DRB Goes nuts

[Earl Weiss]

Have a DRB with Car Watch and Tunnel Watch for several years/

The modem is not connected.

Last 2 Sturdays in a row at about 5:00 pm Keypad has message "Attempting Download" and unit will not work.

This message is followed by what appeard to be a double row of squares slowly marching across the screen, followed by a row of asterisks.

Shut down relay stations, Keypad and computer. Kill power to all. Restart Relay stations then computer and Keypad. Wait a couple minutes. (System once reccomended by DRB when I had an issue. ) No Help.

Try severla times out of frustration. For whatever reason after a couple hours of trying, the system works. Is there a quicker solution?

 

[Washmee]

Its a simple fix Earl. Its usually just one of three things that cause that type of message on the terminal. The plug in transformer that powers the terminals is likely failing. Its a 12vdc unit that plugs into the back of the computer that runs your Tunnelwatch system. It plugs into the RMB board that the terminal is connected to at the back of the computer. There should be a green LED lit up that shows if there is power. Sometimes even if the LED is lit,the transformer could still be bad. The other possibility is the wire leading to the affected terminal could be compromised. Also the cable that goes from the terminal to the wall jack could be bad. The telephone style connector used there can get corroded over time causing the communication issues you are experiencing. If these ideas don't work, send me a PM.

 

[Camp4042]

Earl I had this same problem with the my tunnel watch controller. It was the telephone style connector used on the back of the controller. You can buy the connector ends and the tool to attach them at any hardware store. Just cut the connector and put the new one on with the tool. Just make sure you put the new one on the same way the old one came off. Put it on backwards the first time and had to cut it off and put a new one on the right way.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Thanks DRB

Apparently they monitor the forum and took it upon themselves to call me. They suggested an uninterruptable power supply. Apparently power fluctuations can interfere with the communications.

 

[mac]

The forum comes through again. You owe Bill a beer.

 

[MEP001]

An uninterruptable power supply will not compensate for power fluctuations. You would need a line conditioner backed up by a UPS for that. Unless the power dips below a certain threshhold or cuts out compleetely the UPS won't do anything but pass the line voltage straight through.

 

[CarWashBob]

Earl,

I wanted to reiterate what MEP001 says above. You will definitely want an uninterruptable power supply system that offers "line conditioning" or "line filtering" if you are in fact having power fluctuations at the site enough to glitch keypad communications. From our conversation, I was not sure if this was a definite or not. If you are sure of power fluctuations, it might be beneficial to consult a qualified electrician or the local power company to investigate the source of the problem versus applying a solution such as above.

Also, there are many types of UPS systems.

Standby UPS (Offline, such as the type described above)
The AC line is the primary power source. The battery/inverter circuitry supplies the load in case of a power failure for fluctuation. Any drop or abnormal high in the voltage or current is detected by the UPS, which automatically switches the battery into the circuit, cutting of the main power line-thus allowing the battery to supply the required power.

On-line UPS
This UPS operates with the inverter as the primary power source supplying the load and therefore there is no transfer time in case of power failure. This type of ‘on-line’ power eliminates any interruptions in the flow of electricity. Since the battery acts as the primary power source to the system, an on-line UPS battery charger has to be powerful enough to generate enough power to compensate for the battery’s power drain. This conversion from AC mains to DC for the battery and back to AC through the inverter results in a 25-to 30-percent power loss. The heat generated as a consequence of the power loss shortens the life of electrical components and reduces battery life.

Line-Interactive UPS
The AC line power is the primary source and is being constantly filtered. In case of a brownout condition the automatic voltage regulation circuitry is activated to correct the problem. The battery and inverter circuitry supplies the backup power in case of a blackout.

I hope this information helps,
Bob

 

[CarWashBob]

If a UPS is still in sight for you, an "Online UPS" would be a good choice since the power comes from the battery and not directly from the line source.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Frankly, I am not sure of anything except that I had a problem after several years of no issues. .

It may have been as simple as dampness and humidity affecting the contacts from the surge suppressor to the plug.

I installed a new surge supressor and it started working.

i will swap it out for the UPS / surge suppressor i bought from Best Buy when I get a chance.

 

[Earl Weiss]

3rd Saturday in a row. DRB loses it's mind. Install UPS. No good. Call help line. After 2 hours of trying various things determin bad wire from Computer to Keypad. Run to Home depot. Put in a sloppy 100 feet of wire. Get going agian. To busy to worry about neatnesss.

Couldn't have figured it out without DRB support.