Power Maintenance Guide - CTLS & CLBS

Power Maintenance Guide - CTLS & CLBS

Overview

This guide is designed to help you identify and resolve power-related issues in your TraffiCalm Flashing Sign System. It includes steps for checking system fuses, testing battery voltages, and ensuring proper solar panel connections.

Applicable Models

This troubleshooting guide addresses power issues related specifically to S-Box controllers and collaborators. It applies to the following TraffiCalm devices involved in these setups:
  1. M75-SA300-CTLS
  2. M75-SA300-CLBS
  3. M75-DE0TS-CTLS
  4. M75-DE0TS-CLBS

Tools Needed

  1. Multimeter or voltmeter
  2. Screwdriver (Phillips-head)
  3. Wrench or socket set (appropriate size for battery terminal bolts)


Checking and Replacing Fuses

Blade Fuse (5 amp)

  • Location: Located on the electronics tray inside the S-box cabinet.
  • Action: Check and replace if necessary with a standard 5 amp blade fuse.

2x Blade Fuse (15 amp)

  • Location: Located in-line between the electronics tray and each battery.
  • Action: Check and replace if necessary with a common 15 amp blade fuse.

Battery and Solar Voltage Checks

Battery Voltage Levels

  • Normal Range: 12.4 - 14.2V DC.
  • Low Voltage Threshold: Below 10.4V may prevent system recovery without recharging to at least 12.4V.
  • To test individual batteries, disconnect one wire from the battery terminal and use a voltmeter to measure. This prevents the combined voltage from affecting the reading.

Solar Panel Output

  • Expected Output: 17-21V on sunny days; above 14V even on cloudy days.
  • Connection Check: Ensure the positive and negative are correctly connected. A negative reading indicates reversed connections.

Battery Replacement

Accessing the Battery

To access the battery, open the metal enclosure of the S-Box. The battery is located inside the cabinet.

Removing the Battery

Note:  There are 2 batteries so be sure to pull the fuses or disconnect the pigtail wire from both before removing a battery.  This would prevent shorting wires together.  If you disconnect only 1 battery and the wires touch together they are still HOT from the other battery and will short and blow the fuses.
Unbolt Terminals: Loosen the bolts on the battery terminals to disconnect them.
Remove Battery: Carefully tilt and lift the battery out of the S-Box cabinet.

Installing the Battery

NOTE:  Be sure you pull fuses or disconnect both battery wire pigtails so when the first set of wires are connected the other set of wires are not HOT and shorting together.
Position New Battery: Place the new battery into the compartment, ensuring it is correctly oriented.
Connect Terminals: Attach the positive and negative terminals and securely tighten the bolts.

Final Checks

After replacing any parts or making adjustments:

  • Ensure all connections are secure.
  • Power on the system to check operational status.
  • Monitor the system for any irregularities during initial reactivation.

Replacement Parts

Here’s a table of common replacement parts you might need:

Part Description Part Number
Battery ES20-12C BATTERY 12V 20AH (2) <029-05001-0000 >
Blade Fuse FUSE-BLADE TRM & SPECIAL 32V 5A <029-03590-0000>

Wiring Diagram

S-Box Basic Wiring Configuration

Images

Test Battery & Solar voltage as seen here.
Basic S-Box Cabinet Configuration.

S-Box with batteries Removed.


This guide should provide you with the necessary steps to troubleshoot and fix power issues in your flashing sign system. If the problem persists, it may be advisable to contact TraffiCalm technical support for further assistance.

Other Power Maintenance Guides

CTL2/CTL3
E-Box
S-Box

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