Dash problems

[ZAB]

When I start my rig the dash instruments cycle and do not stop. this is only the digital devices. I have checked into the ACTIA gauges and think they are OK I am now suspicious of the Vansco units. Does anyone have the pin out designations that Western RV used. My rig is a 07 40' MD limited. If someone has a better solution than what I am doing, I would like to hear about it. Is there a Vansco dealer in the Seattle area?

[Old Rv'er]

I believe you will find the Vanco diagrams on the ACA website in the Tech library. When you say "cycle and do not stop" I am assuming the just keep going back and forth in test mode????

Mine do this: Key on, beeps gauges go half way-all the way then back to rest position. Start, they then do the same again, as power has been interrupted to them for a second or two, so this cause them to test again. Once coah is running, they act normal. Hope this helps.

[ZAB]

Thanks for the reply. The normal Actia operation is to scale full then half then quarter and then settle down. This is referred to as a test by Actia. Mine does this over and over and does not stop even when the engine is running and I am going down the road. They did work properly at one time.

[John Neff]

My solution to a similar problem with the Actia gauges was to reset the Vansco by turning off the the main power switch for a few minutes. My switch is located in the battery compartment on the back wall.

[EngineerMike]

Zab- the wig-wag feature of the actia gauge is indicating no input for the gauge(s). You can pull the panel w/gauges out by unscrewing the black dash screws, and check the connectors behind the individual gauge faces.
The middle (speedo) gauge is the "brain" and the brain having power but not J1939 input would cause the problem you describe.
JNeff's experience (a Vansco brain fart) would also as it reports various data on the J1939 and could interfere w/the Actia's until you let the excess pressure out of the fart. Use Jeff's method, tho on an 07 your batt disconnect switches may be a 3-rotary-switch set on left hand (rear bulkhead) side of battery compartment.

On the ACA Tech Library there is a PDF of a working doc I started, showing diagrams of the vansco connectors and the pin-outs for the front unit. I haven't had need yet to diagram the pins on the rear (knock on simulated wood-grain). You can learn a lot from that doc. If you continue to have Actia trouble send me a PM or an email at EngineerMike@vagabondwater.com

[DrDaveCA]

The other thing to check is your ground for the Actia guages. If they are wig waging you could have a loose ground.

[mythplaced]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EngineerMike ..... the wig-wag feature

Mike is that an "Engineering term"???

[ZAB]

Thanks to all who replied to my problem. I just got the rig back from a truck shop and $400 later still have the problem.

[OldForester]

I would try E Mike's suggestion first -- pull the dash panel, check to make sure all the connections are good, and if the problem is still there, call Patrick at Actia --574-266-2649 --and ask him what to do. He may want you to send the speedo or the entire panel, or have another suggestion, but they turn these problems around quickly. I sent my panel to them from Tacoma, and they had it back to me in about 8 days, with a rebuilt speedo.

[ZAB]

Thanks to all for the help. I took the speedometer out and sent in in to Actia.
Engineer Mike took his speedometer out and installed it in my coach at the last rally, and my goodness it worked just fine. Actia got the instrument and said their testing could find no problem but they would re-solder the pins on the circuit board that feed the jacks. My goodness again, when the speedometer arrived home I installed it and it works fine. I guess the Post Office must have done something in transit that fixed it. Thanks again to all.

[Old Rv'er]

Glad to hear it's fine. My guess is the pins were lose, even though it tested ok, if they went to the trouble, something showed up even though they said what they said. Glad it now works!!

Engineer Mike, you deserve the Engineer/ALPINE Onwer/Worker/Friend of the year award, as you are always willing to help any and all. Great Job!!!!!