LESSON SUMMARY: This lesson is designed to assist the user in troubleshooting the cause of a PAR+ or PAR+ES Timing Mechanism losing time when powered off.
Special Tools Needed: Phillips Screwdriver
⚠ CAUTION: THIS LESSON MAY INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS TO TEST HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES (120V-240V) THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN BE CONTRACTED TO PERFORM SUCH TESTS.
🛑STOP: ALWAYS TURN OFF THE POWER TO THE SATELLITE BEFORE REMOVING OR INSTALLING COMPONENTS.
If a PAR+ or PAR+ES Timing Mechanism is losing time when powered off, the time-keeping IC/battery on the Timing Mechanism is likely damaged. The time-keeping IC/battery has a lifespan of approximately 10 years, depending on various environmental conditions. Although less common, it is possible for other damaged components in the satellite to cause the Timing Mechanism to lose time. Follow the guided troubleshooting steps below to determine which component(s) require replacement.
Testing the Timing Mechanism:
The Timing Mechanism is located at the top of the satellite under the top lid enclosure. To test the Timing Mechanism, proceed with the following steps:
Start by powering off the satellite using the On/Off rocker style switch located on the front of the Power Supply Assembly. *Note: The location of the Power Supply Assembly will vary based on your individual satellite configuration.
Next, using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the PAR+/PAR+ES Timing Mechanism in place. There will be four screws: one in each corner of the Timing Mechanism.
Proceed to unplug the 24-pin Timing Mechanism Cable from the Power Interconnect Board. The Power Interconnect Board is located in the satellite enclosure at the very top, directly above the Output Station Modules.
Remove the PAR+/PAR+ES Timing Mechanism and take it to a known-working satellite location to test.
*Note: Prior to installing the Timing Mechanism at a known-working satellite location, be sure to power off the satellite at the known-working satellite location. Power to the satellite should always be off before installing or removing components.
Once installed in a known-working satellite location, set the time on the Timing Mechanism and power the satellite off.
Wait 30 seconds and power the satellite back on.
If the time continues to reset, or if the Timing Mechanism resets to factory settings and displays the message “Cold Start”, the Timing Mechanism is damaged and should be replaced.
If the time does not reset when the Timing Mechanism is installed in a known-working satellite location, power the satellite off, remove the Timing Mechanism and return to the original satellite location for further testing.
Replacement Timing Mechanisms can be purchased here.
Testing the Communication Board:
The Communication Board is mounted on the back of the Timing Mechanism and is located at the top of the satellite under the top lid enclosure. To test the 2-Wire Communication Board, proceed with the following steps:
With power at the original satellite location turned off, reinstall the Timing Mechanism with the Communication Board mounted on the back.
Next, unplug the 10-pin Communication Board Cable from the Power Interconnect Board. The 10-pin Communication Board Cable plugs into the Power Interconnect Board on the left hand side.
Power the satellite back on.
If the time does not reset when the Communication Board is unplugged from the Power Interconnect Board, the Communication Board is damaged and should be replaced.
If the time continues to reset, or if the Timing Mechanism resets to factory settings and displays the message “Cold Start”, further testing is required.
Replacement 2-Wire Communication Boards can be purchased here.
Replacement LINK Communication Boards can be purchased here.
Testing the Power Interconnect Board:
The Power Interconnect Board is located in the satellite enclosure at the top, above the Output Station Modules. To test the Power Interconnect Board, proceed with the following steps:
Start by powering off the satellite using the On/Off rocker switch located on the front of the Power Supply Assembly.
Next, unplug all cables and connectors from the Power Interconnect Board.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the Power Interconnect Board in place.
Remove the Power Interconnect Board from the satellite and install a new or known-working Power Interconnect Board in its place.
*Note: It is NOT recommended that you install the Power Interconnect Board in a known-working satellite location to see if it is working properly. Installing a shorted or damaged Power Interconnect Board in a known-working satellite location could result in damage to other components in the satellite.
Power the satellite back on.
If the time does not reset on the Timing Mechanism, the Power Interconnect Board that was removed from the satellite is damaged and should be replaced.
If the time continues to reset, or if the Timing Mechanism resets to factory settings and displays the message “Cold Start”, the Output Station Modules will need to be individually tested.
A detailed guide for testing Output Station Modules can be found here.
Replacement Power Interconnect Boards can be purchased here.
Lesson tags: rain bird, rainbird, par+, par+ es, par plus, par plus es, repair, help, troubleshooting, exchange, motherboard, timing mechanism, faceplate, pib, power interconnect board, osm, output station module, boardtronics
