Finn BB302 - User Manual

BB302 MB50 RCTG MU0407
FINN Models: Bark Blowers 302 (BB302) and 5-Series (MB50)
Remote
Green POWER
BuƩ on
OperaƟ on Lights
REMOTE CONTROL
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
To turn the remote on, push and hold the green POWER button, which is located on the back of the
remote. Release the button.
If the TX (transmit) and RX (receive) LEDs fl ash rapidly (10 times per second), then the remote is
synched to the machine. The machine has power and is ready to use.
This troubleshooting guide is designed to illustrate and explain the steps necessary to check your remote
control unit that came with your BB302 or MB50 should it stop working. Follow this guide to reset your remote
or to establish the malfunction. Following these steps could eliminate the problem.
Use this guide fi rst before returning the remote to Finn. Most malfunctions can be eliminated through the
solutions provided. After attempting to use this guide to fi x the problem, then contact Finn customer service by
calling 1-800-543-7166 (Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, EST).
First Step - Turn the Remote On
Operation Lights
TX - indicates that the remote is transmitting signal
RX - indicates that the remote is receiving signal
Error Light - indicates that the remote is not operating correctly
Battery Light - indicates that the power level of the remote is not correct in some way
Does the TX (transmit) LED fl ash rapidly (10 times per second)?
If yes, the remote is ready to use. Move forward to the Receiver Troubleshooting section of this guide.
If the TX (transmit) LED DOES NOT fl ash rapidly (10 times per second), continue on to the next part
of the Troubleshoot Remote section.
Check the Remote

Summary

Remote Control Overview

Operation Lights

Defines TX, RX, Error, and Battery LEDs on the remote control unit.

Remote Troubleshooting

Step 1: Check Batteries

Install new batteries, ensuring correct compartment arrangement and illumination.

Step 2: Check Power and Switches

Verify power, LED patterns, and switch positions; release power button if held too long.

Step 3: Check E-Stop Button

Ensure E-Stop button is in the 'up' position; retry powering up remote.

Receiver Troubleshooting

Step 1: Check Receiver Power

Verify receiver power LED and 12V power at battery, switch, harness, and module plug.

Step 2: Check HEALTH LED Status

Evaluate HEALTH LED for flashing green, steady, or rapid flashing indicating specific faults.

Step 3: Check Keypad Wiring

Verify keypad button illumination and CAN bus wiring for proper operation.

Step 4: Check TX;RX Light

Analyze TX/RX light status (amber/red) for association, interference, or cable issues.

Step 5: Check Remote TX;RX LEDs

Verify remote TX/RX LEDs flash rapidly; test with a known-good remote if issues persist.

Step 6: Check Supply Voltage

Measure supply voltage (7-28V) at receiver; inspect wiring and power sources.

Step 7: Check Grounding and Link Loss

Ensure proper grounding and check for radio link loss indicated by red receiver LEDs.

Step 8: Check Functionality

Verify remote TX LED response when activating functions; check for partial or full disablement.

Step 9: Check Output Channels

Investigate open circuits in output channels, valve coils, or wiring for specific function failures.

Troubleshoot Range Issue

Line-of-Sight Conditions

Assess environmental factors like obstructions, metal objects, or interference affecting radio range.

Replacement Remote Troubleshooting

Remote Association and ID Codes

Ensure replacement remotes are associated and have matching WS numbers for compatibility.

Overview

This document provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for the FINN Bark Blower 302 (BB302) and 5-Series (MB50) remote control system. It is designed to help users diagnose and resolve common issues with their remote control units before seeking professional service. The guide covers various aspects of the remote control and receiver, including operation lights, power-up sequences, battery checks, switch diagnostics, and communication issues.

The remote control unit is a handheld device used to operate the FINN Bark Blower and 5-Series machines. It features a series of buttons and indicator lights that provide feedback on its operational status and allow for control of various machine functions. Key buttons on the remote include:

• ASSOCIATE/DISSOCIATE: Used for pairing the remote with the receiver or unpairing them.
• START/STOP: Controls the machine's engine.
• ENGINE INCREASE/DECREASE: Adjusts the engine speed.
• FLOOR INCREASE/DECREASE: Controls the floor speed.
• MATERIAL: Likely controls the material flow or other related functions.
• E-STOP: A prominent red button designed for emergency shutdown, which must be in the "up" position for the remote to operate.

The remote also features several operation lights:

• TX (Transmit) LED: Indicates that the remote is sending a signal. A rapid flash (10 times per second) typically signifies that the remote is synched to the machine and ready for use.
• RX (Receive) LED: Indicates that the remote is receiving a signal.
• Error Light (!): Illuminates when the remote is not operating correctly.
• Battery Light: Indicates an issue with the remote's power level.

To turn on the remote, the user must push and hold the green POWER button located on the back of the unit, then release it. The initial flashing pattern of the TX and RX LEDs is crucial for determining if the remote is properly synched with the machine. If these LEDs flash rapidly, it indicates a successful connection and readiness for operation.

The troubleshooting process begins with checking the remote's power and battery status. If no LEDs illuminate, the first step is to check and replace the batteries, paying close attention to the specific "up, down, up, down" arrangement, which is not typical. If the remote still doesn't power on after new batteries, it should be returned for service.

