MOAB: Troubleshooting Wizard

Interactive Troubleshooter

MOAB Troubleshooting Wizard

Let's diagnose and fix your issue step by step

Step 1

Start Over

What issue are you experiencing?

Select the option that best describes your problem.

Best Practice

For most troubleshooting, plug the MOAB directly into the motor (not extended) to rule out cable issues.

Screen won't move at all Screen moves the wrong direction Limits won't hold / screen overshoots IR remote doesn't work 12v trigger doesn't work Dry contact (contact closure) doesn't work Buttons on MOAB don't respond Keypad won't pair or doesn't work Wiring / extended cable problems Something else

Is the MOAB getting power?

Check if any LEDs on the MOAB board are illuminated.

No — no LEDs are on Yes — I see LEDs illuminated

First, check DIP Switch #3

Quick Check

DIP Switch #3 controls the LEDs. If it's OFF, the LEDs won't illuminate even if MOAB has power.

DIP 3 was OFF — turned it ON, LEDs are on now DIP 3 is ON but still no LEDs

LEDs are now visible

Good news

Your MOAB has power. DIP 3 simply controls LED visibility. Now you can continue troubleshooting with the LEDs as indicators.

Continue — screen still won't move Actually, it's working now

Is your screen AC or DC powered?

Power Requirements

AC motors power the MOAB automatically — unless the cable is extended more than 50 feet.
DC motors always require a separate 24V power supply to the MOAB.

AC powered motor DC powered motor Not sure

AC Motor — Check cable length and power

Verify

1. Is the MOAB cable extended more than 50 feet? If so, you need a 24V power supply
2. Is the screen receiving AC power? Check breaker/outlet
3. Is the motor cable securely connected at both ends?

Fixed — LEDs are on now Still no LEDs

DC Motor — 24V power supply required

Solution

Connect a 24V power supply to the V+ and V- terminals on the bottom of the MOAB board.

Important

DC-powered motors do not supply power to the MOAB through the motor cable. External 24V is always required.

Connected 24V supply — LEDs are on now Still no LEDs with 24V connected

Check the GREEN ACT (Activity) LED

The ACT LED should only blink when commands are sent, buttons are pressed, or during programming. It should NOT be solid.

ACT LED is solid (not blinking) ACT LED is off or only blinks when I press buttons

Does the motor have limits set?

Important

The screen will not move if the motor has no limits set. Limits are set at the factory, but will be erased if:
• The motor was factory reset
• It's a replacement motor (shipped without limits)

Motor was reset or is a replacement — needs limits Limits should already be set Not sure

Set motor limits

Steps to set limits

1. Put all 4 DIP switches in the ON position (Programming Mode)
2. Use RED/BLUE buttons to position screen at upper limit
3. Hold RED + GREEN until LEDs flash — release
4. Position screen at lower limit
5. Hold BLUE + GREEN until LEDs flash — release
6. Flip DIP 1 to OFF (User Mode)

Limits set — screen is working now Still not working

Solid ACT LED indicates constant activity

Problem Detected

The ACT (Activity) LED should only blink during commands or programming. A solid ACT LED means something is causing constant activity — usually a bad termination or cable damage.

First step: Isolate the problem

Remove the MOAB from any extension cable and plug it directly into the motor. Then try setting the limits while directly connected.

Works when plugged directly into motor Still doesn't work even when direct Can't easily test — MOAB is installed remotely

The problem is in your extension cable

Cable issue confirmed

Since it works when plugged directly into the motor, the issue is in your extension cable:

• Bad termination / poor crimp
• Unseen damage to the wire
• Wrong pinout (T568A vs T568B mixed)
• Cable run over 50' on AC motor (needs 24V supply)

How long is your cable run?

Over 50 feet Under 50 feet

Issue may be with motor or MOAB

Next steps

If it still doesn't work when plugged directly into the motor, the issue is not the extension cable.

Try these steps

1. Check the 485 Pairing LED — is it ON? (needs re-pairing)
2. Try a factory reset (DIP 1 ON, hold all 3 buttons)
3. Re-pair and set limits

485 Pairing LED is ON — needs pairing Try factory reset Still not working — need support

Check the 485 Pairing LED

This LED is located to the left of the RJ45 Motor Port.

