Community Forums

kgarvey · 04-17-2023, 05:34 PM

The difference in these two ATwood controllers is that the transmission signal line carries a positive voltage on the Workhorse version (66276) while the Ford version (66275) does not.

Question is this: What would happen if I were to use the Ford version on a Workhorse chassis? Does anyone know, or care to guess whether or not the Ford controller would work on the Workhorse chassis?

Thanks.

MrMark52 · 04-18-2023, 03:52 AM

Easy to change the signal logic for either one with a relay - assuming that there isn’t that capability within the leveler controller already.

kgarvey · 04-18-2023, 10:30 PM

Hey, MrMark. Thanks for your response. I understand it in concept. How to apply your solution would help. Where does the switching relay sit? Inside the controller, or outside? I sure wish we could access a schematic of the controller circuitry. I'm wondering if there are other circuitry dependencies on the transmission voltage state other than triggering the retract function. That's the mystery.

MrMark52 · 04-20-2023, 08:21 AM

Have you seen this? https://myrvworks.com/wp-content/upl...ing-manual.pdf

Do you know that the control is serviceable - as in the circuit board isn’t potted and both the component and solder side are accessible? Being serviceable will tell you if it has been modified.

But the installation may also include just what I suggested (relay or transistor to reverse signal logic) somewhere downstream of the controller - the reference posted above might help you to figure that out.

I will say, based on the other post you made on 4/13/23 (https://www.irv2.com/forums/f107/atw...-a-610243.html) that it sounds to me like you have a wiring issue - either a grounding issue or issue within the signal wiring.

But to explain the implementation of my suggestion - if you get a Bosch style SPDT automotive relay - wire the coil leads of the relay between the transmission signal wire that appear to connect to the Levelegs controller at Pin 9, and ground.
Connect the common terminal of the relay contacts to 12vdc - then you can change signal logic being fed to Pin 9 by moving the wire feeding signal to Pin 9 to either the NO or NC terminal of the relay.
When the coil is powered by the transmission signal, the relay changes state - the NC contact opens while the NO contact closes, and sends 12vdc to Pin 9.

You have to watch out with the above circuit though - depending on if there is no transmission signal, and the NC connection feeding power to Pin 9 is being used, it COULD wear down the battery it is being powered from (I don’t know enough about the controller to know if that will happen).

kgarvey · 04-20-2023, 10:43 PM

Thanks for this info. I understand the concept of the toggling relay on the tranny signal line. What I've done at this point is send the controller out for a rebuild by an outfit in NJ. They weren't very friendly regarding helping me figure out if the controller has been modified to handle the tranny signal situation. I'll have to wait until I get the controller back to test things out. I would love to think there is a ground situation with the right front jack. However, it worked ok through several cycles, then stopped working. So, the chance that it's a grounding situation is less likely in this case. I haven't done an impedance check on the right front jack versus the other jacks to see if there is an issue with the right front jack motor or harness line. I'll do that. My backup plan is to install a Gama relay pack. I'll lose the 'auto' control function but I'll be able to use the existing jack system and save thousands of dollars. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond and give me some actionable information. Thanks again.

bubbie9 · 05-18-2024, 06:16 PM

Our levelegs were working. All of a sudden they stopped. Hubby thinks it's the controller. I see a couple of workarounds. Can you tell me about this one that you found? And where and how to do it? Thank you.
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RE: kgarvey posted: Thanks for this info. I understand the concept of the toggling relay on the tranny signal line. What I've done at this point is send the controller out for a rebuild by an outfit in NJ. They weren't very friendly regarding helping me figure out if the controller has been modified to handle the tranny signal situation. I'll have to wait until I get the controller back to test things out. I would love to think there is a ground situation with the right front jack. However, it worked ok through several cycles, then stopped working. So, the chance that it's a grounding situation is less likely in this case. I haven't done an impedance check on the right front jack versus the other jacks to see if there is an issue with the right front jack motor or harness line. I'll do that. My backup plan is to install a Gama relay pack. I'll lose the 'auto' control function but I'll be able to use the existing jack system and save thousands of dollars. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond and give me some actionable information. Thanks again.