If the remote has power but the LEDs are flashing in a repeating pattern (TX and RX together, then Error and Battery lights together), this could indicate that the green power button was held too long, or a switch is stuck. Users are advised to release the power button and check all switches, ensuring they are in the center position and moving them up and down to free any potential sticking.

Another flashing pattern (TX and Error light together, then RX and Battery light together) points to the E-Stop button not being in the "up" position. Releasing the E-Stop by gently rotating the red button clockwise should resolve this.

Once the remote is confirmed to be transmitting a signal (TX LED flashing rapidly), the troubleshooting shifts to the receiver unit. The receiver is a separate component that communicates with the remote and controls the machine's functions. It also has several indicator LEDs:

• Power LED (LED #1): Should be lit when the machine is powered up. If not, users need to check the 12-volt power supply at the battery, key switch, harness, and module plug. A non-lit Power LED when power is applied indicates a fault with the receiver, requiring factory evaluation.
• HEALTH LED (LED #3): This LED indicates the status of the main microcontroller.
  • A green flash once per second means the receiver is receiving a signal from the remote.
  • A green flash twice, then a 2.5-second pause, indicates the receiver is resetting.
  • If the HEALTH LED is out or lit steady, the microcontroller has stalled.
  • A rapid green flash indicates a memory fault. In cases of stalling or memory fault, the receiver should be returned for service.
  • If all receiver LEDs flash red, and the HEALTH LED flashes red twice before re-establishing a radio link when a function is activated, it indicates a lost radio link.

The troubleshooting guide also addresses issues with the keypad, which is connected to the receiver. If the receiver keeps resetting, users should check if the keypad buttons flash orange when power is applied to the machine. If not, power wiring to the keypad or the keypad itself might be faulty. If the keypad buttons do flash orange, the CAN bus wiring to the keypad controller should be checked for damage.

A critical indicator on the receiver is the TX/RX LED (LED #4).

• If it's flashing amber, it means the receiver is communicating with the remote. Users should then check if the remote's TX/RX LEDs are also flashing rapidly. If they are, the system is likely synched, and machine functions should be tested. If the remote's TX/RX LEDs are not flashing rapidly, it suggests a problem with the remote's association, and users should attempt to associate a known-good remote or return the existing one for service.
• If the TX/RX LED is flashing red, it indicates that only the TX (transmit) function is active, and the remote and receiver are not associated. Possible causes include a lack of association, interference, or a broken/damaged antenna or cable. Solutions involve re-synching the remote and receiver, moving the machine away from potential interference sources (like buildings or chainlink fences), or replacing the antenna/cable.

Further troubleshooting steps involve checking the supply voltage to the receiver if the remote is transmitting but not controlling the machine.

• Supply voltage over 28 volts can cause an over-voltage fault, requiring a power cycle and inspection of the power supply components (battery, lugs, alternator, wiring).
• Supply voltage under 7 volts indicates the receiver is starving for power, necessitating a load test of the battery and checking power supply wiring.
• Users are also advised to ensure all hydraulic valve coil returns and other output load returns are tied to the same point, which should be connected to the battery negative and the "-VDC" (ground) pin on the receiver.

If some, but not all, machine functions are disabled, users should check if the remote's TX LED brightens when the suspected function is activated. If it does, it suggests an open circuit on one or more output channels. This requires checking wiring for broken connections, checking hydraulic valve coils for continuity (typical resistance is 25 Ohms or less), and swapping connectors from a suspected bad valve to a known good one to verify function. If the suspected output channel operates the "new" function, the valve needs replacement. If not, the output channel itself might be damaged, and the receiver should be returned for service. If the remote's TX LED does not brighten, the remote is faulty and should be returned for evaluation.

The guide also addresses "Troubleshoot Range Issue," where the radio control operates the machine but only when the operator is near. The system is designed for a typical 300 feet or greater line-of-sight operation. Line-of-sight means no obstructions between the remote and the receiver's antenna. Metal obstructions, including expanded metal or chain link fencing, can significantly degrade the signal. If range issues occur without line-of-sight, repositioning the operator or machine is recommended. If line-of-sight is maintained but range is still poor, large metal objects reflecting radio energy or other interfering radio signals could be the cause. In such cases, disassociating and reassociating the remote and receiver can help the remote scan for a better radio channel. Damage to the remote or antenna can also reduce range.

Finally, the "Replacement Remote Troubleshooting" section emphasizes that all replacement remotes must be associated with the receiver before operation. Each remote and receiver has a unique ID code that must be exchanged. It also highlights the importance of matching the "WS number" between the remote and receiver, as this number determines the project specifications and compatibility. Mismatched WS numbers can lead to incompatibility or incorrect functionality, posing a potential safety risk.

This comprehensive guide empowers users to systematically diagnose and resolve a wide array of remote control issues, promoting efficient operation and reducing downtime for their FINN Bark Blower and 5-Series machines.

Finn BB302 Specifications

General

Brand	Finn
Model	BB302
Category	Remote Control
Power Source	2 x AAA Batteries
Operating Range	Up to 8 meters
Infrared Frequency	38kHz
Connectivity Technology	Infrared