Rain Bird PAR+/PAR+ES: LCD/Display Has Missing Lines/Black Squares
LESSON SUMMARY: This lesson is designed to assist the user in troubleshooting which component failures within the satellite could cause the LCD/Display on a PAR+ or PAR+ES Timing Mechanism to display black squares or missing lines of text/data.
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 ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
If the display on a PAR+ or PAR+ES Timing Mechanism is missing lines or has black squares where text should be, there could be an issue with the Timing Mechanism, Power Interconnect Board, 2-Wire Communication Board (if present), or one or more Output Station Modules. Follow the guided steps below to determine which component(s) require replacement.
Testing the Output Station Module(s):
The Output Station Modules are located in the satellite enclosure below the Power Interconnect Board. Each Output Station Module runs up to 8-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, unplug the ribbon cable for 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 Board.
*Note: Do not unplug the Timing Mechanism or the 2-Wire Communication Board from the Power Interconnect Board. At this time, the only component that should be unplugged is the Output Station Module located in the first position.
Power the satellite back on.
If the display on the Timing Mechanism appears to function properly, the Output Station Modules will need to be individually tested.
If the Timing Mechanism continues to display missing lines or black squares, further troubleshooting is required.
Online instructions for testing Output Station Modules (OSMs) can be found here.
Testing the 2-Wire Communication Board:
The 2-Wire Communication Board is mounted on the back of the Timing Mechanism and is located at the top of the satellite under the top lid enclosure. To test the 2-Wire Communication 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 10-pin Communication Board Cable from the Power Interconnect Board. The 10-pin Communication Board Cable plugs into the Power Interconnect Board on the left hand side.
Power the satellite back on.
If the display on the Timing Mechanism appears to function properly, the 2-Wire Communication Board is damaged and should be replaced..
If the Timing Mechanism continues to display missing lines or black squares, further troubleshooting is required.
Replacement 2-Wire Communication Boards can be purchased here.
Replacement LINK Communication Boards can be purchased here.
Testing the Timing Mechanism:
The PAR+ or PAR+ES 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.
Next, using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the PAR+ or PAR+ES 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 PAR+ or PAR+ES 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 black lines or has missing lines of text/data, the Timing Mechanism is damaged and should be replaced.
If the Timing Mechanism display appears to be functioning properly 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.
Testing the Power Interconnect Board:
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 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 and install a new or known-working Power Interconnect Board 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 back on.
If the Timing Mechanism display appears to be functioning properly when a new or known-working Power Interconnect Board is installed in the satellite, the original Power Interconnect Board is damaged and should be replaced.
Replacement Power Interconnect Boards can be purchased here.
Lesson tags: rain bird, rainbird, par+, par+ es, par plus, par plus es, repair, help, troubleshooting, exchange, motherboard, timing mechanism, faceplate, pib, power interconnect board, osm, output station module, boardtronics
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