Troubleshooting

1. Remove control box cover locate the “Open/Close Command” push button and press it to operate the gate.
    
2. Press the “Reset” push button located above the “Open/Close Command” button, then push the “Open/Close command” push button to operate the gate.
    
3. When pressing the “Open/Close Command” push button, listen for a clicking sound, if no click is heard then verify the 20 amp fuse located in the wiring harness is good.
    
4. When pressing the “Open/Close Command” push button, listen for a clicking sound, if click is heard then verify: The 15-amp fuse located on the control board is good if not replace it using the spare located on the control board. Also check the dipswitches (3 and 4) for correct switch settings based on where the actuator is connected to the control board (Gate 1 or Gate 2). If switches are correct and the fuses are good and clicking sound is heard, then the battery needs to be load tested to determine its condition. Charge or replace the battery depending on results.
    
5. Press and hold the “LED Indicator” push button and observe all of the red LED’s If the two limit LED’s located below the actuator plug connector are both on the operator will not operate. You must adjust the limit switch.
   
   Example- if both limit LED’s are on when the gate is in the closed position (and actuator is connected to the gate) the problem is with the retract limit switch. Adjust the retract limit until the LED goes off and continue to adjust until the gate is at the desired stopping position. Both LED’s should never be on simultaneously.

1. Follow steps 1 through 4 above.
    
2. Disconnect the actuator connectors plugged into the control board Gate 1 and Gate 2 (X1 and X2). Then locate the DS1 dipswitches on the control board. Turn off switch 4 (down on left side) and turn on switch 3 (down on the right side).
   
   Reconnect the connector from the actuator that goes to the gate closest to you. Connect it to the Gate 1 (X1) connector on the control board. Press the “Open/Close Command” button and verify that the gate operates.
    
3. If the gate operates correctly, disconnect the actuator plug and connect the other actuator plug into the Gate 1 (X1) connector. Press the “Open/Close Command” button and verify that the gate operates correctly. At this point you have tested each actuator individually. If both worked correctly in Gate 1 then go back to DS1 and turn switch 3 off and switch 4 on. Then repeat step 2 and 3 again using Gate 2 (X2) connector on control board in place of Gate 1 (X1).
    
4. If a problem is observed in steps 2 or 3 above most likely it was when the Gate 2 actuator (located the greatest distance from control box) was being tested. If this is correct check wiring splices for moisture, correct wiring etc. If the wiring is not in watertight conduit, this is most likely the problem. Tape is not watertight.

Contact Edge With 10K Resistor Monitoring

1. Verify that dip switch DS2 switch 4 (contact edge monitor) is ON pressed down on the right hand side.
    
2. Press and hold the LED indicator on the control board.
    
3. Verify the D5 LED (Contact edge 2nd entrapment) located bottom left corner of the control board is ON dimly.
    
4. If not using a DC voltmeter measure the voltage on J2 pin 6 to ground reading should be approx. 2.5 Vdc.
    
5. Activate the contact edge by depressing it and verify the D5 LED is ON bright now or the voltage drops to 0 Vdc.
    
6. If reading is 5 Vdc then check wire connections from contact edge for proper connection. See page 26 - 14b
    
7. If wire connections are correct then disconnect the contact edge wires from the J2 connector.
    
8. Using an ohm meter verify the resistance measured between the 2 contact edge wires, should be 10K.
    
9. If not contact edge is bad.

Photo Eye N/C Contact Monitoring

1. Verify that DS1 dip switch 10 is ON press down on the right hand side.
    
2. Verify that dip switch DS1 switch 8 (photo eye monitor) is ON press down on the right hand side.
    
3. Turn dip switch DS1 3 and 4 OFF. Allows power to be applied to photo eye.
    
4. Press and hold the LED indicator button located on the control board.
    
5. Verify that D11 LED (Photo eye N/C 2nd entrapment) located bottom left corner of the control board is ON.
    
6. If not verify alignment between photo eye transmitter and receiver. Correct if necessary.
    
7. If not then check wire connection from photo eye for proper connection. See page 25 - 14a.
    
8. If D11 is ON verify that the D11 Led goes OFF when photo eye beam is broken.
    
9. If D11 does not turn OFF when beam is broken then photo eye is bad.

1. Determine which situation your operator falls into below:
   
   Solar charged: If accessories are connected (keypads, loop detectors, any device powered by the battery) verify that the current draw needed to power them does not exceed the charging power of the solar panel. Verify that the charger is operating correctly; panel is facing a Southwestern direction and is not located in a shaded area. Inspect panel surface and wires for damage.
   
   Test solar panel on a sunny day for correct voltage and current output. Remove solar panel plug from charge controller. Using a DC voltmeter, measure the dc voltage (should measure about 22 volts) and the dc current (should read about 300 ma) in the peak sun period. If either of these readings is incorrect the panel maybe defective please call the factory.
   
   If none of the above check bad, then remove battery and have it load tested at a battery shop. Replace if bad.
   
   AC charged: If accessories are connected (keypads, loop detectors, any device powered by the battery) verify that the current draw needed to power them does not exceed the charging power of the charger. Not likely on AC charged system. Verify that charger is working correctly and inspect charger and wires for damage.
    
   NOTE: The US Automatic charger does not output any voltage or current when disconnected from the battery. You cannot check charger by disconnecting from battery and measuring voltage output. To check charger refer to Charge controller operation check for details.
2. If none of the above check bad then remove battery and have it load tested at a battery shop. Replace if bad.

1. Locate the “Open/Close Command “ push button. Press the button to verify that the gate will close. If gate closes correctly then proceed to the steps below.
    
2. Verify that DS1 switch 1 is on. If not, turn it on and recheck gate operation. If gate remains open, continue with step 3.
    
