Rain Bird PAR+/PAR+ES: “RAM Memory Error” or “RT Clock Error” Message on Timing Mechanism

LESSON SUMMARY: This lesson is designed to assist the user in troubleshooting the cause of a PAR+ or PAR+ES Timing Mechanism displaying an error message of “RAM Memory Error” or “RT Clock Error.”

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 a PAR+ or PAR+ES Timing Mechanism is displaying an error message of “RAM Memory Error” or “RT Clock Error”, the time-keeping IC/battery on the Timing Mechanism is likely damaged. The time-keeping IC/battery has a lifespan of approximately 10 years, depending on various environmental conditions. 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 PAR+/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+/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 the error message “RAM Memory Error” or “RT Clock Error”, the Timing Mechanism is damaged and should be replaced.

Replacement Timing Mechanisms for PAR+ & PAR+ES 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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