36
Troubleshooting
The Scatterbird MK4 is simple in it’s operation. It needs the gas and air in the correct proportions in the
stainless steel explosion chamber, followed by a spark to ignite. Trouble shooting is a process of checking
that these are correct.
3.
Battery condition: Ensure your battery is fully
charged and delivering 12 volts. Old tractor
batteries lose their charge very quickly; a deep
cycle leisure battery (caravan battery) is ideal.
You can check that the voltage level is correct
within the Scatterbird App. When it pairs with
the Scatterbird unit you will get a battery
reading.
If it is too low the electronics will automatically
stop the unit from opening the solenoid or
starting the spark generator (the App will still
show as if it is firing).
4.
Solenoid valve: With the gas disconnected, do
a test fire from the Scatterbird App. Check that
you can hear a “clunk” of the solenoid valve
(Photo 1) opening and about 3 seconds later
another “clunk” as it closes. If this can be heard
then the solenoid is almost definitely OK. Check
with the gas now reconnected. Can you hear
the gas rushing in when the solenoid opens? If
so then the solenoid is OK.
Remember that the unit will go bang if it has
gas and ignition, so always have ear defenders
on in preparation for this. If you cannot hear
the solenoid valve “clunking” then check that
the wires to it are in good condition and the
terminals are clean and free from corrosion.
If after examination the solenoid is still not
working properly then replace it with a new
one.
Just as with any mechanical device, it’s best to eliminate simple problems before digging
further into the technical details - carry out these simple checks first:
1.
Hose damage: Check the gas hose for damage and replace if needed as vermin do damage
hoses through chewing.
2.
Blocked barrel: Look for foreign material such as a bird’s nest or dead vermin in the barrel
which are commonly found. Remove obstruction and clean barrel as required.
1