3. If your installation is a single gate, then only DS1 switch 3 or 4 can be on. If both are on the gate will not automatically close. Turn off the one that is not being used and recheck gate operation.
    
4. Locate the “LED Indicator” push button and depress and hold. While pushing the button observe the LED indicators located just below the Gate 1, Gate 2 (X1, X2) actuator plugs. Note which LED’s are on. Read note below.
   
   
   NOTE: The two LED’s located below the Gate 1, Gate 2 actuator plug, when on, represent the closure of the limit switch. If the left LED is on, then the gate should be in the retracted position. If the LED on the right is on, then the gate should be in the extended position. If the LED for the retract position is not on when the actuator is fully retracted, then the auto close will not work. The limit switches need to be adjusted.
    
5. Locate the “LED Indicator” push button and depress and hold. While pushing the button inspect the LED indicators located on the control board (lower left corner) and note which LED’s are on. If any LED’s are on disconnect the green J2 connector from the control board. Press the “Open/Close Command “ push button to close the gate. Press the button again to open the gate fully and verify the automatic close is working.
    
6. If gate automatically closes correctly, then the accessory connected to the J2 connector that is activated (LED is on) needs to be repaired.
    
7. Verify entrapment devices are connected and working properly.

1. Remove control box cover and locate the Patriot control board. Locate the sensitivity adjustment (see page 39) potentiometer located on the control board. The white center is adjustable and needs to be turned in a clockwise direction to increase force.
    
2. Normally a setting of 5 will operate most gates; if your gate requires a setting above 8 there is a good chance that your gate has a problem, which needs to be corrected. Possible causes are incorrect hinges, gate touching the ground; gate not level or the actuator arm connected to the gate is bent. Identify and correct problem.

1. This is most likely caused by an incorrect limit switch adjustment. The limit switch adjustments are located on the bottom of the actuator motor housing, behind the removable rubber plug. Locate the limit switch adjustment screws and determine which one needs to be adjusted (see page 38). Operate the gate. Once it reaches the desired retract or extend position, stop the gate in that position using the transmitter or “Open/Close Command” push button located on the Patriot control board.
    
2. Locate the “LED Indicator” push button located on the left side of the Patriot control board. Also locate the retract and extend LED indicators below the actuator plug on the Patriot control board. The left LED represents the retract position and the right LED represents the extend position.
    
3. With the gate in the desired open or close position, press and hold the “LED Indicator.” Observe which of the LED lights come on. If your actuator is in the desired retracted position, then the LED on the left should be on. If not adjust the retract limit switch (see page 39) until the LED comes on. If actuator was in the extend position adjust the extend limit switch until the close LED comes on.
    
4. Once adjusted correctly the retract limit LED should be on when the actuator is retracted and the extend limit LED should be on when the actuator is extended.
    
5. If the LED’s will not come on contact the factory.

1. This is most likely caused by an incorrect limit switch adjustment. First determine which gate is in need of adjustment.
    
2. Locate the DS1 switches on the Patriot control board. Switch 3 and 4 should be turned on for a dual gate, turn off switch 4. This will disable one gate.
    
3. Operate the gate and verify that it stops in the correct position. If so then turn switch 4 back on and turn switch 3 off. Operate the other gate now and verify that it stops in the correct position. One or both may not stop in the correct position.
    
4. Once the gate that needs adjustment is identified (possibly both) refer to problem 6 above steps 1 through 5 for instructions.

1. Fuses blow primarily for one reason, the gate cannot move. Causes might be something keeping the gate from moving, the gate is trying to move in the wrong direction due to incorrect limit switch setting or there might be a wiring problem. A wiring problem is most likely in a splice that might have been made during installation or it could be in the actuator housing.
    
2. Open the control box and locate the Patriot control board, locate the 2 LED’s under the actuator connector on the control board. Press the “LED Indicator” push button and hold it in, observe the LED’s and determine if the retract limit or extend limit LED is on. Then determine if the correct LED is on for the gate position. For example if the left LED is on that is the retract limit and the actuator should be in the retracted position. The right LED represents the extend limit position.
    
3. If the retract limit LED is on and the actuator is extended, a command to operate the gate will try to extend more, which can blow a fuse. If the extend limit LED is on and the actuator is retracted, a command to operate the gate will try to retract more, which can blow a fuse. In either case, the limit switches need to be adjusted and then the cause for them becoming misadjusted needs to be determined. The cause generally has to do with wiring; bad actuator plug connection at the Patriot control board or too much adjustment has been made during installation. Limit switches also get out of adjustment if the actuator runs while disconnected from the gate.
    
4. If a wiring problem is suspected, the orange, white and green wires are the ones to concentrate on. Check all splices and verify actuator connector is connected at the control board.
    
5. If the actuator is suspected of being bad either due to an internal wiring problem or a motor problem, call the factory for further troubleshooting and return information.

1. Possible short in the wiring harness.

1. Open the control box and locate the Patriot control board. Locate the “LED Indicator” push button and the “Push Button Input” LED. Push and hold the “LED indicator” push button, then press the transmitter button and observe the “Push Button Input” LED. The LED should come on while the transmitter button is depressed.
    
2. If the “Push Button Input” LED did not come on in step 1 then make sure that the green J2 connector on the control board is securely connected, replace the battery in the transmitter and verify that the transmitter is programmed to operate the receiver (refer to page 14 “programming receiver and transmitter”).
    
3. If the “Push Button Input” LED in step 1 did come on and the gate did not operate then locate the “Open/Close Command” button located at the bottom center of the Patriot control board. Press the “Open/Close Command” button and note gate operation.
    
4. If the gate did not operate in step 3, verify the 15-amp fuse on the Patriot control board adjacent to the actuator plug being used is not blown, (a fuse can be blown and look good) replacing is the best way to verify fuse is good.
    
