Power Supply:  Before powering up your System 6, verify that you are using the correct power supply.  The System 6 power brick (p/n 1004-0100 – indoor, p/n R-920-004 – outdoor) is 15v.  The power brick for the System 5 is 12v, and the start system power brick is 18v.  Using the incorrect power supply will cause damage to the circuit boards.

    Battery:  The backup battery will only charge when the console is plugged in and turned off.  The battery should be charged for a minimum of two hours, but preferably overnight to fully charge the battery.  If the battery is under charged or completely drained, you may experience booting issues.

    The battery is designed as backup power for the System 6 console in case of sudden power loss.  The battery will run the console for a maximum of 45 minutes before shutdown.  The operator can shut down the console correctly to prevent loss of firmware.

    Battery life expectancy is 3 – 5 years.  Replacement batteries can be purchased from Colorado Time Systems.

    Storage:  When not in use, your console should be stored in a climate-controlled room.  The supplied red covers will help prevent corrosion on the 50-pin connectors and should be in place when the console is not in use.  Protection from splash back and excess heat will increase life expectancy.

    Printer:  The System 6 requires printers with PCL6 printer language.  Not all HP printers will work, even though they state that they support PCL6.  We often still see communication issues.  Consoles without a floppy drive can print through either the 25-pin serial port or USB port A, B.  Consoles with a floppy drive can only print through the serial port.  To verify whether or not your console has a floppy drive, look on the right hand side of the timer.

    Maintenance:  Routine maintenance will aid in trouble-free operation and extend the life of your console.  Before your season starts, clean the connectors on the back of the timer where the cables are connected.  To clean the cable connectors, put two or three drops of alcohol, contact cleaner, or other electronic cleaner on a cotton swab (this is NOT the standard cotton ear swab – this is  a cleaning swab that you will be able to find at most any electrical supply store).  You can also use a soft pipe-cleaner folded in half.  Insert the swab into and back out of the connector one contact at a time.  Repeat for all of the contacts top and bottom.  Do not slide the cotton swab along the inside of the connector or you may damage the contacts.  Rinse the connectors with a damp cotton swab, and then dry with a dry swab using the same motion.

    Use a soft toothbrush with cleaner to remove heavy corrosion.  Dip brush in cleaner and brush in up and down motion on pins.  Rinse with either a clean cotton swab or blow out with compressed air.

    Never use steel wool or corrosive chemicals such as Lime-A-Way or Soft Scrub to clean.  We recommend a cleaner/protector called “Strike Hold,” made by MPH Specialties, Inc.  It cleans and helps prevent corrosion.

    After cleaning, use cotton swab and apply a thin layer of electronic protector on all connectors.  Do not use Vaseline, WD40, or a Molykote type of product.  These types of protectants collect debris and wick down gold pins into the traces on the circuit board which can cause a failure of the connector and damage to the printed circuit board.

    Service:  We recommend that your console come in for service every 5 years for a complete system check, internal cleaning, and anti-corrosion coating application.