It has recently come to our attention that the 12VAC 1A power supply shipped with some RFC-1/B systems may not operate reliably in systems using multiple RP-8 relay panels.
This document does not apply if your system uses only one relay panel.
This document does not apply to systems using the RAK-1 Intelligent Rack Adapter because those systems have an internal power supply.
We must be specific about both the part number and the date of sale because the symptom can also be caused by incorrect/inadvertant system programming and by surge (lightning) damage. Surge damage is not covered by the factory warranty and mistakes in the user settings are the responsibility of the installer/user.
Part Identification
The RFC-1/B has always shipped with a 12VAC 1A power transformer. This document refers to one specific part. The specific part can be identified by the following numbers:
- Model: KA12A120100044U
- Part #: DPA120100-S/T-TK
An image of the affected part is shown below. In addition to the part numbers, note the rounded overall shape of the part and the shape of the ID label.
There have been several variants of this part over several years. The RFC-1/B has always used some variation of this power transformer. Most or all of them have the same part number so the part number alone does not guarantee that your system will be affected.
The power transformer was included with RFC-1/B systems that shipped from mid 2005 through January 2006.
Using this part does not damage the system in any way nor does it present any danger to the system or personnel.
Description of Symptoms
The control relays on some channels of the RP-8 relay panel will engage but not release until the opposite control function on the channel is engaged or until a new channel is selected. Which specific channel(s) will be affected is not predictable but the condition is definitely repeatable on a specific channel when this problem is identified. Most of the channels will work normally. When a channel does display this symptom, it may occur on only the raise or the lower relay but not necessarily both relays.
What to do if you think your system has this problem
First and foremost, verify that your system programming is correct. Specifically, make sure that the "Auto Control Relay" feature is not enabled on the channel(s) in question. When the Auto Control Relay function is enabled on a channel, the Lower/Off relay on that channel will be engaged as long as the channel is selected. This feature allows the RFC-1/B to operate with antenna monitors, or other devices, that require a switch closure to give a sample reading. This feature is documented in the RFC-1/B Installation and Operation manual in section 6.3.4--Linear and Logarithmic Scales. It is a sub-function of this adjustment.
No amount of power supply wrangling will solve user programming issues. In fact, because the RFC-1/B retains its programming when power is removed, changing the power transformer will have absolutely no effect in this case.
Once you have taken reasonable steps to verify that:
- this symptom is not a result of surge/lightning damage
- and you have verified the programming on the channel(s) in question in your system
- and you have verified the part number of the power transformer in use
- and you have also verified the physical appearance of the power transformer in use
- and that your system was purchased during the time frame specified above
Make sure you have the serial number of the system and a street address for shipping before contacting Sine Systems. We must have the serial number to process your request. This part will be replaced free of charge during the factory warranty period. The warranty period is one year from the date the system shipped from Sine Systems.
A replacement part is available for systems that are outside of the warranty period but there will be a small fee to cover costs and shipping.
Ground shipping by our carrier will also be provided at no cost if the system is within the factory warranty period. Other shipping methods may be available at additional cost.