5. If the gate did not operate in step 3 and the fuse was good in step 4, most likely a safety accessory connected to the green J2 connector is active. Verify this by depressing the “LED Indicator” push button and observe the LED’s located in the lower left corner of the Patriot control board. If an LED is on, identify the accessory connected to the corresponding J2 connector pin and correct the problem.
    
6. Other possibilities are: both the open and close limit LED’s are on at the same time, adjust limit switches. Control board is defective or battery could be too weak to operate the gate. Please call the factory for help identifying the cause.

1. The first thing to check is the accessory wiring. The accessory needs power (+12 vdc) wired to battery positive terminal or to J2 pin 1 on the Patriot control board. It also needs ground, which can be wired to the battery or to J2 pin 2 or 7 on the Patriot control board. The other two connections are the “N/O (Normally Open) and Common ground”. The common ground can be connected to the battery or to J2 pin 2 or 7 on the Patriot control board. The N/O connection must be connected to J2 pin 11 “Safety Loop / Reversing Edge Input”. If the accessory is connected as described above it should reverse a closing gate or hold a gate open if the accessory is activated.
    
2. To determine if the accessory is working correctly and that the Patriot control board is receiving the signal, locate the “LED Indicator” push button and the “Safety Loop / Reversing Edge Input” LED (located in the lower left corner of the Patriot control board).
    
3. Press and hold the “LED indicator” push button and observe the “Safety Loop / Reversing Edge Input” LED. Activate the accessory in question (if photo-eye break the beam.) If the accessory is working properly, the LED light should come on when the device is activated. If the device does not turn on the LED light, check the wiring on the J2 connector and check J2 connector connection to the Patriot control board. If wiring is good, then the accessory is not operating correctly. Repair.
    
4. If the “Safety Loop / Reversing Edge Input” LED comes on and the gate does not reverse direction when closing, call the factory for other possible causes and return information.

1. This problem is probably due to a bad receiver. First locate the “LED Indicator” push button on the Patriot control board. Then locate the “Push Button Input” LED located in the lower left corner of the Patriot control board.
    
2. Press the “LED Indicator” button and observe the “Push Button Input” LED. If the LED comes on then the receiver relay is stuck closed and needs to be repaired or replaced.
    
3. If the “Push Button Input” LED does not come on, call the factory for further troubleshooting and return information.

1. The problem is most likely the programming of the LCR receiver (P2 relay is programmed to latch mode)
    
2. On the Patriot control board locate press and hold the “LED Indicator” pushbutton.
    
3. Look in the lower left corner of the Patriot control board and note any LED’s that are on.
    
4. If the “Free Exit/Open Input” is on then the receiver (P2) is programmed to latch mode.
    
5. Go to page 14 “Resetting receiver P2 relay to momentary mode”
    
6. If this does not correct the problem return to troubleshooting section 4 and perform steps 1-6.
    
7. If problem is not corrected, call the factory for further troubleshooting.

1. An accessory wiring problem or a bad control board can cause this, this problem can be intermittent and possibly take a little patience in locating the problem.
    
2. Verify that the problem exist when using the “Open /Close Command” on the control board. Press the “Open/Close Command” push button and verify gate will not operate.
    
3. Press the “Led Indicator” on the control board and hold then press the “Open/Close Command” push button on the control board. If the gate operates proceed to step 4.
    
4. If the actuator cable has any splices then verify that splices are dry. If a dual gate system disconnect the far gate actuator cable from the control board.
    
5. Using a DC volt meter take voltage readings on the following connector pins. DO NOT disconnect the J2 plug or actuator cable or cables from the control board when taking these readings.
   
   J2 pin 3 - 12 all pins must be checked.
   
   Gate 1 (X1) and Gate 2 (X2) actuator connectors - the bottom left and right pins must be measured. Place meter lead in back side of connector where the orange and white wires are located. If no actuator cable is connected then the reading will be on the 2 pins located in the bottom left and right corner of the connector.
   
   Good readings are 5 Vdc or 0 Vdc. Any readings different than this need to be corrected.
   
   Identify the pins with incorrect readings to determine which device or input is bad.

1. This indicated that the battery is not connected to the charger / charge controller.
    
2. Verify that the 2 wire harness going to the battery is connected to the battery and also connected to the charger / charge controller.

1. Remove the five 5/16 bolts from the back of the actuator to expose the limit assembly.
    
2. Loosen the 4 screws that hold the limit assembly in place (see below)
    
3. Gently push the limit assembly over reducing the spacing between the small white gear and the blue gear (see below)
    
4. While holding the limit assembly in place tighten the 4 screws.
    
5. Reinstall the rear housing and adjust retract and extend limits to desired stop positions.

1. The most common reason for this type of problem is a bad battery. It is highly recommended that the battery be load tested at a battery store to verify that it is good. The load test is the only sure way to know if we have a good battery.
    
2. If the battery load test good then other items need to be checked such as system design, installation or possible charging problems with the system charger / charge controller.

System design and Installation

1. Verify the solar panel is facing in a South to Southwest direction and that the panel surface is not shaded by some object.
    
2. System design refers to the accessories connected to the system. Accessories connected to the system cannot use more energy than the charging system can provide. Not all accessories are created equally and some manufacturers use much more energy than others to perform the same function. These concerns are minimized in an AC charged system where the charger has power connected to it continually.

AC Charged Systems ONLY

1. If your system is equipped with the USAutomatic charger / charge controller part # 520007 and is AC charged (not solar) verify the charger / charge controller is properly working. The “external Power” light should be ON and either the “Charging or Charged” light should be ON.
    
2. If the “external power” light is not ON then check the 120 VAC outlet the transformer is plugged into for the correct voltage and correct problem if necessary.
    
3. If the 120 VAC power checks good then disconnect the transformer from the charger / charge controller “Power In” plug and using a volt meter check the transformer output. The transformer should read about 18 VAC, if the transformer output is incorrect the transformer needs to be replaced with USAutomatic part # 520008.

