EC800 CONTROL PANEL

[ALANSHARKY]

I am a newbie to caravans but after reading so much about the EC800 Sargent command panel, I was amazed that know one mentions the BATTERIES. Yes batteries.
I had the issue of the panel not reacting to my touches after having the caravan turned off and then back on again, forcing me to re-calibrate my screen every time I disconnected the power from the mains ie: In storage.
I did some research and found that the main screen needs to keep the memory but how can it do that when you cut the power. I then found out that in the back of these screens are two CR2032 batteries. Maybe they also keep the settings and calibration information, and that if I replace the two batteries, the problem will go away ?
I have my caravan in storage away from the home and cannot replace the batteries until the weekend to see if I have cured my problem, but I will be doing this at the weekend and hope its just that.
Failing that, could it be the damp air in storage affecting the front panel?. When I last started the screen, it did feel a bit wet, so maybe a bag with a silicone bag inside, taped over the panel, whilst in storage, may help there. I will be trying out both this weekend, so I hope my thoughts are of some help to those with a panel that wont act when touched, or just playing up, try replacing the batteries or drying out the whole panel. Please let me know if you have any luck, happy vanning !

 

[Dustydog]

Interesting post , thanks. I don’t know but someone here will , I hope.
If your small batteries don’t fix the issue then try these guys at Apuljack

 

[ALANSHARKY]

Thank you for the link. FYI. When we bought this caravan, the first one we ever owned, in Nov 22024, the man went through all of the components and when he got to this one he said, "this command panel can be temperamental", huh, well my wife and I looked at each other and regrettably we said nothing. He then proceeded to show us how to re-calibrate the panel as he must have know we would need this bit of info. Seems that quite a few people have the same issue as us but no one on any site has ever come up with an answer of how to cure the issue. Being my age I cannot remember what I wrote in the 1st post so a reminder to all is that our issue is :- If we turn the power to the caravan off eg: in storage, when we then turn the power back on and switch the ec800 command panel on, it comes on, but the contact of the touch screen does not work. We can see the main screen icons, but nothing works when touched. We have to hold on to the on/off switch till the screen goes off, then keep holding for about 20 seconds, then the 'calibrate by hitting the three dots' screen comes up, you then tap the three dots, it calibrates goes black, then you hit the on/off button and it comes back and its all working. I am hoping the battery is preventing it from memorising the calibration, otherwise we have a faulty panel. I will post success or failure after the weekend. thanks for your replies.

 

[ALANSHARKY]

Just thought I would add one extra bit of info. When I went to touch the screen, I noticed it was quite damp. We had been in the cold caravan for a while doing work and the condensation was very evident on the screen. It occurs to me now that there is an outside chance that it could be the wet screen that's causing an issue, so when we replace the battery, we intend to seal a plastic bag over the front of the panel with silicone gel bag inside, just for storage, and see if that helps should the battery idea fail. ty

 

[otherclive]

Just thought I would add one extra bit of info. When I went to touch the screen, I noticed it was quite damp. We had been in the cold caravan for a while doing work and the condensation was very evident on the screen. It occurs to me now that there is an outside chance that it could be the wet screen that's causing an issue, so when we replace the battery, we intend to seal a plastic bag over the front of the panel with silicone gel bag inside, just for storage, and see if that helps should the battery idea fail. ty

It’s an idea, but you posted that information three posts above in your initial post. Why?

 

[Dustydog]

It’s an idea, but you posted that information three posts above in your initial post. Why?

He did say this in his 3rd post
Being my age I cannot remember what I wrote in the 1st post so a reminder to all is that our issue is :-😉

 

[otherclive]

He did say this in his 3rd post
Being my age I cannot remember what I wrote in the 1st post so a reminder to all is that our issue is :-😉

Sharky doesn’t need to remember as his first post,#1, is still visible on the page from post 3. 🤔

 

[ALANSHARKY]

I couldn't see it when I was writing it, don't know what screen I was in as I just clicked the link and wrote the further info. There's always someone that just sits and picks at a post rather than contributes, RAV Toyota says it all. Sorry if I am not so perfect as you obviously are. RAV, If you cant help, just do us all a favour and shut up.

 

[otherclive]

I couldn't see it when I was writing it, don't know what screen I was in as I just clicked the link and wrote the further info. There's always someone that just sits and picks at a post rather than contributes, RAV Toyota says it all. Sorry if I am not so perfect as you obviously are. RAV, If you cant help, just do us all a favour and shut up.

No need for such pointed personal attacks. What do my previous cars say about me….Saab, M3, Sorento, Volvo, Forester XT and Superb amongst many. What’s so wrong with a RAV4…?

 

[ALANSHARKY]

There yer go, I put something on here to try and help others, you criticize my post cos you feel like it and when someone gives it back, you get all miffed. You brought it on yourself. All bullies dish it out but cant take it. And, as you mentioned it, Your cars say more about you than I can ever say.

 

[otherclive]

There yer go, I put something on here to try and help others, you criticize my post cos you feel like it and when someone gives it back, you get all miffed. You brought it on yourself. All bullies dish it out but cant take it. And, as you mentioned it, Your cars say more about you than I can ever say.

I did not criticise your post as I said” it’s an idea”. I was puzzled as to why you repeated what was in your initial post. If that upset you I apologise.

 

[IanB1485]

The Sargent control panel does use older memory technology( unlike more modern ones which uses 'flash' memory technology which doesn't require a backup battery ) which requires a small battery to preserve the memory . Replacing the batteries should stop it happening , be careful to wear gloves when handling and fitting the new ( they are actually cells , not batteries) cells as finger grease can prevent good electrical contact .
Any dampness which could affect them will show up as discolouration on the comand unit cell connectors ( little springy clips) don't use abrasive items such as emery or sandpaper as this will remove the plating exposing the spring steel which will just corrode again- I use Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud to gently remove any debris and if the contacts are corroded use a 'nickel pen' to resurface the contacts