Carthago CBE PC380CA control panel won't turn on. Advise needed.

[tezza-alli]

Our CBE control panel fitted to our Carthago will not switch on after our lithium batteries shut down due to low cell count. At the time of shut down we were not using the motorhome but the control panel and invertor were on.

I know these do have their problem's as we had a replacement within our first year of owning the van and now its nearly eight years old. That time it slowly failed and it was the dimmer lights that highlighted it. Also friends have had failures too!

Thought I'd ask if I'm missing something or if anyone knows of repair specialists.
I know of Apuljack but a friend tried them and wasn't impressed. Have others had a better result?
Do you know of other resellers that can supply the Carthago part with the PC380CA as I believe these are set up slightly different for different makers vans.
Does anyone have one they want to sell?

I've been through the fuses on the DS470 and now connected up to hook up the batteries are at approximate 80% now and around 13.5Volts (560Ah capacity battery bank).
I've tried isolating the 12volt system, leaving and turning back on with hook up removed.
I've held the on off button and on off button with program button etc with engine running and turned off.
I've removed the panel and disconnected and then refitted isolating everything each time.
I've found and checked the control panel clock button batteries. They are reading about 5volts, writing on side says 5.5volts.
Can't see any obvious burning or dry solder joints an the PCB of panel(I don't pretend to be an expert at this).
I've used the SOS on the DS470 fuse board before and again with the fuse in that position everything works except the dimmer switches and TV. Which I think was the same last time!

Any help much appreciated.

 

[canopus]

Carthago CBE PC380 Control Panel — Go European Parts & Accessories

CBE PC380 control panel fitted in various Carthago motorhomes. Go European, the home of Carthago parts and spares.

goeuropeanshop.co.uk

 

[Tigger-Tim]

I thought the PC380 had a capacitor instead of a battery?

I know some people have removed the capacitor as an emergency measure.

 

[canopus]

I suspect the “CA” suffix stands for Carthago but can’t be sure.

 

[tezza-alli]

I thought the PC380 had a capacitor instead of a battery?

I know some people have removed the capacitor as an emergency measure.

There's a pair of small button type batteries together at the bottom of the PCB.
Do you know what happened when they removed the capacitor?

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[tezza-alli]

I suspect the “CA” suffix stands for Carthago but can’t be sure.

Yes it does.

 

[canopus]

The reserve ‘button batteries’ might be the cause of your problem. They wouldnt cost as much as a new control panel.

 

[AdrianChen]

Control Panel

Hope this helps someone , I own a 2020 Niesmann Bischoff Arto 88LF recently the control panel failed to power up , everything pointed the control panel, Spoke to Travelworld they said bring it in we charge £140 per hr and a new control panel is £749 great , Tried apple jack the said they was...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Tigger-Tim]

There's a pair of small button type batteries together at the bottom of the PCB.
Do you know what happened when they removed the capacitor?

It simply loses the ability to remember the time and any other configuration changes. If I recall, the capacitor can power the panel for up to two weeks.

 

[Steve and Denise]

That Electronics firm in Alfreton could save you a fourtune Terry a new panel is £500 don’t ask how I know they are so bad I do carry a spare one for when ours fails again but I never turn it off as that seems to be the common denominator.

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[tezza-alli]

That Electronics firm in Alfreton could save you a fourtune Terry a new panel is £500 don’t ask how I know they are so bad I do carry a spare one for when ours fails again but I never turn it off as that seems to be the common denominator.

I’ll call them tomorrow.
I was hoping others would come forward with repairers they knew of, rather go that route first

 

[Lazyboy]

If you can wait until tomorrow I can give you the name of a guy in Peterborough that may be able to help. He is an old electrical/electronics engineer based in Peterborough. has a workshop at the back of his house. The workshop looks a bit like a "mad scientists" place but he seems to know his stuff. My dealer told me I needed a new charger and all it was was a dodgy switch. If he can get the parts he will be able to repair i would have thought. Worth a phone call maybe?

 

[tkk]

My 1st pc380 (frankia) acted up 2years and 1 week afte buying. Every time it was switched off it would not come on without the data cable being disconnected for over 30 mins. Fortunately SMC replaced it and new one has been ok since. Leaving it on probably helps.

 

[JockandRita]

If you can wait until tomorrow I can give you the name of a guy in Peterborough that may be able to help. He is an old electrical/electronics engineer based in Peterborough. has a workshop at the back of his house. The workshop looks a bit like a "mad scientists" place but he seems to know his stuff. My dealer told me I needed a new charger and all it was was a dodgy switch. If he can get the parts he will be able to repair i would have thought. Worth a phone call maybe?

Living in the P/boro area myself Lazyboy, I'd be grateful for the contact too please.

Our CBE control panel fitted to our Carthago will not switch on after our lithium batteries shut down due to low cell count. At the time of shut down we were not using the motorhome but the control panel and invertor were on.

I know these do have their problem's as we had a replacement within our first year of owning the van and now its nearly eight years old. That time it slowly failed and it was the dimmer lights that highlighted it. Also friends have had failures too!

Thought I'd ask if I'm missing something or if anyone knows of repair specialists.
I know of Apuljack but a friend tried them and wasn't impressed. Have others had a better result?
Do you know of other resellers that can supply the Carthago part with the PC380CA as I believe these are set up slightly different for different makers vans.
Does anyone have one they want to sell?

I've been through the fuses on the DS470 and now connected up to hook up the batteries are at approximate 80% now and around 13.5Volts (560Ah capacity battery bank).
I've tried isolating the 12volt system, leaving and turning back on with hook up removed.
I've held the on off button and on off button with program button etc with engine running and turned off.
I've removed the panel and disconnected and then refitted isolating everything each time.
I've found and checked the control panel clock button batteries. They are reading about 5volts, writing on side says 5.5volts.
Can't see any obvious burning or dry solder joints an the PCB of panel(I don't pretend to be an expert at this).
I've used the SOS on the DS470 fuse board before and again with the fuse in that position everything works except the dimmer switches and TV. Which I think was the same last time!

Any help much appreciated.

Last year our CBE completely shut down on us at Hawes without any apparent reason. I never turn the panel off completely.
I spent ages trying different things, checking fuses, and all connections in and around the distribution unit. I even had the panel off to check connections at the rear. Nothing I did brought the panel back to life................................until I got in touch with the previous owner and friend of mine.

His advice which had helped another CBE panel user, was to press and hold the off button for quite a few seconds. I tried for about 20 x seconds but now't happened.
I then tried for about a minute or more, and suddenly the panel burst into life.

It happened once more after that, and I was advised to remove and replace a long thin vertical multipin connector on the left of the PCB, inside the distribution box. I did that, but gave the pins a spray with electrical cleaner, before replacing the connector. The problem hasn't materialised again since....................thankfully.

HTH,

Jock.

 

[tkk]

That Electronics firm in Alfreton could save you a fourtune Terry a new panel is £500 don’t ask how I know they are so bad I do carry a spare one for when ours fails again but I never turn it off as that seems to be the common denominator.

What electronics firm.? I thought Apuljac were based elsewhere
apologies, ignore. I very now seen the relevant quote on Electronics chap in Alfreton. Just up the road from me.

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[two]

I'm not sure that this is something you'll fix yourself. You may even be looking at the wrong part, the panel being the display component of the main CBE unit probably in your garage. A dealer with the right experience should be able to identify which component might need replacing and (hopefully) determine what has caused the failure. You won't want to repeat this experience if this is merely the effect of some other cause. Make sure that the cause is identified and addressed.

 

[Steve and Denise]

I'm not sure that this is something you'll fix yourself. You may even be looking at the wrong part, the panel being the display component of the main CBE unit probably in your garage. A dealer with the right experience should be able to identify which component might need replacing and (hopefully) determine what has caused the failure. You won't want to repeat this experience if this is merely the effect of some other cause. Make sure that the cause is identified and addressed.

There are no Carthago dealers with that experience!
I contacted Carthago directly also CBE directly both refuse to accept there is an issue with their product.
As it happens the fault lies in the firmware up on startup.
It would be a simple fix if the company would accept there is a problem and release an update for the firmware

 

[tezza-alli]

Living in the P/boro area myself Lazyboy, I'd be grateful for the contact too please.


Last year our CBE completely shut down on us at Hawes without any apparent reason. I never turn the panel off completely.
I spent ages trying different things, checking fuses, and all connections in and around the distribution unit. I even had the panel off to check connections at the rear. Nothing I did brought the panel back to life................................until I got in touch with the previous owner and friend of mine.

His advice which had helped another CBE panel user, was to press and hold the off button for quite a few seconds. I tried for about 20 x seconds but now't happened.
I then tried for about a minute or more, and suddenly the panel burst into life.

It happened once more after that, and I was advised to remove and replace a long thin vertical multipin connector on the left of the PCB, inside the distribution box. I did that, but gave the pins a spray with electrical cleaner, before replacing the connector. The problem hasn't materialised again since....................thankfully.

HTH,

Jock.

Thanks Jock, I’ll have another play tomorrow. I’ve decided to buy another panel today as I won’t it fixed! but it will be interesting to get to the bottom of why this happens.
I did notice today that the main connector to the panel had a loose pin which is the 12 volt supply.

 

[tezza-alli]

If you can wait until tomorrow I can give you the name of a guy in Peterborough that may be able to help. He is an old electrical/electronics engineer based in Peterborough. has a workshop at the back of his house. The workshop looks a bit like a "mad scientists" place but he seems to know his stuff. My dealer told me I needed a new charger and all it was was a dodgy switch. If he can get the parts he will be able to repair i would have thought. Worth a phone call maybe?

I have ordered another panel but I would be interested in getting the old one fixed so if you find his number that would be of interest. Thankyou.

 

[tezza-alli]

Just to let others know. I spoke to Apuljack and they can’t fix these panels but can supply new ones, they will come back to me in a couple of days with a price.
I’d already phoned our dealer Southdowns and they were quoting 4-6 weeks to get the part. I’ve Never found them to be of much use!
I’d already spoke to CamperUK and they had one left at £443 all in with delivery so I’ve decided to buy it anyway! so £369 less the VAT!
I spoke to John at Alfreton and sent info and photos of unit. He’s going to speak to a contact of his and get back to me.
I’m going to try what Jock said and let you know how I get on.
If it still doesn’t work I will see about getting it repaired to have as a spare.

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[tezza-alli]

Today I tried the power button etc for over a minute and looked at the connector blocks at the distribution board with no joy.

The new panel had already arrived first thing from Camper UK and I must say considering I only ordered it yesterday afternoon that was good service.

I've now fitted the new panel this afternoon and all is well.
I still would be interested in why these fail/which part fails and I still would like to see if the old panel can be repaired at a reasonable price.

Its obvious that the manufacturer/dealers are making a lot of money from a poorly made product. Why is the Carthago model which looks identical to the standard panel, all be it with a couple of symbols different on the buttons and a slightly different program £200+ more ?

All that's happened in my case is the 12 volt system has turned off due to BMS's. At the time there were no loads so the panel should just power off and then on again or is that asking too much?

Thanks for advise all

 

[G1969]

Is the problem caused by lithium incompatibility or has this happened with lead/agm. Reason I ask is I currently have 3 x 80ah es900 gel batteries (standardfactoryfit), and looking to upgrade to lithium, but don't want to have issues with the main control unit?

 

[tezza-alli]

Originally we had Exide gel that were fitted at the factory. Our problem was that we lost our lights. Others its things like the screen image goes etc.
These units do have there problems. This is the second one that's failed for us and friends have had failures too.
A friend did look into it further with the manufacturer and dealer but they didn't admit to a problem with them. His findings were that there's a problem with the firmware/programming.

Since our first one that failed within the warranty period I don't isolate the batteries if the vans being stood up for a long time like the Carthago manual advises. I just turn it off at the panel and its been fine for about 6 years. I don't think my friend turns his off at all.

All I can think is unlike the lead batteries that still normally have some voltage when they go low the lithium's BMS turns the discharge off completely. In other words turns off the 12 volt to protect the cells.

Obviously I've had to turn the 12 volt off a few times in resent months while connecting up and working on my system for the new Lithium's that I made. So whether this has not helped I don't know.

Since having the Lithium's the motorhome has been a lot more enjoyable to use power wise and I'm happy with that side of things.

I'm still hoping to find someone who can fix these!

 

[dbw]

Originally we had Exide gel that were fitted at the factory. Our problem was that we lost our lights. Others its things like the screen image goes etc.
These units do have there problems. This is the second one that's failed for us and friends have had failures too.
A friend did look into it further with the manufacturer and dealer but they didn't admit to a problem with them. His findings were that there's a problem with the firmware/programming.

Since our first one that failed within the warranty period I don't isolate the batteries if the vans being stood up for a long time like the Carthago manual advises. I just turn it off at the panel and its been fine for about 6 years. I don't think my friend turns his off at all.

All I can think is unlike the lead batteries that still normally have some voltage when they go low the lithium's BMS turns the discharge off completely. In other words turns off the 12 volt to protect the cells.

Obviously I've had to turn the 12 volt off a few times in resent months while connecting up and working on my system for the new Lithium's that I made. So whether this has not helped I don't know.

Since having the Lithium's the motorhome has been a lot more enjoyable to use power wise and I'm happy with that side of things.

I'm still hoping to find someone who can fix these!

Hi, some Frankia owners have had their panels successfully repaired by David Wilson at Lincoln Teleservice Ltd, 01522 537338, it’s the same CBE panel but modified slightly for Frankia. I’m sure he’d be worth a call.

 

[Steve and Denise]

Is the problem caused by lithium incompatibility or has this happened with lead/agm. Reason I ask is I currently have 3 x 80ah es900 gel batteries (standardfactoryfit), and looking to upgrade to lithium, but don't want to have issues with the main control unit?

Nothing to do with lithium batteries we have had them for two years we never isolate or turn the panel off as Terry says there is a problem with the CBE panels but Carthago refuse to even discuss the problem

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[tezza-alli]

Hi, some Frankia owners have had their panels successfully repaired by David Wilson at Lincoln Teleservice Ltd, 01522 537338, it’s the same CBE panel but modified slightly for Frankia. I’m sure he’d be worth a call.

Thankyou I will give them a call

 

[JockandRita]

Thankyou I will give them a call

I'd be pleased to know how you get on with them please, as I'm sure others would too.

Cheers,

Jock.