LED Status

LED OFF = Motor is paired
LED ON = Motor needs pairing

LED is ON — needs pairing LED is OFF — already paired

Pair the motor to MOAB

Pairing steps

1. Put MOAB in Programming Mode — all four DIP switches in the ON (up) position
2. Press and hold the GREEN button
3. Wait until you see flashing on the board
4. Release — the 485 Pairing LED should turn OFF
5. Now set your limits

How to confirm pairing

The red LED above "485 Pairing" on the top left of the MOAB will turn OFF when successfully paired.

Paired — now need to set limits Won't pair — LED stays ON

Is MOAB in User Mode?

Check DIP Switch #1 position.

Mode Status

DIP 1 OFF (down) = User Mode
DIP 1 ON (up) = Programming Mode

DIP 1 is ON — I'm in Programming Mode DIP 1 is OFF — already in User Mode

Switch to User Mode

Solution

Flip DIP Switch #1 to the OFF (down) position to enter User Mode.

Remember

In User Mode, a single press on RED/UP moves to upper limit, BLUE/DOWN moves to lower limit.

Switched to User Mode — it's working now Still not moving

Try a factory reset

Factory Reset Motor via MOAB

1. Put MOAB in Programming Mode (all DIP switches ON)
2. Press and hold RED + GREEN + BLUE buttons together
3. Wait until all LEDs begin to flash
4. Release — you should see the 485 Pairing LED turn ON (confirms reset)
5. Re-pair motor (hold GREEN until 485 LED turns OFF)
6. Set motor direction and limits
7. Switch to User Mode (DIP 1 OFF)

Note

Factory reset erases all limits and motor direction settings. You'll need to set both motor direction and limits again.

Reset and reprogrammed — it's working now Still not working after reset

AC motor cable runs over 50' require additional power

Solution

When using an AC-powered motor with cable runs over 50 feet, you must add a 24V power supply to the MOAB to provide adequate power.

Note

The 50-foot limit only applies to AC motors. The 24V supply compensates for voltage drop over distance.

Added 24V supply — it's working now Still not working

Check your cable terminations

Troubleshooting steps

1. Verify you're using T568B termination throughout
2. Check all crimps — re-crimp if any wires are loose
3. Test continuity end-to-end on each conductor
4. Look for any nicks or damage to the cable

Common culprits

Bad crimps, wrong pinout (T568A vs T568B mixed), or cable damage from install.

Found the issue — it's working now Cable checks OK but still not working

Fix motor rotation direction

To reverse motor direction

1. Put MOAB in Programming Mode (all DIP switches ON)
2. Press and hold RED + BLUE buttons together
3. Wait until the LEDs begin to blink
4. Release — you should see the motor direction LED change
5. Test with small movements using RED and BLUE buttons

Must be in Programming Mode

Motor direction can only be changed in Programming Mode (all 4 DIP switches ON).

Fixed — direction is correct now Motor direction LED doesn't change

Motor direction won't change

Issue

If the motor direction LED does not change when holding RED + BLUE, a reset or re-pair may be required.

Try a factory reset

1. All DIP switches ON (Programming Mode)
2. Hold RED + GREEN + BLUE until LEDs flash
3. Re-pair motor (hold GREEN)
4. Set direction (hold RED + BLUE until LEDs blink)
5. Set limits

Fixed after reset Still can't change rotation

Is the MOAB extended from the screen?

If your screen is acting like it lost its limits or won't save limits, and the MOAB is extended from the screen, this is often a cable issue.

Yes — MOAB is extended from the screen No — MOAB is plugged directly into motor

Check for cable issues first

Common Cause

When the MOAB is extended and the screen acts like it lost its limits or won't save them, look at the MOAB — if you see a solid green ACT light, something in the wire is causing constant activity (bad termination or cable damage).

Test the cable

Remove the MOAB from the extension and plug it directly into the motor. Try setting limits while directly connected.

