What is the procedure for replacing an SDCC card on a Mark V R core (simplex unit). The proms will be removed from the original card and installed on the new. All jumpers will be verified. What are the next steps? Does the application manual have a procedure?

 

> Does the application manual have a procedure?

No; but I believe there is information in the Maintenance Manual, GEH-5980, that will be useful.

When you replace an SDCC card, you will need to use the SLCC keypad/display to set the Voter ID, and if it is a <C> or <D>, you will need to also set the StageLink ID using the SLCC keypad/display.

You will need to download FORMAT to the new EEPROM chip on the SDCC using the EEPROM Downloader, and re-boot the processor (using the power switch in the <PD> core). When the processor is powered-up, it will only go to I/O State A4/A5, as the EEPROM is effectively "empty".

Then you will need to download the ALL "section" (which, yes, includes FORMAT, but downloading FORMAT first and separately always seems to work better!). When the download is complete and free of errors, you will need to re-boot the processor again--using the power switch in the <PD> core. ***You <b>MUST</b> do this even if the processor goes to A7 during or immediately after the download!***

When the power is re-applied to the processor, the SLCC display should indicate I/O State A7, meaning that all of the cards associated with the processor have reached the outputs enabled state and are capable of controlling and protecting a turbine.

But, the SDCC must be "told" which processor it is installed in (using the Voter ID function), and if it's a <C> or <C> processor, it must have it's StageLink ID set. These are first and most important steps--after swapping the PROMs and setting the hardware (Berg) jumpers, and then EEPROM downloading can be done.

One common problem is that the 3PL cable doesn't get properly reseated on either the SLCC or the SDCC or gets partially unplugged from the TCQA (or TCCA). There are no pull tabs (shame on GE!) for the 3PL cable connectors, so use care when unplugging them. Sometimes, over time the plastic of the connectors gets brittle and snaps.

Also, be sure to use the conductive grease (which should have been in the SDCC card box) on the cable connectors--all of them. Smear a light film on the female side of the connectors and then slip them over the male pins. Be judicious with the grease, but also use a sufficient amount. Too much is as bad as too little. And, conductive grease is a necessary thing with Mark V cable connectors.

Let us know how you fare!

 

Pretty well you have got it. I'm afraid there is nothing written up in the application manual. Change PROMS, check jumpers. If there was a tube of contact protecting grease came with your new card, use it. A simple issue of changing any MKV card that has been in service for a time is that you have disturbed the ribbon cable to socket connections and it is possible that it can give you a problem. Contact cleaner is OK and just give each plug a few insertions to be sure there is a good contact. Good Luck

 

Dear CSA,

DO we need to format and download if we reuse the same EEPROM from the old SDCC card?

 

sd,

No.

 

Hi Sd,

If you are using old EEPROM's then no need to download the configuration.

We had replaced two SDCC cards in past with old EEPROM's after verified jumpers. It's working well.

CSA may clarify more.

Take care
G.Rajesh