LESSON SUMMARY: This lesson is designed to assist the user in identifying which component failures in the satellite could cause the main fuse on a Rain Bird® Timing Mechanism for PAR 16/24 or a SuperParts™ Timing Mechanism for PAR 16/24 to blow.

Special Tools Needed: Digital Multimeter

⚠ 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 ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.

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If a Rain Bird® or SuperParts™ Timing Mechanism for PAR 16/24 has no display or no backlight present, the main fuse on the Timing Mechanism may be blown. If the main fuse on the Timing Mechanism is blown, it is likely that there is additional damage to the Timing Mechanism. The main fuse on the Timing Mechanism can blow as a result of a surge and/or other electrical related event, or the Power Transformer may be damaged. Follow the guided troubleshooting steps below to determine which component(s) require replacement.

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Power Transformer Testing:

The Power Transformer is located below the Timing Mechanism and above the Terminal Boards. To test the Power Transformer, proceed with the following steps:

Start by unplugging the Power Transformer from the Timing Mechanism by removing the 4-pin power connector containing the two orange wires and two blue wires from the left side of the Timing Mechanism.

Using a digital multimeter or a voltmeter on the AC Voltage setting, start by measuring the two blue wires by placing one probe on each blue wire at the connector.

The multimeter should display a reading of ~9VAC; up to 13VAC is acceptable.

Using a digital multimeter or a voltmeter on the AC Voltage setting, proceed to measure the two orange wires by placing one probe on each wire at the connector.

The multimeter should display a reading of ~24VAC; up to 30VAC is acceptable.

If either readings are lower than the suggested output voltage, the Power Transformer may be bad, or there may not be enough incoming voltage from the utility line. The incoming utility voltage should be measured to make sure it is within the normal range.

Replacement Power Transformers can be purchased here.

Measuring Incoming Utility Voltage:

*WARNING!*

The following troubleshooting steps include hazardous voltages. It is recommended that a licensed electrician perform the following test.

Using a digital multimeter or voltmeter on the AC Voltage setting, place one probe of the multimeter on the black wire that hooks up to the Power Transformer and one probe on the white wire that hooks up to the Power Transformer. The reading should be ~115VAC. If the reading is lower than the suggested voltage, there is likely a wiring issue outside of the satellite that needs to be addressed.

If all voltages from the Power Transformer have been measured and are within the acceptable range, and the Timing Mechanism has no display and no backlight, the Timing Mechanism is damaged and should be replaced.

Replacement Timing Mechanisms can be purchased here.

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Lesson tags: rain bird, rainbird, par, par 16, par 24, par 16/24 repair, help, troubleshooting, exchange, motherboard, timing mechanism, faceplate, blown fuse, boardtronics

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