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Why won’t my zone controller connect?
How to check if the zone controller is unreachable:
The quickest way to check if a zone controller is unreachable is to look at its history graph.
- Navigate to your Pelican web-app.
- Select Admin.
- Select Zone Controllers.
- Select the zone controller you want to view.
- Select History Graphs.
If the data on the history graphs have not updated for over 5 minutes (look at the current time and compare it to the slider’s latest time on the graph) or if the data is updating erratically (there are long straight lines connecting data points on the graph) then there is a wireless communication issue occurring.
If a zone controller is unreachable, you can contact Pelican technical support for asssitance.
Below are some steps that they will have you follow.
Note: A zone controller’s antenna comes mounted inside the zone controller and can be left inside the controller. But, the antenna is removable, to allow for flexible installation, which is very common.
If the antenna is inside the zone controller and unable to communicate:
- Make sure the zone controller and its antenna are NOT mounted inside of a metal enclosure. Wireless is unable to communicate through metal. If the controller is inside a metal enclosure, remove the antenna and mount it in a location where it can communicate with your Pelican wireless network. You will need to run new low voltage wire to connect the antenna to the zone controller.
- Check the lights on the zone controller: there are two LED lights, which must be solid green. If either of the lights are blinking, click here for further information.
- Verify that the zone controller has at least 21 Vac. Use a volt a meter to measure the voltage between the (R) and (C) terminals. If below 21 Vac, check the power source.
If the antenna is mounted outside the zone controller and unable to communicate:
Make sure the antenna is properly mounted:
- The antenna cannot be mounted inside of a metal enclosure. Wireless is unable to communicate through metal. If the antenna is inside a metal enclosure, move the antenna to a location where it can communicate with your Pelican wireless network. You will need to run new low voltage wire it connect the antenna to the zone controller.
- The antenna must be mounted where it can easily communicate with the Pelican wireless network. This normally means mounting it inside the building, but it can also be horizontally mounted outside on a PLASTIC electrical box with the provided waterproofing gasket.
Make sure the antenna is correctly wired to the zone controller:
- Check the lights on the zone controller: there are two LED lights, which must be solid green. If either of the lights are blinking, click here for further information.
- Verify that the zone controller and its antenna have at least 21 Vac. Use a volt a meter to measure the voltage between the (R) and (C) terminals. If below 21 Vac, check the power source.
- Confirm the correct wires between the zone controller and it antenna are connected. (R) must go to (R). (C) must go to (C). And (D) must go to (D). Note: The zone controller and antenna may power on even if (R) and (C) are wired backwards, but they will not be able to communicate.
- Verify that the (R), (C), and (D) terminal blocks are making good connection with their wires.
- Check the antenna’s light. If it is flashing (blinking quickly), the antenna is unable to find and establish connection with the wireless network. The antenna should be mounted where it can easily communicate with the Pelican wireless network. This normally means mounting it inside the building, but it can also be horizontally mounted outside on a PLASTIC electrical box with the provided waterproofing gasket. The antenna’s light should be Off for short periods of time and only blink every once in a while (the random blink indicates active communication on the wireless network).
- Make sure there are no other Pelican devices wired to the (D) wire from the zone controller to is antenna. The only other device that can be on this wire is a single Pelican TA1.
- If you are still having problems, contact Pelican Technical Support for further assistance.