Works when plugged directly — cable is the issue Still doesn't save limits when direct ACT LED is solid — need cable troubleshooting

Were limits set in Programming Mode?

Limits must be set with all DIP switches in the ON position (Programming Mode).

To set limits

• Upper limit: Position screen, hold RED + GREEN until LEDs flash
• Lower limit: Position screen, hold BLUE + GREEN until LEDs flash

Yes — I set them with all DIPs ON No / Not sure

Re-set limits in Programming Mode

Steps

1. Put all four DIP switches in the ON position (Programming Mode)
2. Use RED/BLUE buttons to position screen at upper limit
3. Hold RED + GREEN until LEDs flash — release
4. Position screen at lower limit
5. Hold BLUE + GREEN until LEDs flash — release
6. Flip DIP 1 to OFF (User Mode)

Limits are holding now Still not holding

Did you switch back to User Mode after setting limits?

No — DIP 1 is still ON Yes — DIP 1 is OFF

Switch to User Mode

Solution

Flip DIP Switch #1 to OFF to enter User Mode. Your saved limits should now work.

Fixed — limits are working now Still not working

Try a factory reset and reprogram

Factory reset and start fresh

1. All DIP switches ON (Programming Mode)
2. Hold RED + GREEN + BLUE until LEDs flash
3. Re-pair motor (hold GREEN until 485 LED turns OFF)
4. Set motor direction (hold RED + BLUE until LEDs blink)
5. Set upper and lower limits
6. Switch to User Mode (DIP 1 OFF)

Remember

After any motor reset, you must set both motor direction and limits again.

Fixed after reset Still having issues

Is DIP Switch #2 ON?

DIP #2 enables/disables the IR receiver.

DIP 2 Status

DIP 2 ON = IR Receiver enabled
DIP 2 OFF = IR Receiver disabled

DIP 2 is OFF DIP 2 is ON

Enable the IR Receiver

Solution

Flip DIP Switch #2 to the ON (up) position to enable the IR receiver.

IR is working now Still not working

Is MOAB in User Mode?

No — DIP 1 is ON Yes — DIP 1 is OFF

Switch to User Mode

Solution

IR control only works in User Mode. Flip DIP Switch #1 to OFF.

IR is working now Still not working

Check the IR sensor and remote

Prerequisite

The IR remote will only work if limits are set on the motor AND MOAB is in User Mode (DIP 1 OFF).

Step 1: Check the IR sensor on the board

Look at the bottom right of the MOAB. You should see a small black square part — this is the IR sensor. It can be broken off to extend, so make sure it's still attached or connected via extension cable.

Step 2: Test your IR remote

Use your phone's front-facing camera and point the IR remote at it. Press a button on the remote — you should see a bluish-purple light through the camera. This confirms the remote is transmitting.

IR sensor is missing from the board Remote shows no light through camera Limits aren't set yet Fixed — IR is working now Everything checks out but still not working

IR sensor is missing or detached

The IR sensor can be extended

The small black IR sensor part can be broken off from the MOAB board to extend its placement. If it's been removed:

1. Check if it's connected via the IR extension cable
2. The sensor should be placed where it has line of sight to the remote
3. If the sensor is completely missing, contact support

Found it — connected via extension, working now Sensor is missing completely

IR remote may need new batteries

If no light appears through the camera

1. Replace the batteries in the IR remote
2. Re-test with phone camera
3. If still no light, the remote may be defective

New batteries — remote and screen working now Still no light — need new remote

Set limits first, then test IR

IR requires limits

The IR remote will only work after limits are set on the motor.

Set your limits

1. Put MOAB in Programming Mode (all DIP switches ON)
2. Set upper limit: position screen, hold RED + GREEN
3. Set lower limit: position screen, hold BLUE + GREEN
4. Switch to User Mode (DIP 1 OFF)
5. Test IR remote

Limits set — IR is working now Limits are set but IR still not working

Is MOAB in User Mode?

12v trigger only works in User Mode (DIP 1 OFF).

No — DIP 1 is ON Yes — DIP 1 is OFF

Switch to User Mode

Solution

Flip DIP Switch #1 to OFF to enter User Mode.