Solar Charged Systems ONLY

1. If your system is equipped with the USAutomatic charger / charge controller part # 520007 and is solar charged (not AC) verify the charger / charge controller is properly working. The “Solar Power” light should be ON and either the “Charging or Charged” light should be ON. This can only be verified when the sun is directly on the solar panel.
    
2. If the “solar power” light is not ON then using a voltmeter check the output of the solar panel for the proper voltage.
    
3. Remove the solar panel plug from the charger / charge controller “power In” plug and measure the DC voltage from the solar panel it typically should be about 19 to 22 VDC. This reading must be taken when the skies are clear and the sun is up directly on the panel.
    
   NOTE: This reading does not guarantee the solar panel is outputting the correct current to keep the battery charged, but it is a good first check.
4. If the solar panel DC voltage checks good and the “solar power” light does not come ON when connected to the charger / charge controller then it is bad, replace with USAutomatic part # 520007.

1. Disconnect the black lead from the battery.
    
2. Set multi meter up to read DC current.
    
3. Connect red meter lead to the black wire from the charger.
    
4. Connect black meter lead to the neg battery post.
    
5. If charger shows External power or Solar power and detection after connected 5 seconds then the fuse in the meter is blown.
    
6. Meter reading expected for solar is about 250 milli amps when solar panel is in full sun. *This test should be performed mid day when sun is in front of solar panel with no shading at all on panel. Any shading of the panel is a problem and must be removed.
    
7. Meter reading expected for AC is about 500 milli amps up to 2 amps depending on the battery condition.

1. Remove control box cover locate the “Open/Close Command” push button and press it to operate the gate.
    
2. Press the “Reset” push button located above the “Open/Close Command” button, then push the “Open/Close command” push button to operate the gate.
    
3. When pressing the “Open/Close Command” push button, listen for a clicking sound, if no click is heard then verify the 20 amp fuse located in the wiring harness is good.
    
4. When pressing the “Open/Close Command” push button, listen for a clicking sound, if click is heard then verify: The 15-amp fuse located on the control board is good if not replace it using the spare located on the control board. Also check the dipswitches (3 and 4) for correct switch settings based on where the actuator is connected to the control board (Gate 1 or Gate 2). If switches are correct and the fuses are good and clicking sound is heard, then the battery needs to be load tested to determine its condition. Charge or replace the battery depending on results.
    
5. Press and hold the “LED Indicator” push button and observe all of the red LED’s If the two limit LED’s located below the actuator plug connector are both on the operator will not operate. You must adjust the limit switch.

Contact Edge With 10K Resistor Monitoring

1. Verify that dip switch DS2 switch 4 (contact edge monitor) is ON pressed down on the right hand side.
    
2. Press and hold the LED indicator on the control board.
    
3. Verify the D5 LED (Contact edge 2nd entrapment) located bottom left corner of the control board is ON dimly.
    
4. If not using a DC voltmeter measure the voltage on J2 pin 6 to ground reading should be approx. 2.5 Vdc.
    
5. Activate the contact edge by depressing it and verify the D5 LED is ON bright now or the voltage drops to 0 Vdc.
    
6. If reading is 5 Vdc then check wire connections from contact edge for proper connection. See page 26 - 14b
    
7. If wire connections are correct then disconnect the contact edge wires from the J2 connector.
    
8. Using an ohm meter verify the resistance measured between the 2 contact edge wires, should be 10K.
    
9. If not contact edge is bad.

Photo Eye N/C Contact Monitoring

1. Verify that DS1 dip switch 10 is ON press down on the right hand side.
    
2. Verify that dip switch DS1 switch 8 (photo eye monitor) is ON press down on the right hand side.
    
3. Turn dip switch DS1 3 and 4 OFF. Allows power to be applied to photo eye.
    
4. Press and hold the LED indicator button located on the control board.
    
5. Verify that D11 LED (Photo eye N/C 2nd entrapment) located bottom left corner of the control board is ON.
    
6. If not verify alignment between photo eye transmitter and receiver. Correct if necessary.
    
7. If not then check wire connection from photo eye for proper connection. See page 25 - 14a.
    
8. If D11 is ON verify that the D11 Led goes OFF when photo eye beam is broken.
    
9. If D11 does not turn OFF when beam is broken then photo eye is bad.

1. If the emergency release knob cannot be pulled, first verify that it is not already pulled by trying to roll the gate. If gate will not move, try to pull the emergency release knob while agitating the gate (shake gate in direction of travel).
    
2. Emergency release knob that is difficult to pull represents something is in a bind. Check the gate wheels and guide rollers. Verify the chain is on all the rollers and not twisted or overly tight.
    
   NOTE: NOTE: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODIFY ANY SCREWS ON THE DRIVE SHAFT.

1. Determine which situation your operator falls into below:
   
   Solar charged: If accessories are connected (keypads, loop detectors, any device powered by the battery) verify that the current draw needed to power them does not exceed the charging power of the solar panel. Verify that the charger is operating correctly; panel is facing a Southwestern direction and is not located in a shaded area. Inspect panel surface and wires for damage.
   
   Test solar panel on a sunny day for correct voltage and current output. Remove solar panel plug from charge controller. Using a DC voltmeter, measure the dc voltage (should measure about 22 volts) and the dc current (should read about 300 ma) in the peak sun period. If either of these readings is incorrect the panel maybe defective please call the factory.
   
   If none of the above check bad, then remove battery and have it load tested at a battery shop. Replace if bad.
   
   AC charged: If accessories are connected (keypads, loop detectors, any device powered by the battery) verify that the current draw needed to power them does not exceed the charging power of the charger. Not likely on AC charged system. Verify that charger is working correctly and inspect charger and wires for damage.
    
