Firestar/Swift NE183-T56 control panel 12v system needs 240v to start??

[mcork]

Hi All

Just got back from a few days away to try out running on battery only with a solar panel.
Was allowed to use a hook up pitch in case things went pear shaped!
The problem I had was running the van in 12v mode. The digital panel above the door would not switch on with out hook up attached.
Once I attached hook up, I pressed the caravan battery symbol and that lit up, then unhooked mains electric and away we went for 5 days. Tried at home to go on to battery only and once again panel would not turn on until I attached mains lead, switched panel on and then went on to caravan battery
As far as I know I am doing as the manual says, perhaps someone can point me in the right direction.
The control panel is a NE183-T56 used on Swifts as well I believe
Many thanks
Mike

 

[SwiftGroup]

Hi Mcork,

The control panel is a 12V item, and will function without Mains Hookup (230V), providing there is a battery in place. If you have a battery connected, then I would first suggest you look at the 20A fuse (in the be box, behind the battery box) and make sure this is OK.

Thanks,

Ash

 

[mcork]

Hi Ash
Thanks for your reply
Had checked the 20a fuse as soon as the panel did not light up, it is ok. As i stated in my post the 12v system works fine once I have connected hook up then pressed the 12v caravan battery system, it lights up, I unhook and all is well. Why will the control panel not light up with the liesure battery only?

Mike

 

[SwiftGroup]

Hi Mike,

It is strange, I must admit I have not heard of this before. A few questions:

1) If you connect the MHU, turn the panel on, and the disconnect the MHU, does the systems still work? What does the panel say the voltage of the leisure battery is?

2) Without MHU connected, do any 12V systems in the caravan (i.e. 12V lights) work?
It might be easier if you can drop me an e-mail with a contact number, and I’ll ask an engineer to call you while you are in the caravan to fault find the issue.

Thanks,

Ash
adhir@swiftleisure.co.uk

 

[mcork]

Thanks to all at Swift, turned out to be the data lead to the control panel, now all working fine, thanks again

 

[Philspadders]

those panels are a nightmare . if your battery drops below 10v they dont work.