E2 Error Super Jack Harl 3624 actuator

[wium78]

I fitted a brand new actuator and it worked fine for a few weeks.It has now stopped with the E2 error message and the arm extended.I have taken it off and on the bench, exactly the same error E2 even after retracting by turning the arm. The positioner manual indicates a possibility of the reed switch being broken.Can a member please indicate which is the reed switch or is it something else causing the problem.
I also installed the same type actuator on another dish and it is working fine.

 

[Channel Hopper]

I fitted a brand new actuator and it worked fine for a few weeks.It has now stopped with the E2 error message and the arm extended.I have taken it off and on the bench, exactly the same error E2 even after retracting by turning the arm. The positioner manual indicates a possibility of the reed switch being broken.Can a member please indicate which is the reed switch or is it something else causing the problem.
I also installed the same type actuator on another dish and it is working fine.

You may need to send pictures that identify the actuator (where did it come from ?)

There are many clones out there.

 

[wium78]

I purchased the actuator from a very reputable Company in South Africa.Image enclosed.

 

[wium78]

Another image.

 

[ocean04]

Does motor move little when you receive E2, or nothing happens?

 

[wium78]

Nothing happens.

 

[ocean04]

Nothing happens.

Then I don't think problem is the reed switch. Motor should move step forward/backward even without it.
I would check all wire connections

 

[Channel Hopper]

Another image.

The serial number suggests the actuator is over 15 years old.

 

[Mickha]

Have you tested it using a 12v battery?
You only need to connect the + and - motor connections, to see if it mioves.

 

[wium78]

Micha I had the reed swich tested and it is fine.I purchased two actuators from a reputable Company in South Africa and the other one is fine for now.In fact I ordered another and requested the Company to test it beore sending it to me.It was indicated in a prevoius post that the actuators are 15 years old and that may have a bearing on the matter.Both actuators I use together with seperate Diseqc positioners to move my two 1.2M fibreglass dishes.I switched both positioners and the result was the same.The Company is having a clean out,as actuators have not been selling in South Africa for some time due to a dying hobby.

 

[a33]

Then I don't think problem is the reed switch. Motor should move step forward/backward even without it.

+1.

So the testing should now primarily concern the motor circuit, I think: cable and contacts, limit switches, carbon brushes (if applicable), too high mechanical resistance, .......

Greetz,
A33

 

[Mickha]

The 12v battery is to test your motor, as it moves the motor arm, without using your V-Box II.
I just wanted to know if your motor would run directly, from a 12v battery, if so the E2 error might just be with your V-Box II, and a simple reset, of the V-Box II, would have it working again.

 

[wium78]

I tried different V-BOX,s and the result was the same E2.How is the reset done?

 

[Mickha]

I'm talking about a reset on your V-Box II, you'll find it in the instruction manual, on mine, I have to hold down 2 buttons, for over 5 seconds.
The 12v battery test is extremely quick, as all you need are 2 wires, long enough to reach from the battery, to the Motor +, Motor -, or M1, M2, connections.
i used the battery from my home alarm box, as this was 12v, and I knew it was working.

As you've tested a few V-Box II's I'd run the battery test, with new wires, if the motor moves, you can trace the problem to your wiring, maybe a break in the cables, or to the connections, becoming loose.

 

[wium78]

Noted with thanks.

 

[wium78]

I am coming back to this topic as the replacement actuator is also giving me an ER2 message ie No feedback from sensor or reach to hardware limits.A reputable satellite Company in South Africa is clearing out their stock of actuators due to a dying hobby.Channel Hopper advised me in a posting that the actuators are at least 15 years old.The first one I purchased is working fine.Beside its age what else may be causing the problem.I should have tested the actuator before I mounted it.

 

[Satfaca]

Check the wires. Completely, all the way from the actuator sensor to the positioner inlet connection.

 

[Mickha]

Did you ever test your actuator using a 12V battery?

You have the battey near the actuator, then connect the two wires, to M1, or M+, then the second to M2, or M-, then touch one to the negative battery termina, and the second to the positive, this shpws if the actator is working.

 

[Channel Hopper]

I am coming back to this topic as the replacement actuator is also giving me an ER2 message ie No feedback from sensor or reach to hardware limits.A reputable satellite Company in South Africa is clearing out their stock of actuators due to a dying hobby.Channel Hopper advised me in a posting that the actuators are at least 15 years old.The first one I purchased is working fine.Beside its age what else may be causing the problem.I should have tested the actuator before I mounted it.

Can you take a picture of the gearbox with the cover removed ?

It might be the actuator is either missing the reed switch, or one of the screw terminals is corroded.

 

[wium78]

Satfaca have drink on me this evening at your local pub.Discovered dampness penetrated my four core cable which was laid about 15 years ago.
Thanks Mate appreciated.