You do, internally there is a DB9 serial connection going from the main control PCB to the output and I’m certain that connects to the other DB9 connector on the visual controller.
Presumably it will play the SE messages - assuming the correct EPROMs are installed in the audio unit.
Yes they’ll be SE, if I figure out how to switch databases I’ll then be able to do GT North.
Perhaps the wire needs to go to the interior visual units first, then a wire from the visual unit to the audio unit - that tone sound may have been some sort of signal for the dot matrix. Did the announcement chime sound before the tone? If it did then perhaps the SE EPROMs have been wiped or are missing on this particular unit?
I think it was just a glitch, the announcement chime is stored on the SE EPROMs.
There is also a chime at the end of the GT North E file.
I do want to note that this glitch happened when it was disconnected from the visual controller.
Must be some sort of software glitch - I assume there is some sort of micro computer to process the data?
Probably for testing the speakers - did you try every number up to 99? Perhaps there is a “hidden” code like the visual unit i.e. press cancel 3 times then 01 or something similar.
Just tried every number and unfortunately apart from the 20 messages and 99 there is nothing.
Something I seem to remember is that drivers could actually modify the announcements on the go - removing stations from the route etc. Are there any other connections available apart from serial?
There is a XLR connector which is fairly interesting as the voltage on its pins change when the red button on the handset is pressed and by shorting two of the pins together it makes the unit think the button is pressed.
Interesting - is there an XLR connector on the visual controller by any chance? Also, I noticed on the video you posted that there is a hole in the top right - looking at cab photos it seems there was also an angle microphone - in the picture I found it’s also interesting to note the slightly different button layout - perhaps this was a different or older version, which may also explain why there were some 365s with a slightly different manual pa chime.
I have also noticed the different button layout, it confuses me as the position of the three buttons in that image are where there'd be an empty space behind the piece of metal on mine! (Shown in the image below)
Is that a VGA port behind the larger serial connector? If so it would be interesting to see if anything would display on a monitor.
I wonder if the two versions are due to the fact the fleet was originally split between Connex & WAGN - the picture I found looks more similar to the original 465 system.
I'm fairly confused at this point!I wonder if the two versions are due to the fact the fleet was originally split between Connex & WAGN - the picture I found looks more similar to the original 465 system.
Assuming the photos have been taken after 2003 they could well be ex Connex units.
Interesting - does something similar happen when you put a route code in?
I tried using the internal screen test that is accessed when not in master using the special menu, this is so then I’d know if it’s for the internal screens as when entering a route code it could be for anything!
Amazing progress!!!
Excellent! Also good to see the next station message showing and interesting that the headcode is displayed internally - GN route 365s never did this.
Next step, connecting the audio controller however I have an idea of how to do it.