   NOTE: The US Automatic charger does not output any voltage or current when disconnected from the battery. You cannot check charger by disconnecting from battery and measuring voltage output. To check charger refer to Charge controller operation check for details.
2. If none of the above check bad then remove battery and have it load tested at a battery shop. Replace if bad.

1. Locate the “Open/Close Command “ push button. Press the button to verify that the gate will close. If gate closes correctly then proceed to the steps below.
    
2. Verify that DS1 switch 1 is on. If not, turn it on and recheck gate operation. If gate remains open, continue with step 3.
    
3. If your installation is a single gate, then only DS1 switch 3 or 4 can be on. If both are on the gate will not automatically close. Turn off the one that is not being used and recheck gate operation.
    
4. Locate the “LED Indicator” push button and depress and hold. While pushing the button observe the LED indicators located just below the Gate 1, Gate 2 (X1, X2) actuator plugs. Note which LED’s are on. Read note below.
    
   NOTE: The two LED’s located below the Gate 1, Gate 2 actuator plug, when on, represent the closure of the limit switch. If the left LED is on, then the gate should be in the retracted position. If the LED on the right is on, then the gate should be in the extended position. If the LED for the retract position is not on when the actuator is fully retracted, then the auto close will not work. The limit switches need to be adjusted.
    
5. Locate the “LED Indicator” push button and depress and hold. While pushing the button inspect the LED indicators located on the control board (lower left corner) and note which LED’s are on. If any LED’s are on disconnect the green J2 connector from the control board. Press the “Open/Close Command “ push button to close the gate. Press the button again to open the gate fully and verify the automatic close is working.
    
6. If gate automatically closes correctly, then the accessory connected to the J2 connector that is activated (LED is on) needs to be repaired.
    
7. Verify entrapment devices are connected and working properly.

1. Remove control box cover and locate the Patriot control board. Locate the sensitivity adjustment (see page 26) potentiometer located on the control board. The white center is adjustable and needs to be turned in a clockwise direction to increase force.
    
2. Normally a setting of 5 will operate most gates; if your gate requires a setting above 8 there is a good chance that your gate has a problem, which needs to be corrected. Possible causes are incorrect hinges, gate touching the ground; gate not level or the actuator arm connected to the gate is bent. Identify and correct problem.

1. Gate is opening or closing to far identify the limit switch which is out of adjustment and adjust so that gate stops earlier. The limit switches are located on the limit plate assembly on top of the operator.
    
2. If limit switches are adjusted correctly and gate is not stopping when switch is depressed verify limit switches and wires are good.
   
   Press the LED indicator and observe the retract and extend limit lights. Press the limit switch closest to the gate (white wire connected to it) and verify the extend limit light comes ON. Press the other limit switch ( orange wire connected to it) and verify the retract limit light comes ON. If either one does not work verify wires are good if so replace limit switch.

1. Fuses blow primarily for one reason, the gate cannot move. Causes might be something keeping the gate from moving, the gate is trying to move in the wrong direction due to incorrect limit switch setting or there might be a wiring problem. A wiring problem is most likely in a splice that might have been made during installation.
    
2. Another possible cause is the brake inside the gear motor. If the brake is not releasing the motor cannot run.
   
   See appendix D page 55 for brake remedies.

1. Open the control box and locate the Patriot control board. Locate the “LED Indicator” push button and the “Push Button Input” LED. Push and hold the “LED indicator” push button, then press the transmitter button and observe the “Push Button Input” LED. The LED should come on while the transmitter button is depressed.
    
2. If the “Push Button Input” LED did not come on in step 1 then make sure that the green J2 connector on the control board is securely connected, replace the battery in the transmitter and verify that the transmitter is programmed to operate the receiver (refer to page 28 “programming receiver and transmitter”).
    
3. If the “Push Button Input” LED in step 1 did come on and the gate did not operate then locate the “Open/Close Command” button located at the bottom center of the Patriot control board. Press the “Open/Close Command” button and note gate operation.
    
4. If the gate did not operate in step 3, verify the 15-amp fuse on the Patriot control board adjacent to the actuator plug being used is not blown, (a fuse can be blown and look good) replacing is the best way to verify fuse is good.
    
5. If the gate did not operate in step 3 and the fuse was good in step 4, most likely a safety accessory connected to the green J2 connector is active. Verify this by depressing the “LED Indicator” push button and observe the LED’s located in the lower left corner of the Patriot control board. If an LED is on, identify the accessory connected to the corresponding J2 connector pin and correct the problem.

1. The first thing to check is the accessory wiring. The accessory needs power (+12 vdc) wired to battery positive terminal or to J2 pin 1 on the Patriot control board. It also needs ground, which can be wired to the battery or to J2 pin 2 or 7 on the Patriot control board. The other two connections are the “N/O (Normally Open) and Common ground”. The common ground can be connected to the battery or to J2 pin 2 or 7 on the Patriot control board. The N/O connection must be connected to J2 pin 11 “Safety Loop / Reversing Edge Input”. If the accessory is connected as described above it should reverse a closing gate or hold a gate open if the accessory is activated.
    
2. To determine if the accessory is working correctly and that the Patriot control board is receiving the signal, locate the “LED Indicator” push button and the “Safety Loop / Reversing Edge Input” LED (located in the lower left corner of the Patriot control board).
    
3. Press and hold the “LED indicator” push button and observe the “Safety Loop / Reversing Edge Input” LED. Activate the accessory in question (if photo-eye break the beam.) If the accessory is working properly, the LED light should come on when the device is activated. If the device does not turn on the LED light, check the wiring on the J2 connector and check J2 connector connection to the Patriot control board. If wiring is good, then the accessory is not operating correctly. Repair.
    
4. If the “Safety Loop / Reversing Edge Input” LED comes on and the gate does not reverse direction when closing, call the factory for other possible causes and return information.

