Troubleshooting Guide

  • A flickering of the lamp attached to the LC1 output indicates TMCC signal loss. When the TMCC signal is restored, the Mini Commander will reset and resume operation.

  • When in Configuration Mode, the lamp attached to LC1 output will flash slowly (about once per second).  This occurs during Soft Set or when setting the “Cfg/Run” switch to Configuration.   When no lamp is connected to LC1, simply press the SET key a few additional times to be sure Soft Set was activated.

  • LED polarity is important when connecting to the LC1 and LC2 outputs.  If the LED fails to light, try reversing the LED and series diode.  No load resistors are needed to use LEDs.

  • The Mini Commander has built in snubbers on each output.  Each snubber is a  0.1uf / 100v capacitor.   In some high inductance applications, this will not be sufficient.  If a high inductance load is attached, a 1.0uf / 50 v NPO capacitor may be added across the load.  The need for the additional 1.0uf capacitor is indicated when the attached coil motor cannot be turned off as expected.  For example: the Dump Car needs the capacitor, and is indicated by the dump operation continuing after the CAB-1 key is released.

  • Always test for overheating of the Mini Commander after installation; excessive back EMF or excessive current will cause the Mini Commander to heat up.  Be careful, things heat up pretty fast and get very hot when there is a problem.  Run for about 5 seconds, check.  Run for a couple minutes, and check again.  Power off when checking for overheating.  You do not need to be in physical contact to feel overheating.  Use caution!

  • Under no circumstances configure a vibration motor above 7+ BOOST (14v).   Check for overheating on the Mini commander card after installation on a vibration motor.  After running a little while, remove power and check for heat on the components, drivers and power supply.  In normal operation nothing on the Mini Commander gets more than warm; but when things go wrong, components get very hot.  Use caution!

  • DO NOT connect to AC motors with field coils, only use DC can-style motors on the HC1 or 2 output.  Connection of an AC motor with field coils can be done by using a relay, but you lose any speed control options from the configuration process.