Hunter VSX: “Ram Inaccessible” Message on Timing Mechanism

35 March 3, 2022

LESSON SUMMARY: This lesson is designed to assist the user in troubleshooting which component failures within the satellite could cause the Timing Mechanism to display a message of “Ram Inaccessible.”

Special Tools Needed: None

⚠ 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 COMPONENTS.

If the display on a Hunter VSX Timing Mechanism reads “RAM Inaccessible | System Halted,” the Timing Mechanism is likely damaged. Follow the guided steps below to determine if the Timing Mechanism needs to be replaced.

Testing the Timing Mechanism:

The Timing Mechanism is located at the top of the satellite under the top lid enclosure. 

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 Communication Board (if present). 

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 Timing Mechanism continues to display the error message “RAM Inaccessible | System Halted” when installed at a known-working satellite location, the Timing Mechanism is damaged and should be replaced. 

A replacement Timing Mechanism can be purchased here.

Lesson tags: hunter, vsx, hunter vsx, vsx repair, vsx help, vsx troubleshooting, vsx exchange, vsx motherboard, vsx timing mechanism, vsx faceplate, boardtronics

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