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Control Point® Control System FAQs

Q: Console will not power on.
A: Corrective action 1. Check for a blown fuse in the positive battery lead. If blown, replace with blade-type 20-amp fuse. 2. Check for poor connections to the battery; remove any corosion. Also check battery polarity. 3. Check the red ignition wire. 4. Visually inspect power cable from rear of console to battery. If damaged, replace cable and repair. 5. If no problem can be found with power connection or power cable, console may be at fault.

Q: The Control Point display flashes Manual Mode.
A: If the words "Manual Mode" are flashing on the display, the Control Point system may have reverted to the manual override function to compensate for a sensor failure (liquid flowmeter, conveyor/auger sensor). If so, the system is operating in open loop control to allow spreading/spraying to continue until sensor repair/replacement is possible. Corrective action for granular system 1. If material is not spreading (conveyor or auger stopped): a. Make sure the PTO is engaged. b. Check for lodged obstacles in the conveyor or auger. c. Check for hydraulic system failure (pump, valve, or hydraulic motor). 2. If material is spreading (conveyor or auger is turning). a. Check for a disconnected or slipping conveyor sensor coupling. b. Unplug connector nearest the conveyor sensor. Check for +12V between the red and black wires and +8V between the green and black wires. Absense of either voltage indicates a broken or shorted wire within the cable assembly or a corroded pin in the connector. If voltages are present, replace the conveyor sensor. Corrective action for liquid system 1. If liquid is not spraying: a. Check tanks for proper level. b. Check liquid filters for plugging. c. Check pump and wires to pump for corrosion and correct voltage. 2. If liquid is spraying: a. Check flowmeter for debris jamming the paddle wheel. b. Unplug connector nearest the conveyor sensor. Check for +12V between the red and black wires and +8V between the green and black wires. Absense of either voltage indicates a broken or shorted wire within the cable assembly or a corroded pin in the connector. If voltages are present, replace the conveyor sensor.

Q: Control point will operate in Unload but not Auto.
A: If the spreader/sprayer does not function when the master switch is in Auto but does in the Unload position, the ground speed sensor may have failed. Corrective action 1. Check the ground speed reading (MPH) on the console. If the ground speed reads 0 when the truck is moving: a. Check wires and connections between the DICKEY-john ground speed sensor and the console. b. Check wires and connections between the DICKEY-john ground speed sensor and the transmission speed sensor. 2. Check the ground speed calibration number programmed in the console (F7). Compare the number to the original setting. The constant should be between 35,000 and 60,000. 3. Next, replace the ground speed sensor. 4. If the failure continues, replace the master switch module and then the console. Note: The Control Point system can continue operating without a "true" ground speed sensor input by setting the Manual Speed to Yes in the Ground Speed Configuration (F7) screen. With this enabled, the console simulates an artificial ground speed signal which appears on the display. To spread/spray in this mode, set the master switch to the Auto position and drive your truck at the displayed Speed. To stop spreading, change the Master switch back to the Off postion.

Q: Displayed application rate (APR) is fluctuating.
A: If the actual APR display on the console fluctuates more than 5% above or below the target APR while the vehicle maintains a steady speed, the system response should be investigated. Corrective action 1. System Response (SYS RSPNS) constant is too large. See heading "Fine-Tuning System Response Constants" in Chapter 4 of the manual. 2. Check APR sensor for loose coupling or slipping on shaft.

Q: Displayed application rate (APR) is responding slowly.
A: If the actual APR desplay on the console is slowly responding to ground speed or target APR changes or stabilizes at the wrong value, the system response may require fine tuning. Corrective action System Response (SYS RSPNS) constant is too small. See heading "Fine-Tuning System Response Constants" in Chapter 4 of the manual.

Q: Spinner rotational speed is incorrect.
A: Corrective action 1. Check PWM offset and saturation point in Spinner mode (F8) for incorrect settings. 2. Check for variations in granular material density dropping onto the spinners from the conveyor/auger. 3. For proportional valves, increases in electrical coil resistance due to heat buildup can cause valve position shifts, resulting in speed changes. 4. For servo valves, increases in hydraulic fluid temperature heats the valve and results in speed variations. 5. Check for drag due to snow and ice buildup.

Q: Spinner rotational speed is incorrect.
A: Corrective action 1. Check PWM offset and saturation point in SPINNER mode (F8) for incorrect settings. 2. Check for variations in granular material density dropping onto the spinners from the conveyor/auger. 3. For proportional valves, increases in electrical coil resistance due to heat buildup can cause valve position shifts, resulting in speed changes. 4. For servo valves, increases in hydraulic fluid temperature heats the valve and results in speed variations. 5. Check for drag due to snow and ice buildup.

Q: Application Rate Error is flashing on the display and the alarm sounds.
A: Corrective action for granular system 1. Reduce the truck ground speed to allow the system to catch up and the error to clear. 2. Shift to a lower gear to increase the engine's RPM and hydraulic pump rotation. 3. Check hydraulic disconnects and filter. 4. Ensure correct spreader constant is programmed. Redo a drop test (F6). 5. Incorrect PWM saturation point: See (F3) and/or redo a system response (F11). 6. Check for insufficient hydraulic oil flow at normal engine RPM. 7. Check spreader valve and electrical connections to the valve coil. Corrective action for a liquid system 1. Check to see if the tanks are low, shut off valves are partially closed, bypass valves are open too far, or there is an obstruction in the tank. 2. Check filters between the tank and suction side of pump for blockage. 3. Check for plugged nozzles or nozzles that are too small to supply proper gallons per minute. 4. If using an electric liquid pump, make sure the nozzle pressure doesn't exceed 40 psi. Some electric pumps have an internal psi switch to shut the pump off at high back pressure conditions. 5. Ensure the K-factor programmed is correct. Redo a drop test (F6). 6. Check PWM saturation point (F5). If low, redo a system response (F11).

Q: Auger, belt, or chain is pulsating.
A: Check spreader constant. 1. Constant may be too low for the amount being applied. 2. Lower gate, and redo a drop test. 3. Increase rate to see if belt smoothes out, or increase speed. If this works, redo a drop test. 4. Manually overide the valve a couple times to verify it's not sticking. 5. Check voltage to valve consistency to verify it's not varying. 6. Replace coil and/or valve.

Q: Speed is fluctuating irradically.
A: Redo a ground speed calibration. If that doesn't work, check and/or replace the speed cable.

Q: Control Point will not finish a system response.
A: Try increasing the engine's RPM. Then, do a calibration on the faulty channel. If the calibration does not count pulses, check the connections to the sensor. If all the connections and wiring are OK, replace the sensor.

Control Point® Control System Troubleshooting

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• Control Point® Troubleshooting Manual

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