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BonS · 10-07-2019, 06:48 PM

My TriMark remote entry module failed this weekend. Being that I'm an electrical engineer I had to take it apart, of course. I easily found the problem and it's a shame-on-you moment for TriMark. A three-cent diode could have avoided the failure. Their lack of attention to detail is pathetic. It's a failed $2.00 relay that is only available from China. I'll add the three-cent diode when I replace it and it'll probably last forever.

On a similar note, I visited their web site and looked at their truck/RV/travel trailer entry keypad but it's not recommended for outdoor use. Apparently they found that they fail when wet. So they're for indoor use only! They're in redesign for the product.

There, I feel better now that I've vented. Thank you for listening!

p.s. Keep your door key handy or leave a window unlocked!

BrianGlenn · 10-07-2019, 07:41 PM

Diode within the control module? Or external on the CC connections? Would like to know so I can add diode if needed to prevent a failure on my unit.

Curious minds need to know......

Brian.

dons2346 · 10-07-2019, 08:46 PM

Your p.s. should be noted for everyone. We have never had a problem with the door lock but there will come a time.......

BonS · 10-08-2019, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianGlenn

Diode within the control module? Or external on the CC connections? Would like to know so I can add diode if needed to prevent a failure on my unit.

Curious minds need to know......

Brian.

I'll follow up after I mod and test my fix. It'll probably be easier to add an external device across the door lock solenoid wires instead of going into the box. That way it takes little to no knowledge of electronics or knowledge of the TriMark internal circuitry. It'll be a little more expensive but worth it.

wfalch · 10-08-2019, 12:34 PM

We are having issues with our key fobs, need to be very close to door. TriMark has sent me 2 solutions (after much e-mail exchanges) will talk to tech when we get to OR. We had the door taken about this past spring, worked on the antenna's didn't fix the issue.

BonS · 10-08-2019, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wfalch

We are having issues with our key fobs, need to be very close to door. TriMark has sent me 2 solutions (after much e-mail exchanges) will talk to tech when we get to OR. We had the door taken about this past spring, worked on the antenna's didn't fix the issue.

The radio receiver is located within the TriMark controller box. However, it is a separate circuit that simply plugs onto the main circuit board. Often, radios such as these will de-tune themselves (heat and aging components) and with that, the range is reduced. There is an adjustable tuning component on the radio board but it takes someone with some skills and equipment to do so. It's not rocket science but it should be left to someone with experience.

BonS · 10-08-2019, 07:39 PM

This is the component that I'm adding to my TriMark entry door solenoid to protect the relay that operates the lock. It is a CORNELL DUBILIER 504M02QA220 ARC Suppression/SNUBBER Network. I've had great results with this device and know how effective it is for reducing arcing across relay contacts and it's the inductive arcing that eventually kills relays. I'll wire it in parallel with the solenoid. There is no polarity (+ or -) to worry about when installing it. You can purchase it from DigiKey or Mouser or even Amazon. Here is a link to an Amazon seller: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1. It's about $12 from Amazon so it's pretty cheap insurance.