1. This problem is probably due to a bad receiver. First locate the “LED Indicator” push button on the Patriot control board. Then locate the “Push Button Input” LED located in the lower left corner of the Patriot control board.
    
2. Press the “LED Indicator” button and observe the “Push Button Input” LED. If the LED comes on then the receiver relay is stuck closed and needs to be repaired or replaced.
    
3. If the “Push Button Input” LED does not come on, call the factory for further troubleshooting and return information.

1. The problem is most likely the programming of the LCR receiver (P2 relay is programmed to latch mode)
    
2. On the Patriot control board locate press and hold the “LED Indicator” pushbutton.
    
3. Look in the lower left corner of the Patriot control board and note any LED’s that are on.
    
4. If the “Free Exit/Open Input” is on then the receiver (P2) is programmed to latch mode.
    
5. Go to page 14 “Resetting receiver P2 relay to momentary mode”
    
6. If this does not correct the problem return to troubleshooting section 4 and perform steps 1-6.
    
7. If problem is not corrected, call the factory for further troubleshooting.

1. This indicated that the battery is not connected to the charger / charge controller.
    
2. Verify that the 2 wire harness going to the battery is connected to the battery and also connected to the charger / charge controller.

1. Limit switch lever has been bent and is not contacting limit cam nut at the correct location. The limit cam nut leading edge should depress the limit switch lever well before reaching the peak of the limit switch lever. Adjust limit switch lever gently so that limit cam nut depresses limit switch lever before reaching peak of limit switch lever.
    
2. Limit cam nut is possibly jumping threads on the drive shaft. This would be possible if the limit cam nuts had been cross threaded onto the drive shaft and the threads on the limit cam nuts have been damaged. Replace limit cam nuts and possibly drive shaft threaded collar.

1. The most common reason for this type of problem is a bad battery. It is highly recommended that the battery be load tested at a battery store to verify that it is good. The load test is the only sure way to know if we have a good battery.
    
2. If the battery load test good then other items need to be checked such as system design, installation or possible charging problems with the system charger / charge controller.

System design and Installation

1. Verify the solar panel is facing in a South to Southwest direction and that the panel surface is not shaded by some object.
    
2. System design refers to the accessories connected to the system. Accessories connected to the system cannot use more energy than the charging system can provide. Not all accessories are created equally and some manufacturers use much more energy than others to perform the same function. These concerns are minimized in an AC charged system where the charger has power connected to it continually.

AC Charged Systems ONLY

1. If your system is equipped with the USAutomatic charger / charge controller part # 520007 and is AC charged (not solar) verify the charger / charge controller is properly working. The “external Power” light should be ON and either the “Charging or Charged” light should be ON.
    
2. If the “external power” light is not ON then check the 120 VAC outlet the transformer is plugged into for the correct voltage and correct problem if necessary.
    
3. If the 120 VAC power checks good then disconnect the transformer from the charger / charge controller “Power In” plug and using a volt meter check the transformer output. The transformer should read about 18 VAC, if the transformer output is incorrect the transformer needs to be replaced with USAutomatic part # 520008.

Solar Charged Systems ONLY

1. If your system is equipped with the USAutomatic charger / charge controller part # 520007 and is solar charged (not AC) verify the charger / charge controller is properly working. The “Solar Power” light should be ON and either the “Charging or Charged” light should be ON. This can only be verified when the sun is directly on the solar panel.
    
2. If the “solar power” light is not ON then using a voltmeter check the output of the solar panel for the proper voltage.
    
3. Remove the solar panel plug from the charger / charge controller “power In” plug and measure the DC voltage from the solar panel it typically should be about 19 to 22 VDC. This reading must be taken when the skies are clear and the sun is up directly on the panel.
    
   NOTE: This reading does not guarantee the solar panel is outputting the correct current to keep the battery charged, but it is a good first check.
4. If the solar panel DC voltage checks good and the “solar power” light does not come ON when connected to the charger / charge controller then it is bad, replace with USAutomatic part # 520006.

1. Disconnect the black lead from the battery.
    
2. Set multi meter up to read DC current.
    
3. Connect red meter lead to the black wire from the charger.
    
4. Connect black meter lead to the neg battery post.
    
5. If charger shows External power or Solar power and detection after connected 5 seconds then the fuse in the meter is blown.
    
6. Meter reading expected for solar is about 250 milli amps when solar panel is in full sun. *This test should be performed mid day when sun is in front of solar panel with no shading at all on panel. Any shading of the panel is a problem and must be removed.
    
7. Meter reading expected for AC is about 500 milli amps up to 2 amps depending on the battery condition.

1. Open the control box cover locate the “Open/Close Command” push button and press it to operate the gate.


2. Press the “Reset” push button located above the “Open/Close Command” button, then push the “Open/Close command” push button to operate the gate.


3. When pressing the “Open/Close Command” push button, listen for a clicking sound, if click is heard then verify:
   
   Check the dipswitches (3 and 4) for correct switch settings based on where the actuator is connected to the control board (Gate 1 or Gate 2). If switches are correct and clicking sound is heard, then the battery needs to be load tested to determine its condition. Charge or replace the battery depending on results.
4. Press and hold the “LED Indicator” push button and observe all of the red LED’s
   
   a. If any of the LED’s below the J2 terminal plug on the control board are on then this must be corrected. These lights correspond to the J2 accessory input terminals.
   b. Identify the light that comes ON and then the J2 terminal number it is associated with.
   c. Locate the accessory, which is connected to that J2 terminal number.
   d. Disconnect the accessory wire from that J2 terminal and verify gate operation.


5. Disconnect the green J2 connector. Once disconnected, press the “Open/Close Command” button.
   If gate operates go to step 4 b above.


