The DoorKing 1838 access controller is essentially a maintenance free device. When the unit is
properly installed, it should provide years of trouble free service. Maintenance is limited to updating
the directory and phone number and/or card/transmitter codes as users are added and deleted from
the system.
5.1 TROUBLE SHOOTING
If problems should develop with your access control system, refer to the trouble-shooting guide on the
following pages to try and correct any problems. Our experience has shown that a majority of
reported problems are actually programming related and can be corrected on site. If problems persist
and they cannot be corrected, contact your authorized DoorKing dealer for assistance. Before
performing any trouble-shooting, check the following:
1. Have a good VOM meter handy to check voltages and continuity.
2. Have a telephone test set (DoorKing p/n 1800-050 or equivalent) to check the
telephone line. Noise on the phone line will cause problems with the entry system.
3. Be sure that the entry system case is properly grounded.
4. Be sure that the telephone wires are twisted.
5. A hum on the system indicates that the phone line or 16 VAC power lines may be
grounded. Check to be sure that the phone lines or power lines are not shorted to
ground.
6. Check the 16 VAC system power. Be sure that the transformer is properly rated (20
VA). Keep the wire run from the transformer to the entry system as short as possible.
Use 16 or 18 AWG, 600 volt insulated wire only. The importance of proper power
wiring cannot be over stressed!
7. Isolate the access controller. Disconnect any external devices, such as Tracker
expansion boards, elevator control boards, RS232 connection, card readers, RF
receivers, keypads, etc. which may affect the operation of the controller.
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