Problems with LaserMinder on L4000

[ScottV]

We've been having a series of problems with our 2 L4000's where we get a message stating "Auto Ret-FR Eye" in between washes. Normally that would mean that the front / rear eye is blocked during the return cycle. The exit door is held open, and it takes an extra 30sec's for the machine to reset. I've had the tech's in and they've measured the strength of the eyes, etc. and never found a cause. It creates problems, because if a car is sitting at the Access unit, and sees an empty bay with the pull forward service light on at the exit end of the bay, they will often pull in before the machine has finished resetting. Then nothing happens, then they call me, or they will back up and the undercarriage kicks on, and it's just one big CLUSTER!! On a busy day this can really slow down the throughput.

Today I find out from a very knowledgeable service tech that it may have to do with the version of software that I have on my PDQ Laser Minder. I was told that version 19.A, B, C didnt have this type of problem, but the later versions 20.?? do. I happen to have the later versions at both of my sites. He said that they could try to get me version 19.? but that it wouldnt have the obstructed arch retry feature, which is the main reason that I bought that upgrade in the first place.

Is there anyone else knowledgeable about PDQ's Laser Minder that knows about this issue? If so, can you offer some advice on the best way to remedy it? I was told that PDQ is aware of the problem, but has yet to fix the software. I'm just trying to confirm the story and find a solution.

Thanks
ScottV

 

[PDQ Support]

ScottV,

Please verify that the "car stuck in bay" timer is not set too low. If it were, the result would be an "auto return front eye" fault.

If the vehicle did not exit the bay before the car stuck in bay timer expires, it would go into fault and then try to recover. It would get the auto return front eye on reset because the vehicle would still be in the bay at that point. This would cause a delay on the reset and slow the throughput of the wash.

To verify the timer, press 80 enter on the CPU keypad and press enter until you get to automatic parameters. Press1 for yes and enter. Press enter until the car stuck in bay timer is displayed and se it for about 60 seconds. Press enter until you reach the time/date display.

Please contact me at PDQ technical support if you require further assistance.

Best Regards,

Troy Thuma
PDQ Manufacturing Inc.
Technical Support
1-800-227-3373

 

[ScottV]

Troy,

We checked on the car stuck in bay timer and it is actually set at 75 seconds so I assume that isnt the problem. Is PDQ aware of any issues with the Laser Minder software causing problems like this?

We went the entire weekend without any of those messages on the 2 L4000 bays. It seems to be inconsistent. One day is all quiet. The next day every car could cause the error message to occur.

Have any other operators had this same problem after installing the Laser Minder setup.

 

[cherokee235]

I had this problem before, but I cannot remember how we fixed it. It had nothing to do with the Lasermind on my unit, I do remember that. It seems like it was something to do with the treadle mat and the back up switch not working right. I have an A5000 controller with floor switches.

One thing to look for: After a wash, as soon as a car rolls off the wheel switch the drive forward light should go out. If it doesn't check your stop switch and backup switches. If it does go out, then it is something else in the startup check sequence.

I'm sorry I can't be more specific. I just can't remember.