How do I troubleshoot the AV-240?

This article discusses how to troubleshoot the AV-240.

Component	Troubleshooting Steps
Solar panel	With the solar panel facing the sun, place a multimeter on the pins of the main connector associated with the solar panel.
Charge controller (AV-240 controller)	With the solar panel facing the sun, and the system connected place a volt meter on the battery terminals. The battery voltage should slowly increase if the system is charging.
Battery	Disconnect the battery, Check the battery voltage with a multi meter. The battery voltage should be approximately 12 V and may be higher if recently charged. A battery voltage under 10 V will not operate the system properly.
Beacon	Disconnect the battery, disconnect the beacon, connect a multimeter to the LED wire, reconnect the battery. Power will pulse if the solar engine is functioning properly, indicating an issue with the beacon connection or beacon.

Issue	Troubleshooting Steps
LEDs do not flash	Battery is not sufficiently charged The battery voltage should be 12 V or greater. Use a volt meter to measure the battery voltage. If the voltage is low either replace or recharge the battery. Poor connection Check that the beacon wires are securely connected to the terminal block and check that the wiring is not pinched in the post or mounting bracket area. Check that the battery wires and connectors are securely connected to the proper terminals of the battery – red connector on red terminal (positive) and black connector on black terminal (negative). Fuse is blown Follow the fuse replacement instructions above to check and if necessary replace the fuse. Insufficient charging Ensure that obstructions such as vegetation and trees are trimmed or removed as necessary. Clean the solar panel of any dirt or debris. Beacon issue Use volt meter to check if power is being supplied to the beacon by measuring for power pulsing to the beacon wire connectors. If power is detected, contact Availed or distributor for replacement parts.
LEDs appear dim	Light sensor obstructed The system will adjust light intensity based on the ambient conditions. If the LEDs appear dim during daytime conditions, check that the light sensor window is clean and clear of obstructions. The light sensor is located on the back of the solar engine on the opposite side to the solar panel.

Issue

Troubleshooting Steps

LEDs do not flash

Battery is not sufficiently charged

The battery voltage should be 12 V or greater. Use a volt meter to measure the battery voltage. If the voltage is low either replace or recharge the battery.

Poor connection

Check that the beacon wires are securely connected to the terminal block and check that the wiring is not pinched in the post or mounting bracket area.
Check that the battery wires and connectors are securely connected to the proper terminals of the battery – red connector on red terminal (positive) and black connector on black terminal (negative).

Fuse is blown

Follow the fuse replacement instructions above to check and if necessary replace the fuse.

Insufficient charging

Ensure that obstructions such as vegetation and trees are trimmed or removed as necessary.
Clean the solar panel of any dirt or debris.

Beacon issue

Use volt meter to check if power is being supplied to the beacon by measuring for power pulsing to the beacon wire connectors. If power is detected, contact Availed or distributor for replacement parts.

LEDs appear dim

Light sensor obstructed

The system will adjust light intensity based on the ambient conditions. If the LEDs appear dim during daytime conditions, check that the light sensor window is clean and clear of obstructions. The light sensor is located on the back of the solar engine on the opposite side to the solar panel.