Hello

I have just bought 3 pcs of Viessmann 5217 s88 decoders to use for occupied track detection. These are my first s88's ever. I will use Märklin C-tracks and convert them to contact tracks by cutting the ground connection between the outer rails.

I have set up a test track with three contact sections and connected them to one of the 5217's. Then this only 5217 it is connected to the IB.

I have configured the IB to use only one s88 unit. The software version of the IB is 1.302.

I switch the IB to s88 mode. No what happens: All indicator rectangles are filled up on the IB, despite of how many track sensors are connected or what s88 module adress is selected or if there is a veichle on track or not. The "open circles" never show up. I have also tried to switch the 5217 modules, without result.

Have anybody a clue what the problem is?

BR
Johan Westling

Hello Juhan,

Did you test each section with an Ohmometer to make sure the two rails are separated ?

Best regards,

George.

Adrian,
It should be easy to disconnect the cable to the s88 module and see if the IB shows empty circles. If circles are still filled it is a problem with the IB, otherwise maybe the cable is not properly connected.
George

Hi folks,

Thank you all for your suggestions. I have double checked the connection between
the 5217 and the IB. Also switched the connecting cable with another one, also
disconnected all sensor cables to the 5217. No changes occur in the IB - all s88
positions lighted.

I have also disconnected the s88 bus from my 5217. Still same indication on the IB. It
seems that the problem is in the IB. However, all other functions that I use in the IB
(loco and turnout control) seems to be OK.

Hardware or software problem?

BR,
Johan

Have you tested with one input of the 5217 connected directly to the transformer brown? If this doesn't show an indication, something is electrically wrong in either the 5217, cabling or IB... I assume you have checked each of the leads in the cable for conductivity to make sure none of them is broken...

It should work fine also with the 1.302 IB software...

Hmmm... We have member in Gothenburg, Sweden, who is an expert at this...

Update:

Now, I have tried this:
1. Disconnected all 5217
2. Configured number of s88's to 0 in IB
3. Reset IB with solenoid decoder option
... and all s88 boxes/indicators are off. Seems OK so far!

Next,
1. I connect one 5217 and connects 3 sensors (sensor function is double checked
with lamp)
2. Configure IB with 1 s88
3. Start rolling on the test track
... and no reaction on s88 indicators in IB

If i now turn power off and on again on IB, all s88 indicators are lighted on first
module. No changes if I roll off the track. Puh....

I'll try to upgrade the IB software before sending my beautybox away. (Maybe that will
render a thread on M-U.net as well...)

BR
/Johan

I have followed your problem both here and on the B&G... Sounds strange indeed... Since you don't seem to have a "real" s88 to test with, I could send you one even if it probably would not make any difference if the IB is broke... Contact me via e-mail if you want to test with a Marklin s88 before you send the IB in...

Well, I can be there with an s88 within 3 hours...

Where did you buy your IB? In Sweden, or directly from Germany? You can send it directly to Uhlenbrock for repair, but you'll probably have to contact them first and ask for details.

I have never heard of problems with the IB feedback, except for the nr of s88 setting, so I am a bit confused here...

Karl S had some good thoughts on the IBX, but if you can still drive the trains the power stage is certainly not blown...

I hope you get an answer soon from Uhlenbrock, since you said on the IBX that you have sent them a mail...