Any electrical engineers on here ?

[busy builder]

We have 12v linear actuators in our Hymer (motorhome). These are controlled by a wired remote fed via a control box. We had a problem and may have overloaded the actuators as the bed got stuck because the gas struts packed in...long story.

Any how, the actuators are not working now and the control box is beeping when the control buttons are pressed. I've removed the control box, and looked at the pcb, nothing seems to be burnt out or looks amiss, but not being an electrician I'm at a loss as to why it's beeping. It may need someone to look at it and test it to see whats wrong with it.

I cannot replace it alone, but could...at a push...replace the whole lot with new actuators, control box and remote....but it'll be quite a job and expensive.

So, is there anyone here who could have a look at the pcb and see if anything needs replacing on it ? I may be asking too much though.

 

[sparkplug]

Engineer does that sort of stuff. He's certainly helped people diagnose faults in the past on here but obviously I can't speak on his behalf.

No idea if he's banned from this area or even if he still frequents the place but it might be worth trying to PM him and see.

I'm assuming you've done the obvious looking for a fuse type of thing?

PCBs can be tricky so having a look with a magnifying glass might help.

Does it have any Mossfets on it?

I know they have a tendency to 'pop' if the load gets too much. Cheap and easy to replace (if you can solder) and they're easy to test with a multimeter.

 

[busy builder]

Thanks Sparkplug, I tested the plugs and I think theres power going to the actuators but I can only measure about 5v, I'll ask my leccy mate to put his multimeter on it see what he gets, it's a bit awkward trying to hold a cable (with a small 6 way block) and insert two probes into it and also press the control LOl

 

[ChasF]

Total speculation, but have the actuators got too far out of sync; (possibly one has failed as a result of the bed getting stuck). I would guess that the control box takes the position signals and varies the voltage or pulse width to each actuator to get them at the same height but can only do this within a limited range of variation.There may be some kind or reset button.

 

[NeilDD]

There's a known problem with one of the electric bed makers, where it looses its programming of the limits following a jam.
Have a look on the Motorhome Fun forum

 

[busy builder]

Total speculation, but have the actuators got too far out of sync; (possibly one has failed as a result of the bed getting stuck). I would guess that the control box takes the position signals and varies the voltage or pulse width to each actuator to get them at the same height but can only do this within a limited range of variation.There may be some kind or reset button.

If this is the case, will it be the controller or the actuators that are out of sync ?