Digital Coach Electric Systems

[Keith Moffett]

Coaches newer than our 2002 have complex circut boards and modules instead of the analogue circuts and wires

Does anyone have an idea of how much or how often these modules quit working.  What kind of cost is there in diagnostics and repair on these systems?
Sure prefer the simple wiring and circut breakers.  At least I understand that.

[Fred Brooks]

      Hi Keith,
  The reason they went with the multiplexing system was to cut down on excessive wiring. Here is how it works: each switch in the system has a dedicated address. All the switches in the system are daisy-chained together thru a 3-wire harness that goes eventually to the control modules. When you push a switch, The master controller says "I know which switch is calling me so I will execute that request and close a relay and send power to the respective load. At the control module you will see an LED light up when you push a switch to indicate it received the command. Check the fuse next to the LED to see if it is good.
       Hope this helps, Fred

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Keith,
I don't have any "data" but it sure seems we see a lot more (orders of magnitude) problems on the forum with the analog systems than with the multiplex units.
Steve

[Edward Buker]

Like with all things digital when they work they are great. In general they are more reliable as Steve points out. The issue is if you get one of those hard to diagnose digital problems it can leave you scratching your head as to what is happening. That is the downside of the more complex system. We used to call them Gremlins and wish they would just go away :-)

Later Ed

[Keith Moffett]

Good explanation Fred and I appreciate everyones input.  We wont have an extended warrenty so the decision is critical.

[Dan Murphy]

Keith
We have the multi-plex system and have been trouble free 3 yrs. We did attend a Maintenance rally in Goshen last May and we had M&M Electronics come to the coach and they "mapped" our system on a computer disc which is supposed to be invaluable IF AND WHEN we ever have a problem. Who knows??

[Keith Moffett]

Thanks Dan, good to know.  Perhaps a trip to Goshen is in order.

[Dan Murphy]

Keith
The Holiday Rambler Maintenance Rally is open to Beaver coaches and will be held again in Goshen late April or early May. We had 8 Beaver coaches in attendance this year and had a great time.Lots of good seminars and helpful vendors.