[vagrant]

Actually, I’m less convinced that the solenoids are latching – although the spec is silent on “non-latching” I see that you can buy the DC latching version as a more expensive option, which I don’t think I paid for. More investigation required.

[vagrant]

Hi Ray,

These are pretty much what my initial troubleshooting steps were – to completely disconnect the valves and test only the output on the controller.

I’ve retested the VIN voltage, and I was mistaken: It’s fairly stable in the 4.5-4.9V range. Must have been my shaky hands causing the 3.5-5V that I initially reported.

For each zone, though there is definitely something happening, it’s barely registering on my multimeter (back on DC voltage!). Your comment that the voltage will drop after the initial operation made me go back and recheck it incase I was too slow testing the zone output, but by my research that’s still going to be above 5V and not in the mV ranges I’m seeing.

So, still a problem with output voltage on the zones.. any other suggestions?

That being said, I’ve had a look at the solenoids and I’m pretty sure they ARE a latching type. I’m seeing ~40ohm resistance when measured from the end of the control wires (at the controller, which is ~20m from the solenoid) but they are Irritrol 2400MT. I was sure I checked this before I ordered the parts but obviously got it wrong anyway. Looks like I’m in for another unit!

Cheers,
Chris

[vagrant]

Thanks for the quick reply Ray.

My setup is as you describe.

I wasn’t very clear on my testing, sorry.

DC input is through the barrel connector.
OS boots and runs happily, web interface has no issues. I’ve programmed and run sample stations. LCD displays active stations correctly.

All measurements have been taken by connecting multimeter ground to common, and sensor (red) lead to a wire secured in the station output.

VIN is working – confirming at least that some power is being output and my common OS common terminal is connected. I’m looking for user error here and this helped confirm I’d got wires in the terminals successfully.

Ah, I was originally measuring DC from the station outputs and it was so low I thought I must have it wrong. Voltage is well under 1V either way, so low it was difficult to get any reading. But I confirmed a small pulse on both master and the active station.

Any other tips to help troubleshoot?

Cheers,
Chris

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