Greetings Installers,
Any help would be sincerely appreciated regarding a 2003 Vantage [model] MC controller. This controller incorporates a processor board, # VDB 006, rev. C1. The symptom involves the following sequence of events. The controller was bumped out of it's module slot accidentally by movers.; and when I plugged the unit back into the slot provided, the flash program would not immediately load back into the controller. After 4-5 attempts reloading the flash drive manually, the unit finally accepted the flash drive; and the lighting controls operated correctly. I have the install guide for this unit; and it states the flash drive can be manually prompted to reload the flash. Went through this procedure at least 4 times before it reloaded. I have additional identical controllers that have been previously purchased; and I know they operate correctly. No matter what MC controller I plug in, I fail to obtain a 'backup flash loaded' response. I know the flash drive is present,simply can't coerce the MC controller to accept it. The LCD screen displays: Check Station Address. I know the address is set correctly based on the trim pot of the flash drive card. The internal lithium battery measures 3.1 VDC on the processor board. These 4 controllers on my mother's system are set up as 'stand alone' devices. Have scrolled through every setting in the program and found no discrepancies that I'm aware of. Any help would be sincerely appreciated. Have 35+ years in industrial electronic controls. Please help. Thank for your time!

I'm not sure if you'll find anybody here with advice on how to repair the controller. I think most Vantage dealers like myself would just send it in to Vantage. I had my first controller fail ever a few weeks ago. Sent it in and they turned it around in a couple of days and overnighted it back to me. Sorry I can't be more help.

When you connect to the processor, the pop up activity box in the top right corner is for reading or programming the backup flash. The system defaults to programming the processor ( top Left) Choose back up flash read.

Now you could have also have a damaged controller from the drop.
I am not sure if all the circuits are soldered or sit in removable connectors. You could check those items and the back plane connectors for damage. It is a multiplane board, so good luck with repairing. You might as well find another on Ebay.

That processor series is far past EOL. You should have your mother consider getting the Infusion II upgrade and with it the Equinox Card for control from an ipad, android or smart phone.

I agree that the controller is way past EOL. I would suggest upgrading to Infusion, or if she is not interested at least getting a replacement controller. The qlink controller has not been made for several years, and I think at this time has been totally discontinued by Vantage. There are several components that can fail.
A question, is the property so large that it has 4 controllers? If so, why are they stand alone and not interconnected into a single system?
If we can help you, please let me know, we carry refurbished controllers with our 2 year warranty.

westcojack

Greetings westcojack and GotGame, Many thanks for your offerings and suggestions. I should have supplied more info, and clarified a status of the Vantage system. Yes, I realize the system is currently obsolete and it should be upgraded, however, some extenuating circumstances make the consideration of an upgrade not necessary. The Vantage MC controller was simply jarred from the modular plug-in connectors by movers, the device was not damaged in any way. The LCD screen operates normally and and membrane push buttons respond accordingly. When Mom purchased the home in 04', the Vantage system had been installed by the previous owner. Why the 4 controllers are set up as stand alone units is unknown to me. In reality, only 2 of the controllers are wired for operation, the other 2 are not used at all. The original owner at one time consider enlarging the home, but ultimately did not; and moved to another state. My mother is in her early 90's and has no need for upgrades or iphone apps. She simply wants her lights to come on when she operates a switch, her needs are very simple. I'm 63, and retired; spend a good deal of time with her to keep her from a nursing home environment. Two years ago, I purchased 2 spare controllers that operated correctly from a supplier on ebay. The reason for this was one of the controllers LCD display failed. Until I repaired the open frame, 24 volt power supplies within, I ordered these used units. I repaired the 150 watt power supply with a few new electrolytic caps and a diode or two. The repair was simple even though I lacked a schematic diagram, repaired many circuit boards without schematics in the past, with a 80% success rate. The 2 units I purchased from ebay were tested when I received them. Both units were able to load the flash drive successfully. As mentioned, now I have experienced a problem with the existing MC unit AND the 2 spare units as well. They will not allow the flash drive to reload. On one occasion, the original unit WAS able to load the flash drive; however when I tested the other 2 units, thinking the problem was resolved, I encountered the symptom I have described. I could relate as to what the screen displays after the attempt has been prompted, however, will provide this info in the future when you gentlemen have time to make an in depth review. I do not have the Q-link software, nor do I possess a computer set up for an RS-232 port. The only info I have is the Installation guide. On the 3rd page of this guide, it clearly states that the MC SHOULD reload the flash drive when I place the cursor on the Ldbk Flsh and select. I have performed this procedure in the past; and have experienced no problems of any kind. The LCD screen responded that the Backup Flash Loaded in every circumstance; and the lights operated correctly. I ask for your help as my mother's needs are simple; and we do not wish to upgrade, I can maintain the integrity of the simple open frame, internal 75 and 150 watt DC power supplies. If there are other options for the flash to be reloaded, I would sincerely appreciate your collective help. The firmware is version 7.89B; and I believe the Q link version is above 3.5. For reasons I will elaborate on, contacting the local dealer is out of the question. Currently, I have the slave units in the bypass mode via the dip switches located on it. Of course we can't turn the lights off, so every night I simply turn them off until I can hopefully resolve the problem. Thanks for your time and great suggestions! Richland53

So the backboard may be damaged or something is wrong with it.
If the one of the controllers has a current project on it, then the next simple thing to try is replace the back board. OF course, the current memory in the board is not correct and may take a computer and software to tell the controller to transfer the memory to the flash when saving. Once they are synced , then any replacement controller can load the flash.
You will need someone, or else you can add a IP enabler to the system and allow a Vantage installer to remote into the system.
You have the latest firmware for the processor, which addressed a daylight savings time issue from the past firmware.
Another way to handle this is send the controller to a vantage dealer and have him save and load it to the back board and send it all back to you. Don't expect a warranty on any of that.