I have a xantech network that just gave up on me. I'm not a pro, no spare Xantech parts readily available but I'm fairly ok on the low-voltage side of things. (it's a dangerous thing...)

I have a 791-44 block, a ZC21 2-zone block, 1 dinky link (under the plasma) and one decora-style receiver on Zone2. Power supply is ok, 12v out. The 791-44 LED no longer lights up at all (I could swear it lights up momentarily when powered on but I'm not 100% sure). Neither receiver causes any emmiters to blink when connected directly to the 791-44 or the ZC21 (multiple failures?). I tried feeding the receivers 12V and sending IR from a remote but no signal is coming out from either one. All equipment was sitting on a table for 1-2 weeks while I was redoing my A/V rack.

Any ideas on next steps from the pros? thank you in advance

Sounds like you have a crossed or Broken wire somewhere. If your running CAT-5 for your receiver, chek the area where you stripped back from... The solid conductors have a tendency to snap once removed/reinstalled. It would only take one of the receivers to be miswired or shorted to kill the other one as well.

in addition to the wiring you Might Need a Plasma Proof IR receiver Not The Dinky Link

Tons of possibiities here.

I like to break it down to the simplest things. Remember, Xantech systems only work when you have power and an emitter hooked up correctly. If the dinkylink is not flashing a talkback to you, you know you have an issue.

First thing to do is take the dinkyling to the connecting block (or vise versa) and connect it properly. Remember the color coding on the pigtail on the dinkylink; stripe on wire is signal, center is +12 and furthest is ground. Connect to the 79144 block, not using the status screw on the input bus (you don't have that on the dinkylink). Point the remote; does it blink on the dinky? If yes, move dinkylink or connecting block back to original position. If no, check for 12 volts on power supply. Check another emitter. If that fails, check with j box receiver to see if system functions. Total system failure is unusual, so positive results should occur somewhere.

The ZC21 dual zone connecting block is designed to work only when emitters are plugged in to all three emitter ports; if you are using the 789-44 off the zc 21, take a mini plug into the common out of the ZC and run it to the signal, ground input on the 789-44. (tip is signal, ring is ground) You must have an emitter plugged into the 789-44 for it to function.

Finally, I concur with earlier opinion; dinkylink next to a plasma is generally an opportunity to have a non working system. Can you move the dinkylink?

thank you all for your suggestions, a couple of separate responses:

AVTAS1:
dinky link works 100%, no need for a plasma-proof IR receiver. Call me lucky, but it worked on the first attempt, despite all the things I've heard and read on the web on plasma interference. It's mounted on the lower right side of a Pio503, 1 inch off the front plate, no tape required either. I can't upload any pics here, so here's a temp link to the initial setup (months ago)




Impaqt & Fred,
good points, I've already replaced all the CAT5 in my testing, it's not it (in this case). Regarding the 791-44:

1. tested dinky-link direct connect with new CAT5 to 791-44. 12V source checks ok. 12V/IR/Gnd cables used. No response on emitters

2. tested jbox direct connect with separate CAT5 to 791-44. 12V source still ok.12V/IR/Gnd cables used (I don't use status) No response again

3. Checked same receivers with ZC21 - same result- but didn't know the ZC21 won't work unless all 3 outs are used (thank you!!!) so I have to go back and retest tonight.

If I get the whole thing to work w/the ZC21 (temporarily), it'll mean the 791 is dead, otherwise I may have a bigger problem. I'll post an update later tonight.

thank you for the responses, greatly appreciated!

If you have a Palm pilot with os 4.0 or earlier, you can find a little program called IR Monitor for free. I've used this countless times to help trouble shoot IR related issues. It will tell you the level and the frequency (in time) of the pulses.

Invaluable for IR work if you ask me.

interesting concept, will check it out. thanks!

BTW, it ended up being a dead 791 block, I borrowed a 789 and voila, everything is up and running again. I was down for a few days and honestly, losing your IR network seriously disrupts your daily life @ home...it was an eye opener...