Trigger is working now Still not working

Is the 3.5mm plug fully seated?

Common Issue

The hole in the MOAB plastic case may prevent the plug from fully seating. Try these solutions:

• Remove the plastic case and try again
• Drill out the hole in the plastic cover to accommodate a larger plug

Fixed — plug seats fully now Plug is fully seated

Check source device settings

Verify

1. Using correct cable: 3.5mm mono TS phone jack
2. Source device has 12v trigger output enabled in its settings
3. Voltage output is in range: 7-12v DC
4. Check wiring polarity

How it works

When 7-12v is applied, screen moves to lower limit. When voltage is removed, screen moves to upper limit.

Fixed — trigger is working now Still not working

Are you using the correct port?

Port Location

Dry contact uses the bottom RJ45 (black port) — NOT the motor port (top RJ45).

Yes — using bottom black RJ45 No / Not sure

Move cable to the correct port

Solution

Connect your dry contact cable to the bottom RJ45 port (black), not the top motor port.

Fixed — it's working now Still not working

Verify wiring pinout

Using T568B termination:

Pinout

UP: Pins 3 + 8 (White/Green + Brown)
DOWN: Pins 6 + 8 (Green + Brown)
STOP: Pins 3 + 6 + 8

Also verify

MOAB must be in User Mode (DIP 1 OFF) for dry contact to work.

Fixed — dry contact is working now Still not working

Is DIP Switch #4 ON?

DIP #4 enables/disables the MOAB buttons.

DIP 4 Status

DIP 4 ON = Buttons enabled
DIP 4 OFF = Buttons disabled

DIP 4 is OFF DIP 4 is ON

Enable the buttons

Solution

Flip DIP Switch #4 to the ON (up) position to enable the MOAB buttons.

Buttons are working now Still not working

Possible board issue

Hardware Issue

If DIP 4 is ON and the buttons still don't respond, there may be a hardware issue with the MOAB board.

Contact support

Are you using the correct port?

Port Location

Keypad connects to the bottom RJ45 (black port) — NOT the motor port.

Yes — using bottom black RJ45 No / Not sure

Move keypad to correct port

Solution

Connect the keypad RJ45 to the bottom black RJ45 port.

Fixed — keypad is working now Still not working

Is MOAB in User Mode?

Keypad pairing requires User Mode (DIP 1 OFF).

No — DIP 1 is ON Yes — DIP 1 is OFF

Switch to User Mode

Solution

Flip DIP Switch #1 to OFF for keypad pairing.

Done — ready to pair

Keypad pairing sequence

Follow these steps exactly:

Pairing steps

1. Press and hold BLUE or RED button until LED blinks
2. Wait for Red Pairing LED and Green ACT LED to stop flashing
3. Press and hold GREEN button until LED blinks
4. Within 10 seconds: Press the Group/Preset number on keypad, then STOP
5. LEDs will stop flashing when paired

Timing is critical

You only have 10 seconds after the GREEN button to complete the keypad button press.

Paired — keypad is working now Still won't pair

What type of motor and cable run?

Best Practice

For troubleshooting, always try plugging the MOAB directly into the motor first to rule out cable issues.

AC motor with cable over 50 feet Cable under 50 feet (or DC motor)

Is the GREEN ACT LED solid in User Mode?

What ACT LED tells you

The ACT (Activity) LED should only blink during commands, button presses, or programming. A solid ACT LED indicates constant activity — usually a short or bad termination in the cable.

Yes — ACT LED is solid No — ACT LED is off or only blinks on commands

Check termination and continuity

Verify

1. Using T568B termination at both ends
2. All crimps are solid — no loose wires
3. Test continuity on each conductor end-to-end
4. No cable damage, kinks, or tight bends

Common mistakes

Mixing T568A and T568B, bad crimps, or using the wrong cable type (must be Cat5e or Cat6).

Found the issue — it's working now Wiring checks OK but still not working

Great — glad we got it working!

Issue Resolved

Your MOAB troubleshooting is complete. If you run into other issues, use the Start Over button or check the full MOAB Install and Setup Guide.

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