ok i feel better now!

I dont know if this was asked before, how far can the decoder be from loop amplifier? or how long can the coax wire to the loop amplifier?

thanks!

If the coax is of good quality, with relatively low loss, then you should be able to run at least 75 feet.

My Decoder is complete! so far everything looking good! Loop Amplifier is next.

http://hostingforcanada.com/denny/ca...ot_decoder.jpg

http://hostingforcanada.com/denny/ca...orking_600.jpg

Hi ppl, i´m building a Cano Decoder, and i need a pcb for this decoder, so, anybody have a extra pcb that can sell to me? I have pm 2 members that have pcbs but no answer till now, please is urgent, the chip programmed pics are on way. Paypal or bank transfer, shipping to Portugal. Thank you :)

Same here, I'm looking for 1 or 2 pc boards for the decoder. Anyone have extra?

Thanks

I have extra Rev_B Decoder PCB, please PM me for details.

Hello Everyone,

I put together a WIKI site with the approval of Howard. The Wiki is currently maintained by myself and contains much of the information found here along with some of my notes as i go along with my build.

Cano Lap Timing System Wiki

The Wiki is meant to be able to find all useful information you need in one easy place without going through all the posts in the threads.

So far i have section for Decoder, Loop Amplifier and Loop. The Transponder i will not get too until later.

If your interested in contributing to the wiki and want to help then please contact me!

Hello Howard,

I have completed my system, it is not picking up transponder. On my terminal screen there is nothing happening and led on decoder is not flashing when transponder passing under loop.

i have measured voltage at coax from decoder and it fluctuates alot anywhere from 4.66 - 4.79v , i dont think it should be changing that much?

If i measure voltage at at loop amplifier outputs it is a constant 0.57v

what validations can i do?

thanks for any help.

The first step is to make sure you have taken care of all of the errata items:
http://www.rctech.net/forum/12186635-post222.html

Next, make sure you are using the correct loop amplifier jumper settings to match up with the loop size.

Also, make sure you are using a compatible transponder!

Then we get down to the nitty-gritty: You can check the voltages on the loop amplifier against those on the schematic. Small deviations are inevitable, but large differences warrant further investigation.

Then trace the signal with an oscilloscope. The output should look similar to that in post #42:
http://www.rctech.net/forum/11764084-post42.html

If everything looks good here, then continue the signal tracing through the Phase Detectior Input Amplifier, which should finally come out as a nice squarish waveform at "PHASE_DETECTOR_IN".

I have done all of these except the last item i am unsure of, could you explain this ?

"J1 is shown incorrectly on the schematic. The outer shield should connect to ground, and the inner conductor to R1." ?

Yes i have the jumper set for correct size.

yes i am using 2 wire Mylaps Hybrid

for this i will need to involve someone else to help with this.

Use an ohmmeter to make sure you have J1 wired as described.

Was the schematic corrected since then?

So the Rev_B boards are not correct? for J1 and R1? i simply soldered 2 pins in J1 and connected on to that, this is incorrect from what i understand?

"Correct" is a relative term when there are only two connections, both of which accept wires. Make sure you wire the outer shield of the connector to the square pad at J1 and the inner conductor of the connector to the round pad at J1 on the revision B circuit board. Double-check with an ohmmeter as previously described.

The connector is shown correctly on revision C and D of the schematic, which is what I sent in the zip file. It is shown incorrectly on revision B of the schematic. I just edited post #222 to state this.

yes i am using the correct pads for for connector J1 as you described.

i will check with ohmmeter.

Howard,

I measured voltage directly on decoder board and its a stedy 4.79v , so it turns out it was the connecter, i soldered a new coax connecter and better wire directly to the board and getting some voltage at the end of coax wire now.

Now for the loop amplifier, i believe i have my capacitor backwards at C4, is the round pad ground ?

Also can you confirm for J2 on loop amplifier the square pad is ground?

thanks !