LESSON SUMMARY: This lesson is designed to assist the user in troubleshooting what would cause a SuperParts TIming Mechanism for Network VP to not take a download from the central computer.
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 SuperParts™ Timing Mechanism for Network VP® is not taking a download from the central computer, there could be an issue with the Timing Mechanism, Modem, Modem Cable, Power Distribution Board, Pump Common or one or more of the 8-Station Output Boards. To determine which component(s) require replacement, follow the guided troubleshooting steps below.
*Note: Before testing the following components, verify that the Power Distribution Board installed in the satellite is functioning properly. A Power Distribution Board that is functioning properly will have all 3 voltage indicator LEDs illuminated. If one or more of the voltage indicator LEDs are not illuminated, follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in the article here.
Testing the Timing Mechanism:
The Timing Mechanism is located in the satellite under the top lid enclosure. To test the Timing Mechanism, proceed with the following steps:
The SuperParts™ Timing Mechanism for Network VP® is equipped with a built-in function for monitoring the activity of central communication.
To access this function, press the “Diagnostics” button on the keypad, located directly above the “Stop” button.
Turn the knob counterclockwise four clicks.
The display on the Timing Mechanism should read “Menu: Link Monitor”.
The second line of the display will show the satellite address and CSG.
This diagnostic feature will display a “TX” when the Timing Mechanism is transmitting data to the central computer and an “RX” when the Timing Mechanism is receiving data from the central computer.
*Note: If the Timing Mechanism displays “TX”, the TX light on the Modem should simultaneously be illuminated and blinking. If the Timing Mechanism displays “RX”, the RX light on the Modem should simultaneously be illuminated and blinking.

If you are attempting a download from the central computer while troubleshooting this issue, it is recommended that you are on the “Link Monitor” screen.
Proceed to attempt a download from the central computer with the Timing Mechanism on the “Link Montior” screen.
If the Timing Mechanism is not displaying “TX” or “RX” below the text that reads “Link Monitor” and if the lines of text showing the message number and bytes of data are missing, the Timing Mechanism is not receiving or transmitting data to the central computer.

Proceed to power 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 Timing Mechanism.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the Timing Mechanism in place.
Remove the Timing Mechanism from the satellite.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the Modem in place on the back of the Timing Mechanism.
Unmount the Modem from the Timing Mechanism and take the Timing Mechanism, Modem and Modem Cable 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.
Proceed to install the Timing Mechanism at the known-working satellite location, using the Modem and Modem Cable from the known-working satellite location for the first part of this test.
*Note: The Modem and Modem Cable from the original satellite location should not be installed at this time.
Plug the 40-Pin Cable and the Modem Cable into the Timing Mechanism.
Plug the 3-position communication plug into the Modem.
Power the satellite on.
Leave the Timing Mechanism set to the satellite address assigned at the original satellite location.
Press the “Diagnostics” button, located directly above the “Stop” button.
Turn the knob counterclockwise four clicks until you reach the “Link Monitor” screen.
Proceed to attempt a download from the central computer with the Timing Mechanism on the “Link Monitor” screen.
If the Timing Mechanism displays “TX” and “RX” below “Link Monitor” and is able to take a download from the central computer, further troubleshooting is required.
If the Timing Mechanism is not displaying “TX” or “RX” below the text that reads “Link Monitor” and if the lines of text showing the message number and bytes of data are missing, and the Timing Mechanism fails to take a download from the central computer, proceed to change the satellite address on the Timing Mechanism to the satellite address for the known-working satellite location.
Return to the “Link Monitor” screen.
Proceed to attempt a download from the central computer.
If the Timing Mechanism fails to take a download, the Timing Mechanism is damaged and should be replaced.
Replacement Timing Mechanisms can be purchased here.
Testing the Modem:
The Modem is mounted on the back of the Timing Mechanism and is located in the satellite under the top lid enclosure. To test the Modem, proceed with the following steps:
If the Timing Mechanism was tested in a known-working satellite location with a new or known-working Modem and Modem Cable, and the Timing Mechanism was able to take a download, the Modem from the original satellite location needs to be tested.
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 Timing Mechanism and Modem.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the Timing Mechanism in place.
Remove the Timing Mechanism from the satellite.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the Modem in place on the back of the Timing Mechanism.
Unmount the Modem from the Timing Mechanism and reinstall the Modem from the original satellite location.
Reinstall the Timing Mechanism in the known-working satellite location.
Plug the 40-Pin Cable and Modem Cable back into the Timing Mechanism.
Plug the 3-position communication plug into the Modem.
Power the satellite on.
Press the “Diagnostics” button, located directly above the “Stop” button.
Turn the knob counterclockwise four clicks until you reach the “Link Monitor” screen.
Proceed to attempt a download from the central computer with the Timing Mechanism on the “Link Monitor” screen.
If the Timing Mechanism is not displaying “TX” or “RX” below the text that reads “Link Monitor” and if the lines of text showing the message number and bytes of data are missing, and the Timing Mechanism fails to take a download from the central computer, the Modem is damaged and should be replaced.
*Link Monitor screen when the Timing Mechanism has failed to take a download from the central computer:

If the Timing Mechanism displays “TX” and “RX” next to “Link Monitor” and is able to take a download from the central computer, the Timing Mechanism and Modem are functioning properly.
*Link Monitor screen when the Timing Mechanism has successfully taken a download from the central computer:

Power off the satellite.
Unplug the Modem Cable from both the Timing Mechanism and the Modem.
Proceed to install the Modem Cable from the original satellite location.
Power the satellite on.
Press the “Diagnostics” button, located directly above the “Stop” button.
Turn the knob counterclockwise four clicks until you reach the “Link Monitor” screen.
Proceed to attempt a download from the central computer with the Timing Mechanism on the “Link Monitor” screen.
If the Timing Mechanism is not displaying “TX” or “RX” below the text that reads “Link Monitor” and if the lines of text showing the message number and bytes of data are missing, and the Timing Mechanism fails to take a download from the central computer, the Modem Cable is damaged and should be replaced.
If the Timing Mechanism displays “TX” and “RX” next to “Link Monitor” and is able to take a download from the central computer, the Timing Mechanism, Modem and Modem Cable are functioning properly.
Proceed to power off the satellite and remove the Timing Mechanism, Modem and Modem Cable and return to the original satellite location for further troubleshooting.
Replacement Standard Modems can be purchased here.
Replacement Modem Cables can be purchased here.
Testing the Pump Common:
The Pump Common is located in the satellite along the far left-hand side. To test the Pump Common proceed with the following steps:
Once back at the original satellite location, make sure power to the satellite is off.
Reinstall the Timing Mechanism and Modem in the satellite, making sure to reconnect all cables and connectors to both the Timing Mechanism and Modem.
Next, unplug the Output/Pump Cable from the Power Distribution Board that is connected to the Pump Common. You may leave the Pump Common mounted in the satellite.
Power the satellite back on.
Press the “Diagnostics” button, located directly above the “Stop” button.
Turn the knob counterclockwise four clicks until you reach the “Link Monitor” screen.
Proceed to attempt a download from the central computer with the Timing Mechanism on the “Link Monitor” screen.
If the Timing Mechanism is not displaying “TX” or “RX” below the text that reads “Link Monitor” and if the lines of text showing the message number and bytes of data are missing, and the Timing Mechanism fails to take a download from the central computer, the Pump Common is damaged and should be replaced.
*Link Monitor screen when the Timing Mechanism has failed to take a download from the central computer:

If the Timing Mechanism displays “TX” and “RX” below “Link Monitor” and is able to take a download from the central computer, the Pump Common is functioning properly and further troubleshooting is required.
*Link Monitor screen when the Timing Mechanism has successfully taken a download from the central computer:

Replacement Pump Commons can be purchased here.
Testing the 8-Station Output Boards:
If the Timing Mechanism, Modem and Pump Common have been tested and are functioning properly, the 8-Station Output Boards will need to be tested.
The 8-Station Output Boards are located in the middle of the satellite and connect to both the Power Distribution Board and the 16-Station Switch & Surge Boards. To test the 8-Station Output Boards, 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/Pump Cables from the Power Distribution Board for all 8-Station Output Boards installed in the satellite.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the 8-Station Output Board in the first position in place.
*Note: The 8-Station Output Board in the first position will be located on the left-hand side of the satellite directly next to the Pump Common. The 8-Station Output Board in the first position runs stations 1-8.
Proceed to remove the 8-Station Output Board in the first position and install a new or known-working 8-Station Output Board in its place.
At this time, the only 8-Station Output Board connected to the Power Distribution Board is the new or known-working 8-Station Output Board in the first position.
*When installing a known-working 8-Station Output Board in the first position of the Power Distribution Board, make sure to reconnect the 8-Station Output Board to the 16-Station Switch & Surge Board and plug the Output Pump Cable back into the Power Distribution Board.
Power the satellite on.
Press the “Diagnostics” button, located directly above the “Stop” button.
Turn the knob counterclockwise four clicks until you reach the “Link Monitor” screen.
Proceed to attempt a download from the central computer with the Timing Mechanism on the “Link Monitor” screen.
If the Timing Mechanism displays “TX” and “RX” below “Link Monitor” and is able to take a download from the central computer, one or more of the 8-Station Output boards are damaged and will need to be individually tested.
*Link Monitor screen when the Timing Mechanism has successfully taken a download from the central computer:

Power off the satellite.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws used to hold the 8-Station Output Board in the first position in place.
Remove the new or known-working 8-Station Output Board in the first position and replace it with the 8-Station Output Board that was removed, leaving all other 8-Station Output Boards unplugged from the Power Distribution Board.
Power the satellite on.
Verify that the Timing Mechanism is detecting 8 stations.
Press the “Diagnostics” button, located directly above the “Stop” button.
Turn the knob counterclockwise four clicks until you reach the “Link Monitor” screen.
Proceed to attempt a download from the central computer with the Timing Mechanism on the “Link Monitor” screen.
If the Timing Mechanism displays “TX” and “RX” below “Link Monitor” and is able to take a download from the central computer, the 8-Station Output Board installed in the first position is functioning properly.
If the Timing Mechanism is not displaying “TX” or “RX” below the text that reads “Link Monitor” and if the lines of text showing the message number and bytes of data are missing, and the Timing Mechanism fails to take a download from the central computer, the 8-Station Output Board installed in the first position is damaged and should be replaced.
*Link Monitor screen when the Timing Mechanism has failed to take a download from the central computer:

Proceed to test each 8-Station Output Board by installing each 8-Station Output Board in the first position of the satellite, powering off the satellite between each installation.
Replacement 8-Station Output Boards can be purchased here.
*Note: If the Power Distribution Board, Timing Mechanism, Modem, Pump Common and 8-Station Output Boards have all been tested and are functioning properly and the satellite is still failing to take a download, there may be an issue with the Pump Com Surge Board. A guide for testing the Pump Comm Surge Board can be found here.
Lesson tags: toro, network vp, toro network vp, network vp repair, network vp help, network vp troubleshooting, network vp download, network vp modem, network vp exchange, network vp motherboard, network vp output board, network vp distribution board, boardtronics
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