Tech Notes from the Field

So, we’ve had this ESE master clock for some time now.  It’s an ES-102 GPS Master Clock with time code output for our console clocks and PPM equipment.  The clock was purchased years ago under the watch of another engineer.   I received email on Sunday that the clocks were doing some weird things.  Weird?  One called out for “Help 4” and another email stated it was jumping between 2:01 and garbage.  Then I received an email that all was good again.  Then….  You get the picture.  I responded thanking for the info and I’ll check it on Monday.  Not a pressing item, but then more emails about the behavior.  I decided to call and get more details.  Same report, but it was working at that time.

Come Monday I enter the shop and take a look a the clock:  2:01.  Nice.  GPS LED lock is green, so it was receiving signal.  I do a power reset as that is one of the first things I do.  It goes through the cycle and the correct time appears.  GPS locks.  All is good for about 10 minutes, then 2:01.  Head scratching.  I pull the box from the rack and open it up.  I like opening up boxes.  What do I find inside?  A battery.  I never knew it had a battery.  Being the good engineer that I think I am, I remove the battery and test it; 2.02V, not 6V as stated on the battery.  OK, battery is bad, but is this the problem?  I install the unit sans battery and plug it in.  Now the time is correct and GPS lock.  I wait.  And I wait some more.  I go out and get my morning coffee.  I come back and it is still right on time.  Conclusion:  Dead battery causes some weird stuff.

I head out and purchase a replacement battery.  The store only had 2 left.  It is a rectangular looking thing with F2 spade connectors, and rechargeable.  Call it a baby UPS battery.  I swapped it out, put the unit back in service and all is good.  I now have a note for the ES-102 to check the battery again in 4 years; I may do it sooner, but the specs in the manual says 4.

When your equipment is having a bit of a spasm, check for the obvious stuff first.  I know this is basic how-to information, but it is always worth refreshing.  I know some who would dig in and start replacing caps, IC’s, or just freak out and throw the thing away.  Using good technical troubleshooting skills will save time and money.  Refine and refresh your skills.  In my case a good process of elimination procedure pin-pointed and solved the trouble quickly and resulted in an easy repair.

Happy troubleshooting!

Cheers.