Wanco Metro Variable Message Sign - Power Failure; Table 5-10 Troubleshooting Automatic Shutdown; Table 5-11 Troubleshooting Power Problems

Owner’s Manual 33
Wanco® Metro™ Message Sign
5.6 Power failure
If the message sign display is blank and the controller will not turn on, the power
system has shut down.
■ If the power system was shut down intentionally (a common reason is when the sign is
put into storage), the solution may be as simple as reinstalling a fuse in the battery box,
reconnecting a battery cable, or exposing the solar panels to sunlight so they can
charge the batteries. Before proceeding with troubleshooting, check the fuse and
battery connections, then check the batteries to see whether they need to be charged
(see “Charging” on page 42).
■ If power was shut down automatically by the sign’s computer or low-voltage-
disconnect circuit, see Table 5-10.
■ Other power problems and solutions include those listed in Table 5-11.
■ After solving the problem, allow the solar charging system to charge the batteries, or
use the AC-powered charger to charge the batteries. Always charge batteries fully
before using the message sign (see “Charging” on page 42).
Table 5-10. Troubleshooting automatic shutdown
Possible cause Description Solution
Solar panels covered Solar panels may be partially or
completely covered by dust or dirt, or
snow
Clean the solar panels as instructed in Section 6.3.2,
page 40
Solar panels obstructed Solar panels may be obstructed by
shadows
Clear obstruction or move the sign to avoid shadows
from trees, buildings, and other tall objects
Solar panels damaged Solar panels may be damaged from
weather or vandalism, or altogether
missing
Replace damaged or missing panels
Insufficient sunlight Solar panels may be receiving
insufficient sunlight due to weather or
the season
Charge the batteries manually using the AC-powered
charger (see “Charging” on page 42)
Faulty batteries One or more batteries may be faulty
or have reached their end of life
Test and charge batteries (see “Charging” on page 42);
if one or more batteries will not hold a charge, replace
them
Bad cables or connections Solar power cables may be loose or
damaged
Check cable connections to ensure they are proper
and secure. Check cable for wear and damage.
Replace cable if necessary.
Table 5-11. Troubleshooting power problems
Possible cause Description Solution
Dead batteries One or more batteries may need
recharging or replacing
Test and charge batteries (see “Charging” on page 42);
replace any batteries that will not hold a charge
Bad cables or connections Power, display, or battery cable may
be loose, damaged, or corroded
Check cable connections to ensure they are proper
and secure. Check cables for wear and damage.
Replace cables if necessary.
Blown fuse A fuse may have blown Check fuses on the power board (see Figure 5-3) and
replace if necessary
Faulty power board Power board may be faulty Contact the factory (see Section 1.4, page 2)