Entra Station Parking Pass Dispensing Failure: Technical... | terminalfaults.org

Technical Background:

The Entra Station uses a 24V DC solenoid to actuate the pass dispensing mechanism. Optical sensors detect pass presence and movement. The control board monitors sensor signals and solenoid current. The system is designed to operate in temperatures down to -40C, utilizing components with extended temperature ratings. Communications occur via RS-232 or Ethernet with standard baud rates between 9600 and 115200.

Symptoms:

Entra Station fails to dispense parking passes despite sufficient passes loaded in the hopper. No mechanical obstructions are visually apparent. System logs may indicate a dispensing error or sensor fault.

Possible Causes:

Solenoid failure: The 24V DC solenoid may be defective or have reduced actuation force due to wear or internal damage.
Sensor malfunction: Optical sensors detecting pass presence may be misaligned, dirty, or faulty, leading to incorrect pass detection.
Power supply issue: The 24V DC power supply may be delivering insufficient voltage or current to the solenoid, especially under load.
Control board failure: The control board may have a faulty driver circuit for the solenoid or an issue with sensor signal processing.
Mechanical obstruction: Although not visually apparent, a small obstruction may be present within the dispensing mechanism, hindering pass movement.
Environmental factors: Extreme cold (-40C) could affect the viscosity of lubricants or the performance of certain components, causing dispensing issues.

Solution:

1

Inspect the pass hopper: Ensure the passes are loaded correctly and are not sticking together. Verify the correct pass size and thickness are being used.
2

Check the 24V DC power supply: Use a multimeter to measure the voltage output of the power supply under load (while the dispensing mechanism is activated). Voltage should be within the specified range (e.g., 23-25V).
3

Verify sensor functionality: Use a diagnostic mode (if available) to check the status of the optical sensors. Manually trigger each sensor to confirm proper response. Clean the sensors with a dry, lint-free cloth.
4

Inspect solenoid connections: Ensure the solenoid wires are securely connected to the control board. Check for any signs of corrosion or damage to the wiring.
5

Monitor solenoid actuation: Using appropriate diagnostic tools, observe the solenoid signal from the control board to the solenoid. The signal should be present while attempting to dispense.
6

Review system logs: Analyse system logs for error codes related to dispensing failures, sensor faults, or solenoid issues. These logs may provide clues about the root cause of the problem.
7

Conduct a cold soak test: If the unit is operating at low temperatures, temporarily increase the ambient temperature and retry dispensing. This will help determine if temperature is a contributing factor.

Safety Warning:

This Entra Station operates with 24V DC. Prior to any inspection or repair, always disconnect the power supply. Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure the equipment is de-energized and cannot be accidentally powered on during maintenance. Be mindful of sharp edges and moving parts during inspection. The unit contains components rated for -40C operation; however, personnel should still use appropriate cold-weather gear when working in such environments.

Prevention:

Regular cleaning of the pass hopper and dispensing mechanism to remove dust and debris.,Periodic inspection of the 24V DC power supply to ensure proper voltage output.,Preventative maintenance on the solenoid (if applicable) based on manufacturer recommendations.,Verify that all electrical connections are secure and free from corrosion.,Use only approved parking passes that meet the specifications of the Entra Station.,Ensure the unit is installed in a location protected from extreme weather conditions, if possible.

Expert Tip:

Check the grounding of the entire system. A poor or intermittent ground can cause erratic behaviour in sensors and solenoids, especially under voltage load. Use a calibrated earth ground resistance tester. Ensure the resistance is below 5 ohms. If the system uses a serial communication interface (RS-232), check for proper termination to minimize signal reflections.

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the measured voltage at the solenoid connector during a dispense attempt?

Measure the DC voltage at the solenoid's connector while the system attempts to dispense a parking pass. This confirms sufficient power is available.

•Can you provide the specific error codes from the system logs related to dispensing failures?

The error codes in the system logs will pinpoint specific sensor faults, solenoid issues, or communication errors.

•What is the ambient operating temperature of the Entra Station?

Knowing the temperature helps determine if environmental factors are contributing to the failure, as components may have varying performance at extreme temperatures.

Entra Station Parking Pass Dispensing Failure: Technical Diagnostic Report

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip:

Frequently Asked Questions

•What is the measured voltage at the solenoid connector during a dispense attempt?

•Can you provide the specific error codes from the system logs related to dispensing failures?

•What is the ambient operating temperature of the Entra Station?

Related questions

Technical Background:

Symptoms:

Possible Causes:

Solution:

Safety Warning:

Prevention:

Expert Tip: