Testing Phase 2; If You Have A Variable Dc Power Supply - Progress Direct Systems Volt Tattler 2 Owner's Manual

Testing Phase 2

This is the big test. Before applying power check each pin and soldered connection on the
microcontroller. It only takes one short, one pin out of place, one improperly oriented part or one
improperly soldered connection to cause the Volt Tattler 2 to malfunction.
Apply power as before. Immediately listen for a Morse 'R' (.-.) from the piezo speaker. If you do not
hear the 'R' (.-.) or if you hear the Morse question mark '?' (..--..) power down immediately and inspect
each solder connection. Look for traces that have been damaged or shorted.
If you heard the Morse 'R' (.-.) then the unit should be up and running. Watch the Green LED to see that
it is flashing. If the Green LED is not flashing then remove power, look for a build problem and try again.
Check the 680 ohm resistor and for proper orientation of the Green LED. The flattened side (if one is
flattened) must be toward the edge of the board.
If the Green LED is flashing then the Volt Tattler microcontroller is running. If you heard the Morse 'R'
(.-.) then the voltage is being monitored and Volt Tattler will announce when it thinks voltage is outside
the thresholds.

If you have a variable DC power supply

If you do not have access to a variable DC supply jump forward to the section "If you do not have a
variable DC power supply". It is best to conduct further testing using an accurate high impedance
voltmeter and a variable DC power supply. Adjust the power supply voltage around 12 and connect the
new Volt Tattler 2 to the adjustable power supply, watching polarity. You should hear the "roger" R (.-.)
and see only the green LED flashing about one time per second. Adjust the supply voltage up above 16V
(but below 30 V). The Volt Tattler should begin to repeatedly sound Morse 'H' (....) indicating that the
voltage is above the high threshold (around 15 volts for a new Volt Tattler 2). Also notice that the Red
LED has begun to flash along with the Green LED.
Next adjust the voltage back around 12 volts. The alarm should stop below about 15 volts but any
Morse character that has started will complete before the alarm will stop sounding. The Volt Tattler 2
should become silent but both the Green and Red LEDs should now be flashing. The Red LED indicates
that the Volt Tattler voltage has been above the high threshold since power on or board reset.
Next press the Program Button for less than a second. Volt Tattler 2 should restart announcing the
Morse 'R'. The Green LED will flash again by itself. Assuming the voltage is still below the high
threshold, the Red LED will no longer be flashing.
Next adjust the voltage down to about 9 volts. The Volt Tattler 2 should start to repeatedly sound
Morse 'L' (.-..) indicating that the voltage has passed below the low threshold. In addition the Yellow
LED will start to flash along with the Green LED.