Berkline (Ciar) Controller Appears to Overheat/Shutdown Without Use

Hello,

I have Berkline couch with dual power recliners. The controller is a Ciar type SU15-01/2xM1.

If I leave the couch plugged in for extended periods it will not work when I go to use it (no sounds, nothing). This can happen even during the course of an evening. If I unplug it for a while and try later it works.

If plugged in and even without use the controller is really warm to the touch.

One thing I see that I missed as there is spot in the controller or two 9 volt batteries but I have never put batteries in it. Could this be related?

I inspected the internals and nothing appears really wrong (no obviously blown parts).

Any ideas?

Thanks for information...

Mine looks generally the same but has two power and two button connectors (model SU15-01/2xM1).

Ciar's Web site has a SU15 model listed but it looks nothing like what we have:

http://www.ciar.it/prodotti.asp?sez=...a_id=3&co_id=5

Looks like it might work though.

Should I expect the transformer in this controller to always be putting out 30 or so volts even when actuators are not in use? I am seeing that behavior with mine.

Yes, testing this is a potentially a dangerous operation that people shouldn't attempt unless they know what they are doing. I am not asking someone to test but would like to get an understanding of expected behavior if someone knows.

Of course I am not ruling out ordering a replacement but just trying to see if this could be something I could fix on my own.

This request can be ignored as I expect the volt meter would be a load.

If someone can measure the voltage of an actuated output that would be helpful.

I replaced the internal transformer in the controller with 24v battery power (2x12v batteries in series). No more issues with things coming to a halt so it looks like problem is with the transformer.

I might find a replacement or just leave things battery powered.

For the next person...I don't know what correct voltage is on actuator but my controller put out 30v and around 2 amps peak when a single actuator was in motion.

Looks like transformer in this unit is a Sacchetti Type C 5 BR D Date 44/10

Specs on transformer indicate 24 Vac secondary. My unit was putting out 30Vac. This appears to be what was causing my "overheat" issue even when couch was not used.

For now I am going to continue to run off 24v battery power.

If anyone runs across a replacement transformer that fits in the case please post.

If you don't remove the control from the couch it may be hard to see the battery compartment. Anyway, use of batteries was not documented with my couch and using them does not provide power to return the couch to upright position when power goes out. So, I suspect it is not implemented for this controller.


I am using 2 batteries used in wheelchairs. However, they are pretty big. I had these handy and in the room they are in not an aesthetic issue.


It is not clear from your description what may be wrong with the controller so I can't say for sure what you need to do.

If it is transformer, than you can replace the transformer. The transformer takes the 110v from your wall and brings it down to 24v (AC). There is ciruitry on the contoller board that changes this from AC to DC to power the relays selenoids.

In addition to those two options, maybe you could use an appropriately sized "wall wart" to power the controller. You probably need at least 2amps and 24volts.

Of course, none of these are trivial to do and all involve working with high voltages so therefore could be dangerous.

In the end another controller could be used I am sure (even if it does not look the same). I am a little surprised one of yhe companies that provide repair services has not stepped up yet to provide a known working replacement.

I posted a picture here if you want to see what you are getting involved in:

http://sites.google.com/site/publics...ere/couch-hack

How many amp hours are those batteries you are looking at? Over the last week or so my couch has used about 0.14 Ah.