Found that even though my camera connector can be plugged into external power which charges the IPAD Pro while I use it, it didn't furnish enough power to the 12 Step. The lights flash on and off so it was getting some power. I then plugged a usb rechargeable battery pack into the mini usb slot of the 12 Step and found that I could get the lights to stay on and it worked. I then discovered that I could then unplug the battery and everything still works. I guess it just needs that extra boost to get started.