Rain Bird MSC+: “Incompatible OSM” Message on Timing Mechanism
LESSON SUMMARY: This lesson is designed to assist the user in troubleshooting the cause of a MSC+ Timing Mechanism displaying an error message of “Incompatible OSM.”
Special Tools Needed: 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 COMPONENTS.
If an MSC+Timing Mechanism is displaying an error message of “Incompatible OSM”, there is an issue with the Timing Mechanism, one or more Output Station Modules, or, in rare cases, the Power Interconnect Board. Follow the guided steps below to determine which component(s) require replacement.
Timing Mechanism Troubleshooting:
The MSC+ 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 rocker style switch located on the front of the Power Supply Assembly. *Note: The location of the Power Supply Assembly will vary based on your individual satellite configuration.
Next, using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the MSC+ Timing Mechanism in place. There will be four screws: one in each corner of the Timing Mechanism.
Proceed to unplug the 24-pin Timing Mechanism Cable from the Power Interconnect Board. The Power Interconnect Board is located in the satellite enclosure at the very top, directly above the Output Station Modules.
Remove the MSC+ 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.
Once installed in a known-working satellite location, if the Timing Mechanism continues to display the error message “Incompatible OSM”, the Timing Mechanism is damaged and should be replaced.
If the Timing Mechanism does not display the error message “Hardware Failure” when installed in a known-working satellite location, the Power Interconnect Board at the original satellite location will need to be tested.
If the Timing Mechanism is tested and found to be working properly, it can be reinstalled in the original satellite location.
Replacement Timing Mechanisms can be purchased here.
Power Interconnect Board Troubleshooting:
The Power Interconnect Board is located in the satellite enclosure at the top, above the Output Station Modules. To test the Power Interconnect Board, proceed with the following steps:
Start by powering off the satellite using the On/Off rocker switch located on the front of the Power Supply Assembly.
Next, unplug the Output Station Module located in the first position from the Power Interconnect Board. The Output Station Module in the first position will be located directly below the Power Interconnect Module. The Output Station Module in the first position runs stations 1-8.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the Output Station Module in place. Remove the Output Station Module from the satellite.
Proceed to install a new or known-working Output Station Module in the first position, making sure to plug the replacement Output Station Module back into the Power Interconnect Board.
*Note: If your satellite is configured to run more than 8 stations, do not plug the Output Station Module located in the second position into the Output Station Module located in the first position. For the purpose of this test, the Output Station Module located in the first position should be the only Output Station Module connected at this time.
Power the satellite back on.
The display on the Timing Mechanism should read “MSC+ 08”. If the Timing Mechanism displays the error message “Incompatible OSM”, the Power Interconnect Board will need to be removed from the satellite and a new or known-working Power Interconnect Board should be installed in its place.
*Note: It is NOT recommended that you install the Power Interconnect Board in a known-working satellite location to see if it is working properly. Installing a shorted or damaged Power Interconnect Board in a known-working satellite location could result in damage to other components in the satellite.
Power the satellite off.
Unplug all cables and connectors from the Power Interconnect Board.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the Power Interconnect Board in place. Remove the Power Interconnect Board from the satellite.
Proceed to install a new or known-working Power Interconnect Board, making sure to plug the Output Station Module in the first position and 24-pin Timing Mechanism Cable back into the Power Interconnect Board.
Power the satellite back on.
If the Timing Mechanism no longer displays the error message “Incompatible OSM”, the Power Interconnect Board that was removed from the satellite is damaged and should be replaced.
Once the satellite has a known-working Timing Mechanism, Power Interconnect Board, and Output Station Module in the first position installed, proceed to test each Output Station Module.
Replacements Power Interconnect Boards (PIBs) can be purchased here.
Output Station Module Troubleshooting:
The Output Station Modules are located in the satellite enclosure below the Power Interconnect Board. Each Output Station Module runs up to 8-Stations. In an MSC+ satellite, there can be up to six Output Station Modules installed, running up to 48 stations. To test the Output Station Modules, proceed with the following steps:
Start by powering off the satellite using the On/Off rocker switch located on the front of the Power Supply Assembly.
Next, plug the Output Station Module located in the second position into the Output Station Module located in the first position. The Output Station module in the second position runs stations 9-16.
Proceed to unplug the Output Station Module located in the third position from the Output Station Module in the second position, leaving only the Output Station Modules in the first and second position connected to the Power Interconnect Board.
Power the satellite back on.
The display on the Timing Mechanism should read “MSC+ 16”. If the Timing Mechanism displays the error message “Incompatible OSM”, the Output Station Module in second position is damaged and should be replaced.
If the Timing Mechanism displays the correct station size (“MSC+ 16”) the Output Station Module in the second position is considered good and the remaining Output Station Modules will need to be tested.
Continue to test the Output Station Modules in ascending order, following the steps outlined above, until all Output Station Modules in the satellite have been tested.
*Note: Before testing each Output Station Module, visually inspect all connectors and ribbon cable ends for any signs of corrosion. Corrosion on connectors and/or ribbon cables can cause functionality issues for Output Station Modules down-line, which can result in the Timing Mechanism displaying the “Incompatible OSM” error message.
Replacement Output Station Modules (OSMs) can be purchased here.
Lesson tags: rain bird, rainbird, msc+, msc plus, msc+ repair, msc+ help, msc+ troubleshooting, msc+ exchange, msc+ motherboard, msc+ timing mechanism, boardtronics
©2022 BoardTronics, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (Read Copyright Statement Here)