DSATX + Brainstem all the time?

pancit175 · 10-07-2006, 08:53 PM

Ok so here's the situation. I've had the Dsatx for a couple weeks now and it works great. Now I havent had any problems with the powersupply overall. Default settings, it powers up just fine and shuts down perfect.

When I initially installed the Brainstem to my COMB port directly on the MB it had a difficulty starting up. I didnt have any warrning flashes on the LED. The temperature and voltage were within programed threshold settings. Since the the brainstem had been plugged into the DSATX it has difficulty starting up and shutting down with the ACC going to Low or High.

Now, ever since I disconnected my brainstem off of the dsatx, It works perfect with the programed settings I changed. Startup, shutdown, yada, yada, yada!

My question now is, Can the brainstem safely be connected to the DSATX at all times and retain complete functionality or is this not possible and/or reccomended against?

DarquePervert · 10-07-2006, 09:23 PM

Yes.
I made an extension cable to reach fromt eh DSATX outside teh case to the COM port where the brainstem is plugged in.

pancit175 · 10-07-2006, 09:33 PM

Hmm..?
I opted to use the internal COM port cable to minimize cable and to save space.

Then does anyone have any possible explination to why I have that problem? I cannot even program the DSATX when its acting up ike this.

Iceman_jkh · 10-08-2006, 12:10 AM

You could use a 'USB-> serial adapter' and connect the brainstem to that. That way the dsatx would only communicate with ur pc when its in windows ( after usb->serial drivers have loaded).

Its not a fix for your COM port problem.. but it is an alternate solution.

DarquePervert · 10-08-2006, 05:30 AM

There should be two LEDs on the brainstem when it's conencted and operating properly. Red indicates the DSATX is recieiving 12v power. Amber indicates the brainstem has a serial connection.
Are the serial headers on your motherboard activated in the BIOS?
Have you tested the brainstem using a known-working serial port?

nigwhyrito · 10-08-2006, 09:00 AM

Darque Its not just him mine does the same when i reboot the pc with the brain stem connected to my dell it wont boot.. take the brainstem out and it boots. plug brainstem back in and sometimes it wont connect to pc.. Some times it does.. Oh yeah today is another day i will see if i can get this powersupply to send the shutdown pulse when acc goes low.

DarquePervert · 10-08-2006, 09:05 AM

If that's the case, then something is amiss.
My brainstem is always plugged in, and I have no problems with the DSATX starting up or shutting down.
Make certain there's no short anywhere. Also make certain the brainstem is connected properly. It only works one way, and there's no clear instructions that I've found that indicate which way it's supposed to connect to the DSATX.

As far as the ACC going low and the DSATX not shutting down the PC....
Are you certain that the ACC line is dropping to 0v? I've seen some that drop to 4-6v for whatever reason. In fact another forum member had that very problem.

Another thing that I've done is connect to the brainstem using a different PC (a laptop, in my case) and control it that way. I can startup and shut down the PC, change settings, etc. from the laptop.

pancit175 · 10-08-2006, 05:09 PM

nigwhyrito knows what i'm talking about.

The install is perfect. I shrink wrapped everything so there is no possibility for a short. Hell I even shrink wrapped the brainstem, except for the portion the it plugs into the DSATX.
It only happens when the brainstem is connected all the time. I know It was installed in the right direction because I was able to program it once I was able to startup. ACC is perfect, I used a relay so its isolated from the factory wires. But even when ACC goes High it doesnt startup.

Its just weird that no explination can be offered. Not that its the end of the world that I can't program on the fly. I'm glad I was able to program it at all. But if any proposes that its a faulty DSATX or Brainstem, I'll be the first one in-line for an exchange.

What do you think Darque, any possibility that I have a faulty DSATX or Brainstem?

zootjeff · 10-09-2006, 04:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by nigwhyrito

Darque Its not just him mine does the same when i reboot the pc with the brain stem connected to my dell it wont boot.. take the brainstem out and it boots. plug brainstem back in and sometimes it wont connect to pc.. Some times it does.. Oh yeah today is another day i will see if i can get this powersupply to send the shutdown pulse when acc goes low.

When you hot plug the brainstem, you should have problems. For best results, if you are going plug in the brainstem, you should do it before any ACC activity. Even better, pull the fuse, then plug in the brainstem.. Only do this if you can access needle nose pliers and are good at pulling the fuse. Hot pluging the brainstem will reset the DSATX causing weird behavior.

Also, if you have an 4805 board that has not been updated, you will have problems with the brainstem causing weird behavior. If your board is before rev 1.6 and has a 4805 or no lable on the back, you should send it back to me for an update.

nigwhyrito · 10-09-2006, 05:16 PM

ZootJeff and Darque, Well it is a miracle i finally got my dsatx working corretcly in basic mode......I am going to try booting again with dsatx brainstem connected but for now I got basic mode working. I found out my solution to my other problem on my dell board. I was leaving the power switch ribbon cable connected.. I took the ribbon cable off and on the front usb port board. I soldered my turn on leads to it that go to my dsatx...
then i turned the pots 2 to counter clockwise and and when i turn the key i now see hibenating.... i tried adjusting pots1 to default but it stopped the pc from shutting down when turned acc off....
i am using hibernate because if i use standby it will go into standby but then my xenarc pulls it out of standby. I know its the xenarc because i went to device manager and unchecked the option for touch screen in powermanagement..
i will google some more on it... but for now am sastified with hibenation..
jeff does that invitation to send my dsatx back to you for firmware upgrade still open say maybe 3-4 months from now.............

pancit175 · 10-09-2006, 06:48 PM

Awesome zootjeff, I'll check the version as soon as I get the chance. It would be interesting provided that I just picked up the DSATX just shy of a month ago that it would be a earlier version than mentioned. Regardless if I happens to have the correct version, like I said its not the end of the world. Untill someone has more insight on my problem.
zootjeff, If i should have the need to send it out, do I just go through returns at the store, or just PM/email you?
I'll post my results as soon as they are available...