[This can also be accomplished using Niles MicroFlashers that provide visible feedback (see the Accessories section for more information).] The IR/RF Tester can also be plugged into the RF Test port to verify that the HT-MSU is receiving and sending RF information from the iC2 Remote. Plug the IR/RF Tester 3.5mm jack into the RF Test port. Place the LED housing with the two LEDs where it can be seen. The green LED on the IR/RF Tester should flicker when a button is pressed on the iC2 Remote. The red LED should flicker when the HT-MSU sends information back to the iC2 Remote. If either the LED on the IR/RF Tester stays lit, there may be RF interference. Disconnect the antenna from the HT-MSU to see if the LEDs go out.
3. Source Powering On or Off Incorrectly
To automate sources correctly, the HT-MSU requires status feedback from sources that have a single-toggle power command. The HT-MSU either “sees” or doesn’t “see” control signals at the Status ports. If the HT-MSU sees improper or intermittent status feedback (i.e., the HT-MSU may “think” that the source is off when it may really be powered on), the operation of the iC2 System is compromised.
The symptoms could include: sources staying on when the System Off button is pressed; a source turns on for a Master Key and off when that Master Key is pressed again; and sources not turning on at all. The most important tool for troubleshooting this issue is knowledge. Knowing the functionality of the sources being used with the iC2 System is paramount. For example, we know that most DVD players require choosing composite/component video output, even digital HDMI or DVI output. When set for component or digital video output, the composite video output is sometimes disabled. If a DVD player is set for digital video output and it disables the composite video output, you cannot use the composite video output for status connection to the HT-MSU. Because there will never be a signal at the composite output, the HT-MSU will think that the DVD is always off and issue the power command. This will cause the DVD player to be turned on the first time a Master Key is pressed and turned off the second time the same Master Key is pressed.
Status feedback is tested when configuring the iC2 System using the Niles QuickConfig Software. After the transfer screen in the software, there is a Functionality Test Screen that allows the software to test the configuration stored in the HT-MSU while providing feedback on the screen of the programming laptop. The feedback provided is real-time status feedback for Status Ports SRC1 through SRC6 as well as the TV/7 and RCV/8 ports. The Functionality Test Screen also allows for feedback on the Assignable 12V Output and relay ports.
