Control/Dimming Problem with Expression RFU2

[CJWagner]

Hey Guys,
I'm having a problem with my Expression Remote Focus Unit at school, the main problem is the unit isnt working, so I'll start from the begining. This remote focus unit has worked before and I have used it plenty of times, but one day it decided to not work, after I transfered the unit from one Remote Focus Unit wall port to another, and then it decided not to work. When I plug the unit into the female wall port, and I know its the correct port, I switch the unit on, and I powers up correctly, until it says "waiting for response from board" or something along those lines, all I do after is go to my light board and press a few buttons, like Channel and then options, and then I check the Remote Focus Unit, and now all is shows on the screen is CHN, and a number one and some other things, but when I press the buttons, none of them work and now the unit is rendered useless. Do any of you guys have this problem and how could I fix it? Do I have to configure something on my light board? Any help is great! -Thanks

 

[tayklor]

Hey Guys,
I'm having a problem with my Expression Remote Focus Unit at school, the main problem is the unit isnt working, so I'll start from the begining. This remote focus unit has worked before and I have used it plenty of times, but one day it decided to not work, after I transfered the unit from one Remote Focus Unit wall port to another, and then it decided not to work. When I plug the unit into the female wall port, and I know its the correct port, I switch the unit on, and I powers up correctly, until it says "waiting for response from board" or something along those lines, all I do after is go to my light board and press a few buttons, like Channel and then options, and then I check the Remote Focus Unit, and now all is shows on the screen is CHN, and a number one and some other things, but when I press the buttons, none of them work and now the unit is rendered useless. Do any of you guys have this problem and how could I fix it? Do I have to configure something on my light board? Any help is great! -Thanks

First thing I would try is to connect it to the RFU port on the back of the console, skipping the wall panel. Check to make sure that the RFU port is enabled on the console as well.

 

[derekleffew]

First, eliminate all building wiring by plugging the RFU directly into the RFU port on the back of the console.

As far as I can find or remember, the RFU does not have to be enabled on the console. Just plug it in, turn it on, and it works.

If the RFU works properly while plugged directly into the console, you've got a wiring issue and this info may be helpful. If it doesn't, it could be the RFU or the console itself, and you'll need to call ETC Tech Services at 1-800-688-4116 to further diagnose.

Good luck.

(Posted simultaneously with the post above.)

 

[HansH]

Derek is on the right track here. If you plug the RFU directly into the console, you'll eliminate the common ETCLink / RFU cross plugging issues (as they are both 6-pin XLR connectors), and any problems in the data wiring.

Also, it sounds like you're trying to use this unit at a second wall port. What happens if you take it back to the "tried and true" wall port? Does it work still?

Give us a call in the morning, and we'd be glad to help.

Hans Hinrichsen

ETC Technical Support Specialist