Hunter Genesis: Satellite Not Receiving Radio Commands
LESSON SUMMARY: This lesson is designed to assist the user in troubleshooting issues related to the satellite not receiving radio commands. This lesson is intended only for satellite configurations where Data Radios and Radio Communication Boards are present.
Special Tools Needed: Digital Multimeter, 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 ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
If a Hunter Genesis satellite has recently stopped receiving radio commands, or if it has failed to communicate with the central computer, the Timing Mechanism, Radio Communication Board, Data Radio, or Power Supply Assembly may be damaged. Follow the guided steps below to determine which component(s) require replacement.
*Note: Prior to completing the following steps, check that the satellite address is set correctly. To check the satellite address, start at the default screen on the Timing Mechanism. Press the OPTIONS button twice; this will show the current satellite address. Verify that the satellite address that is displayed is correct. If the satellite address displayed is incorrect, type the correct satellite address and press the ENTER button to update.
Testing the Radio Communication Board & Data Radio:
The Radio Communication Board and Data Radio are located in the satellite enclosure below the last TRIAC Board and above the Power Supply Assembly. To test the Radio Communication Board and Data Radio, proceed with the following steps:
Start by powering off the satellite using the On/Off switch located on the front of the Power Supply Assembly.
Next, the 1.5A fuse on the Radio Communication Board will need to be removed from its holders and tested.
*Note: Visually inspecting a fuse is never a trustworthy method to determine the failure or functionality of the fuse.
Use a digital multimeter on the resistance setting or continuity setting with an audible beep. If using the resistance setting, touch the two multimeter probes together and note the reading on the display; it should be 0 or very close to 0. *Note: Different multimeters will vary slightly.
Proceed to place one probe of the multimeter on each end of the fuse.
If using a digital multimeter on the resistance setting, a working fuse will display a reading close to the reading that was displayed when the two probes were touched together: 0 or very close to 0.
If using a digital multimeter on the continuity setting, a working fuse will create an audible beep.
If the digital multimeter reads Over Limit “OL” on the resistance setting, or no audible beep is heard on the continuity setting, the fuse is damaged and should be replaced.
If the fuse is tested and is found to be damaged, it is possible that the Data Radio is also damaged
Unplug the Data Radio from the Radio Communication Board and install a new or known-working 1.5A fuse on the Radio Communication Board.
Power the satellite back on.
Verify that the 1.5A Fuse on the Radio Communication Board does not blow.
*Note: SuperParts™ Radio Communication Boards are equipped with a +5V and +12V LED, indicating that there is proper voltage being received through the fuse. If the fuse is working properly, the +5V and +12V LED will be illuminated.
If the 1.5A fuse has been tested and is known to be working properly, but the Radio Communication Board does not appear to be receiving power, the voltage for the two wires that supply power to the Radio Communication Board will need to be measured. The two wires that supply power to the Radio Communication Board are orange and blue.
Power off the satellite.
Unplug the orange and blue power supply wires from the Radio Communication Board.
*Note: Do not plug the Data Radio back into the Radio Communication Board.
Power the satellite back on.
Using a digital multimeter or voltmeter set to the AC Voltage setting, place one probe of the multimeter into the connector position containing the orange wire and one probe into the connector position containing the blue wire.
The multimeter should display a reading of 24VAC; up to 30VAC is acceptable.
If the reading displayed on the multimeter is less than 24VAC, proceed to test the Power Supply Assembly by visiting the link here.
If the multimeter displays a reading of 24VAC when testing the orange and blue wires, the power being supplied to the Radio Communication Board is adequate and further testing is required.
Power off the satellite.
Proceed to plug the orange and blue power supply wires back into the Radio Communication Board.
Plug the Data Radio Back into the Radio Communication Board.
Power the satellite back on.
If the 1.5A Fuse on the Radio Communication Board blows upon powering on the satellite, or if the +5V LED or +12V LED are dim or not illuminated, the Data Radio is damaged and should be replaced.
If the 1.5A Fuse does not blow and all LEDs on the Radio Communication Board illuminate, the Data Radio and Radio Communication Board will need to be taken to a known-working satellite location to test.
Power off the satellite.
Unplug all cables and connectors from the Radio Communication Board.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the Radio Communication Board in place.
Remove the Radio Communication Board and take it to a known-working satellite location to test.
*Note: Prior to installing the Radio Communication Board 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.
If the known-working satellite location fails to receive radio commands when the Radio Communication Board is installed, the Radio Communication Board is damaged and should be replaced.
If the Radio Communication Board functions properly when installed at a known-working satellite location, the Data Radio at the original satellite location will need to be removed and tested in a known-working satellite location.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the Data Radio and its housing in place.
Remove the Data Radio and take it to a known-working satellite location to test.
*Note: Prior to installing the Data Radio 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.
If the known-working satellite location fails to receive radio commands when the Data Radio is installed, the Data Radio is damaged and should be replaced.
Replacement Data Radios can be purchased here.
If the Radio Communication Board and Data Radio function properly when installed in a known-working satellite location, the Timing Mechanism at the original satellite location should be tested.
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 switch located on the front of the Power Supply Assembly.
Next, unplug the ribbon cables on the Timing Mechanism from the Power Supply Board and the Radio Communication Board.
Press the clip on the right side of the Timing Mechanism to release it from the satellite.
Remove the 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.
If the known-working satellite location fails to receive radio commands when the Timing Mechanism is installed, the Timing Mechanism is damaged and should be replaced.
Lesson tags: hunter, genesis, hunter genesis, genesis repair, genesis help, genesis troubleshooting, genesis exchange, genesis motherboard, genesis timing mechanism, genesis faceplate, genesis data radio, genesis radio comm board, genesis transformer, boardtronics
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