6. Call the factory for more information if the above steps have not worked.

1. Disconnect the actuator connectors plugged into the control board Gate 1 and Gate 2 (X1 and X2). Then locate the DS1 dipswitches on the control board. Turn off switch 4 (down on left side) and turn on switch 3 (down on the right side).
   
   Reconnect the connector from the actuator that goes to the gate closest to you. Connect it to the Gate 1 (X1) connector on the control board. Press the “Open/Close Command” button and verify that the gate operates.


2. If the gate operates correctly, disconnect the actuator plug and connect the other actuator plug into the Gate 1 (X1) connector. Press the “Open/Close Command” button and verify that the gate operates correctly. At this point you have tested each actuator individually. If both worked correctly in Gate 1 then go back to DS1 and turn switch 3 off and switch 4 on. Then repeat step 2 and 3 again using Gate 2 (X2) connector on control board in place of Gate 1 (X1).


3. If a problem is observed in steps 2 or 3 above most likely it was when the Gate 2 actuator (located the greatest distance from control box) was being tested. If this is correct check wiring splices for moisture, correct wiring etc. If the wiring is not in watertight conduit, this is most likely the problem. Tape is not watertight. Splices should never be underground.

Photo Eye N/C contact monitoring

1. Verify that dip switch DS1 switch 10 (contact edge monitor) is ON pressed down on the right hand side.
    
2. Press and hold the LED indicator on the control board.
    
3. Verify the D5 LED (Contact edge 2nd entrapment) located bottom left corner of the control board is ON dimly.
    
4. If not using a DC voltmeter measure the voltage on J2 pin 6 to ground reading should be approx. 2.5 Vdc.
    
5. Activate the contact edge by depressing it and verify the D5 LED is ON bright now or the voltage drops to 0 Vdc.
    
6. If reading is 5 Vdc then check wire connections from contact edge for proper connection.
    
7. If wire connections are correct then disconnect the contact edge wires from the J2 connector.
    
8. Using an ohm meter verify the resistance measured between the 2 contact edge wires, should be 10K.
    
9. If not contact edge is bad.
    
10. Verify that DS1 dip switch 6 is ON press down on the right hand side.
     
11. Verify that dip switch DS1 switch 9 (photo eye monitor) is ON press down on the right hand side.
     
12. Turn dip switch DS1 3 and 4 OFF. Allows power to be applied to photo eye.
     
13. Press and hold the LED indicator button located on the control board.
     
14. Verify that LD6 LED (Photo eye N/C 2nd entrapment) located bottom left corner of the control board is ON.
     
15. If not verify alignment between photo eye transmitter and receiver. Correct if necessary.
     
16. If not then check wire connection from photo eye for proper connection.
     
17. If LD6 is ON verify that the LD6 Led goes OFF when photo eye beam is broken.
     
18. If LD6 does not turn OFF when beam is broken then photo eye is bad.

1. Locate the “Open/Close Command “ push button. Press the button to verify that the gate will close. If gate closes correctly then proceed to the steps below.


2. Verify that DS1 switch 1 is on. If not, turn it on and recheck gate operation. If gate remains open, continue with step 3.


3. If your installation is a single gate, then only DS1 switch 3 or 4 can be on. If both are on the gate will not automatically close. Turn off the one that is not being used and recheck gate operation.


4. Locate the “LED Indicator” push button and depress and hold. While pushing the button inspect the LED indicators located on the control board (under the J2 Terminal Plug) and note which LED’s are on. If any LED’s are on disconnect the green J2 connector from the control board. Press the “Open/Close Command “ push button to close the gate. Press the button again to open the gate fully and verify the automatic close is working.


5. If gate automatically closes correctly, then the accessory connected to the J2 connector that is activated (LED is on) needs to be repaired.

1. Open the control box cover and locate the Ranger control board. Locate the sensitivity adjustment potentiometer located on the control board. The white center is adjustable and needs to be turned in a clockwise direction to increase force.


2. Normally a setting of 5 will operate most gates; if your gate requires a setting above 8 there is a good chance that your gate has a problem, which needs to be corrected. Possible causes are incorrect hinges, gate touching the ground; gate not level or the actuator arm connected to the gate defective or is bent. Identify and correct problem.

1. This is most likely caused by an incorrect limit switch adjustment. The limit switch adjustments are located on the circuit board.

1. This is most likely caused by an incorrect limit switch adjustment. First determine which gate is in need of adjustment.


2. Locate the DS1 switches on the Ranger control board. Switch 3 and 4 should be turned on for a dual gate, turn off switch 4. This will disable one gate.


3. Operate the gate and verify that it stops in the correct position. If so then turn switch 4 back on and turn switch 3 off. Operate the other gate now and verify that it stops in the correct position. One or both may not stop in the correct position.


4. Once the gate that needs adjustment is identified (possibly both) refer to problem 6 above steps 1 and 2.

1. Open the control box and locate the Ranger control board. Locate the “LED Indicator” push button and the “Push Button Input” LED under J2 Terminal 3. Push and hold the “LED indicator” push button, then press the transmitter button and observe the “Push Button Input” LED. The LED should come on while the transmitter button is depressed.


2. If the “Push Button Input” LED did not come on in step 1 then make sure that the white receiver connector on the control board is securely and properly connected, replace the battery in the transmitter and verify that the transmitter is programmed to operate the receiver (refer to “programming receiver and transmitter”).


3. If the “Push Button Input” LED in step 1 did come on and the gate did not operate then locate the “Open/Close Command” button located at the bottom center of the Ranger control board. Press the “Open/Close Command” button and note gate operation.


4. If the gate did not operate in step 3, most likely a safety accessory connected to the green J2 connector is active. Verify this by depressing the “LED Indicator” push button and observe the LED’s located below the J2 terminal plug of the Ranger control board. If an LED is on, identify the accessory connected to the corresponding J2 connector terminal and correct the problem.


