CBE PC200ex

[Wilberforce]

I have an Elddis Autocirrus and discovered condensation in the Distributor Panel a few months ago which made the panel null and void. Other owners beware.

However, we got the panel working and 90% of the time it is OK, but periodically it fails. We are off to Spain in three weeks and don't want to go with a dicky panel. We have threfore purchased a new panel but the problem is that although the number on the circuit board matches two of the switches do not function i.e. pump & lights. We have returned panel complaining, and have had replacement. Still same problem. We have had a new panel from a different company - same problem.

 

I notice that the current model only has PC200 as its number - but the website suggests that this is the same as the PC200ex. Has anybody had similar problems? Can anybody advice me as to what to do next? (?)

[Clive]

Could your problem be the software version in your panel does not match that in the main lump?

Or have you a connector problem?

Perhaps a visit to an approved CBE distributor is required?

 

C.

 

[Brian Kirby]

Have you obtained the replacement through Elddis?  I think the EX suffix on yours may denote an Elddis specific model. 

I have a CBE instruction booklet for ours, which includes variants PC-100HB, PC-100HB-T, PC-200HB and DS-300HB, where I'm fairly sure HB signifies Hobby.  Do you have the equivalent instruction booklet?

The PC-200 is the one with an LCD display.  CBE supply entire kits, complete with power supply/charger, tank level sensors, distribution/fuse box etc, so the functions of the 6 buttons may vary between manufacturers.  The variant I have the instructions for has clock/temp sensor, battery voltage test, fresh water level, awning light switch, main 12V switch and a water pump switch.  There is a specific instruction not to alter the positions of a bank of DIP switches on the back of the panel.  I guess these shift the functions of the control buttons, and that if your replacement panel settings do not match those for the original Elddis package you will not get the right responses.  You should be able to see the switch bank (they are very small slide switches, on a little switch block mounted on the PC board behind the control panel, visible if you look edge-on at the panel). 

As you have the original panel, have a look at the switch positions on that, to see if they correspond with those on your replacement panel.  If they don't, that may be the problem, but it would probably be wise to check the consequences of altering their positions before doing so.  Do disconnect the control panel completely before changing the switch positions, not against shock, but to protect electronic components.

[Wilberforce]

Thanks for the advice. I am contacting Marclin where I got the unit from to see if they have any suggestions. The position of the switches is the same. The number on the distribution board is the same. What can be different?

 

 

[Robinhood]

Wilberforce - 2011-01-24 9:21 AM Thanks for the advice. I am contacting Marclin where I got the unit from to see if they have any suggestions. The position of the switches is the same. The number on the distribution board is the same. What can be different?

Clutching at straws here, as the instructions don't appear to be on the CBE site.

I had a (Rapido-specific version) of this same panel on my last van. I'm pretty sure it had a 12v cut-off if the leisure battery fell below a given voltage level.

I also know that it is possible to calibrate the voltage readings at the panel (but can't remember how).

Is it possible that either your leisure battery is below the threshold, or that the voltage reading needs calibrating properly on first installation to ensure that it is correctly enumerated (and above the threshold)?

It's not likely, but still a thought.

[Brambles]

Robinhood, I think it is very likely and well spotted. There is no other explanation I can think of and is extremely plausible.

[Wilberforce]

Thanks for the concern. However, wrong solution. It's a new battery and it has been connected to house electrics for several weeks.

[Wilberforce]

After consulting Italy I have discovered that I ordered the wrong unit. Same number - but different unit. I cannot speaker more highly of Marclin. The problem might be that they have to order one - and it might not get here in time.

 

Another thread spoke of how usless Rainbow Conversions had been. They were my first supplier - and I would agree with them.

[Brian Kirby]

Wilberforce - 2011-01-25 9:12 PM After consulting Italy I have discovered that I ordered the wrong unit. Same number - but different unit. I cannot speaker more highly of Marclin. The problem might be that they have to order one - and it might not get here in time. Another thread spoke of how usless Rainbow Conversions had been. They were my first supplier - and I would agree with them.

To give the credit where it's due, I think you may mean Marcle Leisure, not Marclin?

[grahamw]

Glad to see from your other posting Wilberforce that you are all sorted and agree with you about how helpful Marcle Leisure are - such as download of PC200 documentation which is more comprehensive than what's available on CBE's own site.

 

Just before others sign off from this thread and I lose the attention of some experts on the PC200 control panel can I pose a question.

 

I have the same control panel and note via the panel that I can determine both vehicle and leisure battery voltage levels. It also states in the documentation that current flow can also be determined for the leisure battery but that it is an "option". That option is not available to me and of course I would find it extremely useful. It could well be that this "option" is only available in another variant of the panel but if it's an "option" does anyone know if the feature can be added.

 

Graham