ALP BT Module Bug

[dukes]

Have a buddy who has a ALP system (fully up to date with all firmware and settings) who is having an issue with his ALP system. It seems that his BT module will not connect unless he swaps the BT module for the control module and then back to the BT module. Strange little bug but I thought I would ask to see if there were any solutions to this issue.

Thanks!

[Antilaser]

Hi there, sounds like an AL dealer service should check out his install. There is the RJ45 A/B switch box (one from ebay) that can switch between wired control set and BT module fast but that does not sound like a proper solution for his problem.

[kimberdan]

are you using the switch or unplugging one and plugging the other?

[dukes]

Yeah hes checking with the dealer. Hes not using the switch, hes having to manually swap the RG45 cables. We placed an order for the switch, but like you said, that's not a proper solution to the issue.

[BestRadarDetectors]

There is no bug. The unit is not designed to switch back and forth if using the network switch. When you switch connection you need to turn the power button back on.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

[BestRadarDetectors]

Hi there, sounds like an AL dealer service should check out his install. There is the RJ45 A/B switch box (one from ebay) that can switch between wired control set and BT module fast but that does not sound like a proper solution for his problem.

The problem is they are not turning it off and then turning it back on when they are switching using that $4 network switch.

[radargeek]

He's not using a switch. It sounds like he has the BT module connected and it won't connect to the app unless he switches to the regular control set and back.

If it were a power-cycling issue, it shouldn't be a problem when just the BT module is connected, right?

Does he have the ALP connected to a switched circuit in the car, so power is cut when the ignition is off?

[Mirage]

He's not using a switch. It sounds like he has the BT module connected and it won't connect to the app unless he switches to the regular control set and back.

If it were a power-cycling issue, it shouldn't be a problem when just the BT module is connected, right?

Does he have the ALP connected to a switched circuit in the car, so power is cut when the ignition is off?

You do need it connected to a switched power source, but shouldn't matter as the ALP goes through a startup process before connecting the BT. Instead of switching back to the control module, try going to the connect screen and pressing the power on your BT serial number.

[kimberdan]

Dukes, I don't know as much as most of these guys do, But I will try to see if we can get you a solution to this, If you are in the car with power running to the ALP CPU with the B/T connected what does it do? nothing?
I just want to be clear with the issue you are having, What does it do when you run power to ALP CPU with the B/T Mod installed and the App running on the phone?.
Try this, turn the ALP on and wait for the LED to finish blinking, when it does turn the app on, on your phone and listen for a bleep, does it make this sound?

[dukes]

He's on a switched Ignition on power source. The issue is when it starts up it will not connect to his phone via the BT Module unless he unplugs his BT Module and then plugs in his control module and then re-plugs his BT Module. Its like the BT module is unresponsive till that point. He has tried the power button in the app. Once he does connect after doing all of that, the system functions perfectly.

[Mirage]

He has tried the power button in the app. Once he does connect after doing all of that, the system functions perfectly.

Try switching the cable. It's a standard ethernet cable and it might have a communication issue with one of the pins. When you are switching back and forth it might be leaving the CPU in a mode that it doesn't require the problem pin. If that still doesn't work you are probably going to have to contact your AL distributor for a replacement. When I purchased my BT module, it was defective causing random disconnects. After Tom replaced mine everything has been solid.

[dukes]

Try switching the cable. It's a standard ethernet cable and it might have a communication issue with one of the pins. When you are switching back and forth it might be leaving the CPU in a mode that it doesn't require the problem pin. If that still doesn't work you are probably going to have to contact your AL distributor for a replacement. When I purchased my BT module, it was defective causing random disconnects. After Tom replaced mine everything has been solid.

Alright thanks! I'll get him to try that.

[Nanook]

He could try mine if you like ?

[shanetrainST]

Last time my CPU was unresponsive to ALPconnect it had to go back to AL and a replacement CPU issued. Lucky I have two CPU's to test it out and make sure. But yea, start with the simple things first and rule them out

[brettzo]

The issue is persisting and sporadic with connectivity to the BT module. It's very odd in that I drove in the city most of the day yesterday running errands, meaning vehicle on/off several times and the app connected via the BT module with ease. Now this morning when I start up my vehicle, the app will not pair and the BT module green light will not illuminate (this has happened the last 3 days in a row). I then have to remove the BT module, insert the Cset module, press power and when powered on, remove the Cset module and replace the with the BT module again. This keeps it functioning for the remainder of the day, but obviously an annoying and counterproductive step to have to be taking.

I have spoken with the distributor who has recommended to leave the Cset module inserted for a couple of days and run that way to see if the issue persists with that module. If not, then try the BT module again and see if it goes away. I can also try an alternate CAT cable (I would imagine that I can use any CAT cable...5, 5e, 6?). I will also try to reset to default and upload the update/setting files again if I can't get the issue to go away within the next few days.

I will keep you posted. The system is otherwise working fantastic and great JTG performance on our tests.

[Antilaser]

Just as a Note the automatic reconnect of the ALPConnect app to ALPC module can take up to 3 minutes in rare cases. This is normal and is not under controll of the app but the iOS. Usual reconnect time is 15 seconds.

[dukes]

Just as a Note the automatic reconnect of the ALPConnect app to ALPC module can take up to 3 minutes in rare cases. This is normal and is not under controll of the app but the iOS. Usual reconnect time is 15 seconds.

Good to know, never experienced that but none the less good info in case it happens. Normally mine connects within a couple seconds.

[brettzo]

Just as a Note the automatic reconnect of the ALPConnect app to ALPC module can take up to 3 minutes in rare cases. This is normal and is not under controll of the app but the iOS. Usual reconnect time is 15 seconds.

