RC-2800PX / OR2800 TROUBLE SHOOTING
SYMPTOM:
When rotator is wired to RG-2800PX, the rotator runs just for a second and then stops. And
‘E’ will appear in the mode column of the display. To reset, hit either mode key.
Why does this happen? Most commonly, The microprocessor will not let the motor run more than a
second if the micro’ sees no pulses coming in from the reed switch in the rotator. If the rotator
moves slightly, it means your motor and motor wires are probably OK.
POSSIBLE CAUSES:
This usually means that the RC2800PX is not getting pulses back from the rotator.
First remove the pulse wires from terminal 5 and 6 from the back of the control box.
Using a digital volt meter or equivalent, measure the voltage that is present between terminal 5 and
6 for about 1 second when you command the unit to go.. You should have 11.3 VDC. If this voltage
does not appear briefly, turn off the control box and measure the resistance between terminal 5 and
6. If the resistance is less than 5000 Ohms, it means the protective MOV across terminal 5 and 6 in-
side the box is leaky or shorted. If the MOV is damaged it means it took a voltage spike over about
25 volts. It failed but protected the internal circuitry. Unplug the box, remove the cover, and using
diagonal cutters, cut one lead of the red MOV soldered between terminal 5 and 6.
Now turn on the box and check for the 11.3 VDC between terminals 5 and 6. If the voltage is pres-
ent, turn off the box, replace the cover and reattach the wires to terminal 5 and 6. Turn on the box
and press CCW or CW to see if the rotator now operates properly. If so, got to “P0 CAL” and recali-
brate the unit as described at the beginning of this manual. Call M2 and order a new MOV. The sys-
tem can be operated without the MOV but during this time you have no voltage spike protection.
When all else fails, call M2 at 559 432 8873 and we will help you trouble shoot the system.
If the above appears OK, then the missing pulses maybe caused by a control cable problem
or a damaged.
Again, turn off the box and remove the wires from terminal 5 and 6. Attach your me-
ter in the resistance mode across the two leads just removed. Two states can exist. Your reading will
either be a total open 10 meg Ohms or more OR a total short measuring only the resistance of the
wires running to the rotator. NOW with the meter leads still connected and measuring Ohms, turn
on the box and press CCW or CW and make the rotator move. Watch the meter to see the state of
the reed switch changes. Each motor revolution will open and close the reed switch twice so you
should see the meter change from open to shorted. This may take a few tries as the reed switch is
open normally about 60% of the time. If you see no change of state, you either are not on the reed
wires, or there is a break in the wires between the rotator and the box or you have a faulty reed
switch. The later is very unlikely.
Most of the time this problem is due to a wiring or connection
problem somewhere between the rotator and the control box.
Use common sense trouble
shooting your wiring.
SYMPTOM:
Rotator operates but readout is erratic or consistently reads higher or lower than where the
antenna system is actually pointing.
This is also an indication of wiring problem. Long runs of cable that have a cut in the jacket can fill
with water and significantly increase the inter-wire capacity. This can allow motor spikes to be
picked up by the pulse (reed switch lines) and add extra pulses to the count. It can also cause such
distortion of the square wave from the reed switch, that the microprocessor can’t read the actual
pulse count. Replace the cable or run a separate RG-58U or equivalent line for the reed switch.
This is not usually an indication that the reed switch itself is faulty. Don’t remove the rotator until you
are absolutely sure the problem is in the rotator.
4-23-03
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