Control Mount Trouble Shooting Guide

Here are some tips to use when trouble shooting a Control Mount that is not powering iPad correctly

1.     The +15 volt DC Power Supply (PS) is not plugged into a functional AC outlet or may have an internal problem. Measure the DC voltage output of the PS with a multi-meter (if available). If the reading is zero or close to zero volts DC, replace the PS. This happens very rarely, but is possible. Also, double-check the AC outlet to ensure the GFI protection has not tripped. If it has, reset the outlet and check/measure the voltage down the line again.

2.     The 2-conductor wire used between the Power Wall Plate and the Control Mount maybe reversed at some point with the +15 volt wire connected to the Ground terminal.  Double-check the wire polarity on both 2-terminal Phoenix connectors’ on the Control Mount USB Electronics Board and the Power Wall Plate. If you have a multi-meter, measure the voltage on the 2-terminal Phoenix connectors’ on the USB Electronics Board and/or the Power Wall Plate. If you read -15 volts instead of +15 volts, reverse the wire polarity at one end and see if charging commences.

3.     The wire used between the Control Mount and its Power Wall Plate is too long or not the proper gauge to ensure charging. 14/2 speaker wire is good to 200 feet (60m), 16/2 is good to 150 feet (45m), 18/2 is good to 100 feet (30m), 20/2 is good to 50 feet (15m). If using CAT5 or CAT6, twist two pairs together for +15v and the other 2 pairs for ground. This will allow distances up to 100 feet (30m).

4.     The USB Electronics Board in the CM housing assembly has a fault. If you have a multi-meter, measure for +15 volts across the 2-terminal Phoenix connector. If you measure + 15 across the terminals, then see if the power indicator LED on the circuit board is lit. If it is, then charging should commence. If the LED does not light, then the board may have a fault and should be replaced

5.     If the iPad was recently updated through iTunes, cycle power by holding down Power Button for 10 seconds, wait a few seconds and then push the Power Button again. Once it boots up, re-install it in the CM system and see if the charge indictor on the iPad lights. If the iPad still won’t charge, try a different iPad (if you have one available). If you are unsuccessful in troubleshooting the system, then you can certainly send it to us for service. If the green LED does not light, then the required charging voltage is not making it to the Wall Station. Troubleshoot back up the line through to the Power Wall Plate and/or +15 power supply. Measure the PS directly. If the PS reads +15 volts, check the wire connections and polarity as explained previously.

6.     If you follow the Installation Instructions and the preceding troubleshooting steps and the iPad won’t charge, relocate the CM housing to the location of the Power Wall Plate and PS. Connect the system together with a short 2-conductor wire and see if charging commences. If it does, you may have a wire problem somewhere in the system. Measure the wire for open and shorted conditions; pull new wire if possible.