5. Other possibilities are: both the open and close limit switches are activated at the same time, adjust limit switches. Control board is defective or battery could be too weak to operate the gate. Please call the factory for help identifying the cause.

1. The first thing to check is the accessory wiring. The accessory needs power (+12 vdc) wired to J2 terminal 5 on the Ranger control board. It also needs ground, which can be wired to the battery or to J2 terminal 2 or 7 on the Ranger control board. The other two connections are the “N/O (Normally Open) and Common ground”. The common ground can be connected to the battery or to J2 terminal 2 or 7 on the Ranger control board. The N/O connection must be connected to J2 terminal 11 “Safety Loop / Reversing Edge Input”. If the accessory is connected as described above it should reverse a closing gate or hold a gate open if the accessory is activated.


2. To determine if the accessory is working correctly and that the Ranger control board is receiving the signal, locate the “LED Indicator” push button and the “Safety Loop / Reversing Edge Input” LED (located below the J2 terminal plug of the Ranger control board).


3. Press and hold the “LED indicator” push button and observe the “Safety Loop / Reversing Edge Input” LED. Activate the accessory in question (if photo-eye break the beam.) If the accessory is working properly, the LED light should come on when the device is activated. If the device does not turn on the LED light, check the wiring on the J2 connector and check J2 connector connection to the Ranger control board. If wiring is good, then the accessory is not operating correctly. Repair.


4. If the “Safety Loop / Reversing Edge Input” LED comes on and the gate does not reverse direction when closing, call the factory for other possible causes and return information.

1. This problem is probably due to a bad receiver. First locate the “LED Indicator” push button on the Ranger control board. Then locate the “Push Button Input” LED located below the J2 terminal plug of the Ranger control board.


2. Press the “LED Indicator” button and observe the “Push Button Input” LED. If the LED comes on then the receiver relay is stuck closed and needs to be repaired or replaced.


3. If the “Push Button Input” LED does not come on, call the factory for further troubleshooting and return information.

1. The problem is most likely the programming of the LCR receiver (P2 relay is programmed to latch mode)


2. On the Ranger control board locate press and hold the “LED Indicator” pushbutton.


3. Look below the J2 terminal plug of the Ranger control board and note any LED’s that are on.


4. If the “Free Exit/Open Input” is on then the receiver (P2) is programmed to latch mode.


5. Go to “Resetting receiver P2 relay to momentary mode” section.


6. If this does not correct the problem return to troubleshooting section 4 and perform steps 1-5.


7. If problem is not corrected, call the factory for further troubleshooting.

1. An accessory wiring problem or a bad control board can cause this. This problem can be intermittent and possibly take a little patience in locating the problem.


2. Verify that the problem exist when using the “Open /Close Command” on the control board. Press the “Open/Close Command” push button and verify gate will not operate.


3. Press the “Led Indicator” on the control board and hold then press the “Open/Close Command” push button on the control board. If the gate operates proceed to step 4.


4. Remove the J2 accessory-wiring plug from the control board. This connector can be disconnected from the control board by placing a finger under the plug and pulling to remove.


5. Press the “Open/Close Command” push button and verify gate operation. If gate operates then reconnect the J2 connector and verify gate operation using the “Open/Close Command” push button. If gate fails to operate when the J2 connector is reconnected then the problem is most likely in the accessory wiring. Most likely a bad ground connection on the accessory verify all wiring on the accessories connected to the J2 connector.


6. If gate fails to operate when the J2 connector is disconnected then the control board is most likely the problem. Please contact the factory for further troubleshooting options.

1. This indicates that the battery is not connected to the charger / charge controller.


2. Verify that the 2 wire harness going to the battery is connected to the battery and also connected to the charger / charge controller.

1. The most common reason for this type of problem is a bad battery. It is highly recommended that the battery be load tested at a battery store to verify that it is good. The load test is the only sure way to know if we have a good battery.


2. If the battery load test good then other items need to be checked such as system design, installation or possible charging problems with the system charger / charge controller.

System design and Installation

1. Verify the solar panel is facing in a South to Southwest direction and that the panel surface is not shaded by some object.


2. System design refers to the accessories connected to the system. Accessories connected to the system cannot use more energy than the charging system can provide. Not all accessories are created equally and some manufacturers use much more energy than others to perform the same function. These concerns are minimized in an AC charged system where the charger has power connected to it continually.

AC Charged Systems ONLY

A. If your system is equipped with the USAutomatic charger / charge controller part # 520006 and is AC charged (not solar) verify the charger / charge controller is properly working. The “external Power” light should be ON and either the “Charging or Charged” light should be ON.

B. If the “external power” light is not ON then check the 120 VAC outlet the transformer is plugged into for the correct voltage and correct problem if necessary.

C. If the 120 VAC power checks good then disconnect the transformer from the charger / charge controller “Power In” plug and using a volt meter check the transformer output. The transformer should read about 18 VAC, if the transformer output is incorrect the transformer needs to be replaced with USAutomatic part # 520004

Solar Charged Systems ONLY

1. If your system is equipped with the USAutomatic charger / chargecontroller part # 520006 and is solar charged (not AC) verify the charger / charge controller is properly working. The “Solar Power” light should be ON and either the “Charging or Charged” light should be ON. This can only be verified when the sun is directly on the solar panel.

2. If the “solar power” light is not ON then using a voltmeter check the output of the  solar panel for the proper voltage.

3. Remove the solar panel plug from the charger / charge controller “power In” plug and measure the DC voltage from the solar panel. It typically should be about 19 to 22 VDC. This reading must be taken when the sky is clear and the sun is up directly on the panel.

1. Battery is not connected to the charger / charge controller.

2. Check wiring harness connection to the charger / charge controller

3. Check wiring harness connection to the battery terminals.

1. Possible short in the wiring harness.