Even if the app is disabled from running in the background and then restarted? I have tried doing this to rule out delayed connectivity, but the issue persists.

The next time that it happens I will let the system run for a few minutes before messing around with removing the module.

[Nanook]

brettzo if you wanna try mine shoot me a note and we could hook up for a quick test..

[Antilaser]

You can always reconnect manualy in the connection screen by pressing SCAN and selecting your ID, if you cant wait for automatic reconnect.

[kimberdan]

Change the power source, I have had issues with other C/Ms and it after a while blew the electronics out.. If you have a switch to use try that. of not then remove power to the unit and start the car, after the car is started and running connect power to the ALP CPU and see if that works, also make sure theres a good ground as well.
start with power to the CPU and wait 10 seconds, after the 10 seconds and the blinking lite has stopped blinking start the app. Let me know if that changes anything?



The issue is persisting and sporadic with connectivity to the BT module. It's very odd in that I drove in the city most of the day yesterday running errands, meaning vehicle on/off several times and the app connected via the BT module with ease. Now this morning when I start up my vehicle, the app will not pair and the BT module green light will not illuminate (this has happened the last 3 days in a row). I then have to remove the BT module, insert the Cset module, press power and when powered on, remove the Cset module and replace the with the BT module again. This keeps it functioning for the remainder of the day, but obviously an annoying and counterproductive step to have to be taking.

I have spoken with the distributor who has recommended to leave the Cset module inserted for a couple of days and run that way to see if the issue persists with that module. If not, then try the BT module again and see if it goes away. I can also try an alternate CAT cable (I would imagine that I can use any CAT cable...5, 5e, 6?). I will also try to reset to default and upload the update/setting files again if I can't get the issue to go away within the next few days.

I will keep you posted. The system is otherwise working fantastic and great JTG performance on our tests.

[dukes]

Change the power source, I have had issues with other C/Ms and it after a while blew the electronics out.. If you have a switch to use try that. of not then remove power to the unit and start the car, after the car is started and running connect power to the ALP CPU and see if that works, also make sure theres a good ground as well.
start with power to the CPU and wait 10 seconds, after the 10 seconds and the blinking lite has stopped blinking start the app. Let me know if that changes anything?

Honestly doubt its a power issue. Hes got his ALP hooked up to a Ignition on fuse source, so it only powers on once the vehicle is running. I could see it being an issue if it were to power on before starting his vehicle but it doesn't.

[radargeek]

Ignition on fuse sourceIgnition-switched fuse or accessory-switched fuse? In other words, if you turn the key to the ACC position, where the radio plays but the ignition is off, does the ALP power up? Accessory-switched circuits are better than an ignition circuit since the power is cut when starting the engine. The starter draws a lot of power and causes a voltage sag and power spikes when the engine starts, and it's better for accessories to not be receiving power at that time.

[dukes]

Ignition-switched fuse or accessory-switched fuse? In other words, if you turn the key to the ACC position, where the radio plays but the ignition is off, does the ALP power up? Accessory-switched circuits are better than an ignition circuit since the power is cut when starting the engine. The starter draws a lot of power and causes a voltage sag and power spikes when the engine starts, and it's better for accessories to not be receiving power at that time.

Yeah I worded that wrong, its an accessory-switched fuse

[brettzo]

brettzo if you wanna try mine shoot me a note and we could hook up for a quick test..

Sounds good. Believe dukes is getting his PLIII in tomorrow. We'll organize to meet this week/weekend sometime.

I would likely have to run it for a day or two to determine whether or not it functions correctly, which probably wouldn't be ideal for you...I might just see if I can get the module replaced under warranty if the issue persists for another couple of days.

It seems to be working fine since this morning, but like I said usually only acts up in the morning after a period of my vehicle sitting without running for several hours.

[brettzo]

Change the power source, I have had issues with other C/Ms and it after a while blew the electronics out.. If you have a switch to use try that. of not then remove power to the unit and start the car, after the car is started and running connect power to the ALP CPU and see if that works, also make sure theres a good ground as well.
start with power to the CPU and wait 10 seconds, after the 10 seconds and the blinking lite has stopped blinking start the app. Let me know if that changes anything?

I have a switch and have tried this numerous times to no avail unfortunately. I may try running the Cset module for a few days to see if that gives me any issues and rule things out by process of elimination.

Thanks all.

[Nanook]

Sounds good. Believe dukes is getting his PLIII in tomorrow. We'll organize to meet this week/weekend sometime.

I would likely have to run it for a day or two to determine whether or not it functions correctly, which probably wouldn't be ideal for you...I might just see if I can get the module replaced under warranty if the issue persists for another couple of days.

It seems to be working fine since this morning, but like I said usually only acts up in the morning after a period of my vehicle sitting without running for several hours.

Yup your call..if you want it for a few days let me know..another meet this weekend for testing would be fun..should have my vette home and hopefully get the new AL into it..

[brettzo]

Yup your call..if you want it for a few days let me know..another meet this weekend for testing would be fun..should have my vette home and hopefully get the new AL into it..

Sounds good. We'll get in touch for a day/time.

[kimberdan]

Hum... Very odd, did you check the pins on the cable going from the CPU to the connect? or the pins on the connect it self? ...you got me on this...

[brettzo]

Hum... Very odd, did you check the pins on the cable going from the CPU to the connect? or the pins on the connect it self? ...you got me on this...

Yep. Pins all look in tact, CAT cable also looks fine. I started my vehicle this morning and connected immediately. Maybe the issue is gone for now...