of the resisters have nearly burnt out so I'll see if I can get my dad to replace it but it works fine now :) :) :)
You do risk causing more damage if you simply leave it, if it were me I'd get it fixed ASAP. I would also leave the repairs to experienced individuals such as Marty unless your Dad knows what he's doing with electrics and replacing components.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 05, January, 2013 - 20:07:54
Yes, my dad dose know about the electrics :) I'll get my dad to replace that resister ASAP
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 05, January, 2013 - 20:09:13
I don't want my C5 to have more problems  ;)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: radiomarty on 05, January, 2013 - 21:19:19
Hi Luke - i'm guessing (without seeing it) your resistor that is burning out is R21 (10ohm) which , in my experience, can cause major damage to the ULA chip as it sits on the voltage regulation line - I would advice you to get your dad to change it before you use the C5 anymore - Marty
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 06, January, 2013 - 08:46:17
Yes it is the resister R21
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 06, January, 2013 - 08:50:01
Hi Luke - i'm guessing (without seeing it) your resistor that is burning out is R21 (10ohm) which , in my experience, can cause major damage to the ULA chip as it sits on the voltage regulation line - I would advice you to get your dad to change it before you use the C5 anymore - Marty
My dad thinks if it dose burn out nothing will happen but I'll get him to read your post ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: kamilb1998 on 06, January, 2013 - 09:49:39
Hi Luke - i'm guessing (without seeing it) your resistor that is burning out is R21 (10ohm) which , in my experience, can cause major damage to the ULA chip as it sits on the voltage regulation line - I would advice you to get your dad to change it before you use the C5 anymore - Marty
My dad thinks if it dose burn out nothing will happen but I'll get him to read your post ::) ::) ::)

Do you not think Marty has a little more experience with how the POD works than your dad does?
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 06, January, 2013 - 11:16:42
I'm not saying that
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 06, January, 2013 - 11:18:43
That's why I am sending my pod to Marty so he can sort it out
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 08, January, 2013 - 20:43:36
Me and my dad have just opened the pod I got not that long ago. We found that that the 10ohm (R21) resister was unsoldered so we put that new resister in and soldered it both sides then we put it on the C5 now we are back to square one, the left hand side lights are flashing again. What is the effect on the C5 if you unsolder that resister, it was working fine when that was unsoldered :-\ :-\  :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\ :-\
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 09, January, 2013 - 06:43:40
And also the motor has stoped
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 09, January, 2013 - 16:09:47
Can I still use the C5 without that resister
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 10, January, 2013 - 19:32:44
I'm sorry that I keep re posting my self but if I can get away with taking this resister out of the circuit board in the pod so the C5 works I will do so :)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: kamilb1998 on 10, January, 2013 - 19:55:50
Have you sent a POD off to Marty?
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: KarlG on 10, January, 2013 - 23:05:12
Hi Luke,

Re-read reply 62 before you cause any fatal damage. Don't look for an easy way out of something that has no easy way out of. If you KILL the ULA THAT'S IT.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 11, January, 2013 - 07:27:39
Have you sent a POD off to Marty?

Not quite yet. I need to get Marty's Email address's first, I'll be Emailing him soon
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 11, January, 2013 - 07:31:45
Hi Luke,

Re-read reply 62 before you cause any fatal damage. Don't look for an easy way out of something that has no easy way out of. If you KILL the ULA THAT'S IT.

That resister was out when I got the pod so we just assumed it was fin until we saw that burnt out resister so we replaced it now it's not working. I won't take that resister out again because I don't want anything major going wrong
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: kamilb1998 on 11, January, 2013 - 08:04:25
Can you just not be patient, send your POD off to Marty? You also claim your dad knows what he's doing with electrics - maybe he shouldn't attempt repair in an area that he's not experienced in and just leave it to the professionals.

You ask for help and then come across as if you think you didn't need it.  :-\
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: KarlG on 11, January, 2013 - 13:08:55
I'm just wondering if his father was grounded before he started to work on the POD, if not it could well be a case of 'finito'.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Karl on 11, January, 2013 - 15:12:03
..Luke is just really keen, go with the flow  8)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: danny7147 on 11, January, 2013 - 18:57:37
In the words of another C5 owner I was chatting to yesterday about Marty... "In the C5 world, the man's a legend"  8)
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 11, January, 2013 - 19:03:37
I was chatting to yesterday about Marty

Who is yesterday  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: pod lights
Post by: Luke S on 11, January, 2013 - 19:05:30
Hi Luke - i'm guessing (without seeing it) your resistor that is burning out is R21 (10ohm) which , in my experience, can cause major damage to the ULA chip as it sits on the voltage regulation line - I would advice you to get your dad to change it before you use the C5 anymore - Marty

Hi Marty could you email me your Address so I can post you the pod soon