The Analog Buffer Board serves as an intermediary between the Metz Analog Output Module (AOP-4) and the lights that are connected downstream. The Analog Buffer board has 4 inputs and 4 outputs. Each input and output has a positive and negative terminal:
The Buffer board takes the signal voltage being sent by the Analog Output Module (0-10VDC) and either passes it through the buffer board, or amplifies that signal to a 0-12VDC range if the appropriate jumper is changed allowing for a voltage ‘overdrive’.
The diagram below illustrates the common wiring setup between an AOP-4, the Analog Buffer Board and downstream field wiring:
The overdrive setting on the analog buffer board should only be used on lights that are able to utilize a signal voltage range of 0-12VDC:
Listed below are common troubleshooting steps one can take when determining why your downstream device is not being controlled appropriately when commanded from our software interface:
Device is not exhibiting any change when a different throttle rate is sent to the downstream device
The most common cause of this behavior is either the signal voltage not reaching the downstream device, or incorrect field terminations which results in no signal voltage being sent. Most lights have two conductors that are positive (+) and two conductors that are negative (-). Consult the manufacturer’s technical documentation for your lights to confirm the appropriate color conductors are being combined, and confirm that those terminations match the ‘Out’ terminal’s positive and negative connection.
Once wiring has confirmed to be correct, one can take a voltage measurement using a multimeter to confirm appropriate signal voltage is being received by the buffer board from the Analog Output Module, and is being passed through the output side.
One can test the input voltage being received by tapping into the positive and negative terminals on the IN terminal block for the designated port. One would expect to see a value between 0 and 10VDC, as the input voltage to the Analog Buffer Board is being received by the Metz Analog Output Module:
Once appropriate voltage is being seen on the In terminal block, test the OUT terminal block for the same voltage. If no voltage is seen, disconnect the wires that are connected to the OUT terminal block, tighten down the terminal block screws, then test the voltage again:
If voltage is seen on the OUT terminal with no wires connected to it, then the issue lies with the downstream field wiring. If no voltage is seen with no wires connected to the OUT terminal block, voltage may have been back-fed towards the analog buffer board and damaged an internal component on the buffer board. Examine the board for any oxidation as that can help isolate what specific component has been damaged. An example of a damaged Analog Buffer Board from back-fed voltage is placed below, for reference:
If the board has been determined to be damaged, reach out to our Support team at Support@growlink.com, so that further troubleshooting can be performed and an RMA can be issued (if applicable).
Warranty Info:
Analog Buffer Boards sold have a warranty of 3 years from the date of receipt or date of registration, whichever occurs first. Further warranty information can be found at the link below:
https://www.growlink.ag/return-policy-1