PCMS Power Issues Troubleshooting

Synopsis: Over time, it is possible that your PCMS encounters a power issue. This article will show you where to look for these issues and how to correct them. Please note that some steps in this procedure do not apply to previous generation message boards.

• Level: Easy
• Time required: 5 minutes
• Additional equipment required: Voltmeter, replacement parts (optional)

Control Box Overview

Figure 1 - Control box overview

1. Check for any physical damage to wiring or components

Figure 2 – Severed Ver-Mac cable

2. Make sure your unit is getting power 

2.1. Can you raise & lower the sign with the up/down switch?

2.2. Get battery + output voltage readings from solar regulator

Figure 3 - How to get voltage readings from the older regulator

Figure 4 - How to get voltage from the new regulator

2.3. If battery voltage is below 12v, test batteries and replace any defective ones

2.4. If the power output voltage is different from the battery voltage or is significantly lower, replace the solar regulator

Note: If the battery AND output voltage are 12+ volts, continue to step 3.

3. Verify connections and fuses from the regulator & junction cable to the touch screen

3.1. 4-pin connector

3.2. 2-amp fuse

3.3. J5 Power connector

3.4. Check L1 – LVD light on the solar regulator. If it is solid red, recharge your batteries

Note: If either of these is missing, disconnected, or blown, please replace them. If everything is OK, continue to step 3.

Figure 5 – Four Pin Connector

Figure 6 – J5 Connector

Figure 7 – L1 LVD Light on Regulator

4. Using a voltmeter, get voltage readings on the 4-pin connector on the touch screen, it should be reading at least 12 volts

4.1. If you are getting 12v and the touch screen stays blank, the touch screen is defective

4.2. If you are not getting 12v, ensure you are getting good output from your solar regulator if you didn’t do it earlier

Figure 8 - Getting voltage on the touch screen

Note: Using these steps, you should be able to isolate your power issue to find out if you have a battery issue, regulator issue, or touch screen issue.

If you require any additional help, contact our toll-free number at 1-888-488-7446 or email us at [e-mail]