Polar Lights Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise Light Kit NO POWER

[CAPTAINCOX]

Hi Guys getting on with my TOS Enterprise kit and wanted to start applying the LEDs from Polar Lights Light Kit.

Maybe I am Doing this wrong or the PCB is defect.

Here is a pic of the PCB with one cable going to the 12v Converter/Plug and another going to a Cluster of LEDs


Put the Socket in the wall and...nothing, no Juice what so ever. Now has any of you guys an Idea what I am Doing wrong here, do I need to plug in all LEDs for it to work (long shot idea I know) or could the PCB really be Fuked.


Cheers Guys.

 

[Rahn420]

Just a guess. I don't have my instructions in front of me and I don't know if it makes a difference, but...

There are two sockets marked 'J'. Are you plugged into the right one according to the instructions?

Otherwise, I would suspect the power adapter.

 

[CAPTAINCOX]

Hi Rahn420

Thanks for you quick response.

I plugged in the Power to this slot


I think thats the correct one...or?

I bought a new power adaptor today as I needed a EU Socket, but its doing exactly what the US one does and its compatible to the 12v Specs from the original adaptor.


I tried it out yesterday with the US adaptor using a simple add on Travel adaptor for EU Sockets and it did not work so thats the reason I bought this new one but with the Same result, no power.

The guy at the Electronic store told me That the US Adaptor should work with that Kind of "Travel Adaptor" but he recommended me to Buy a new one all the Same just to be sure, but now I am sorta clueless.

 

[Rahn420]

It looks like you're plugged in the right socket. I took a shot.

After seeing the diagram, I can see the same words ('main power') were on the board. Except for the word 'power' I wasn't sure what it said in the photo.

Do you have access to someone who could test the power supply for you?

You might pick up a meter so you can test it. I would be good to have one if you plan to do more electronics in the future.

It would also let you test to make sure the connector is not at fault.

 

[darth_myeek]

[video]https://youtube.com/watch?v=BPkmbDCQ2mg[/video]

(Sorry, I seem to be embedded video challenged.)

Not the best camera angles, audio, etc, but may help.

 

[CAPTAINCOX]

Cheers Guys.

I think I need to get a Voltage Meter, could not hurt to get one generaly as I install light in all my builds.

As far as I can see in the vid posted by darth_myeek I am doing it right, so I can only imagine that
1: Broken PCB
2: Wiring between the PCB and the Socket has a break somewhere.
3: Power Adaptor some how is not compatible...not likely but,

I ordered a Voltage Multimeter on eBay for 10€, should be here on Monday so I guess I will know more then.
I also wrote Polar Lights asking if they have some idea what could be the cause to the problem.

Cheers Guys.

 

[Mark2000]

I have a lot of experience with this model and a little bit with general electronics. First of all, don't worry about the letters. They're only there to help organize things. You can plug any of your bulb LEDs into a port labeled "3V" as in 3 volts which is what these lights can take without eventually blowing out. Beware the 12V as they will kill your bulbs on connection (I've done it). Those are for the motors and strip lights only. So try your bulbs in multiple 3 volt ports to see if any of them are working.

I do advise a multimeter. It will let you know if power is flowing. You can also check if there is a circuit connection by selecting the "sound" icon and touching the power positive to a positive in one of the jacks. If it screeches at you there is a connection. Multimeters are great for all kinds of stuff including testing batteries so its a good investment.

Lastly, test the bulbs. Stick a metal pin or something in each hole of the connector and press them against a 3v coin battery. If they light you know they aren't the problem. But most of all don't futz with this too much. If it doesn't work get a replacement.

 

[CAPTAINCOX]

Cheers Mark2000

Really helpful tips there. I will see what I can figure out when I get the Multimeter. I also got some 3V batteries today and will look into the LEDs on the weekend.

This build is turning in to one of those cursed ones slowly, 1st the Secondary Hull (warped parts), got new ones from PL but it took about 3 weeks and now this with the Light Kit...will try to keep my cool and simply get on with it

Cheers.

 

[CAPTAINCOX]

Hi Guys

Checked all the LEDs with the 3V Battery and all of them are ok. Could be that the multimeter comes today or tomorrow, I really want to get on with this build so the sooner I know whats up with the PCB the better.

Did some Chairs for the bridge in Rhino and got them printed at Shapeways so I guess I could paint them in the meantime

They are about 3.6mm high so I will need a steady hand and loads of patience...like painting the bridge, MAN! was that a pain.


Cheers Guys.