I have 2 different units both using MC2 DOUT to control a large solenoid. Both have flyback diodes installed correctly near the relay. After several years of use, both have the MELF resistor for that DOUT failed inside the module. How can i prevent this from happening to a new or repaired module? Fire a smaller relay to control the large solenoid? Add a capacitor to the DOUT line? Another diode inline on the DOUT line? 

 Any of these still out there?, we're looking for one for a log harvestor. Also wondering if just the circuit board can be purchased.

Hello,

I am working with a Parker ECU (MC43FS), and I need to test for short to ground and short to battery faults on specific pins. Could you please provide detailed instructions or best practices for performing these tests safely? Specifically, I am interested in:

1. How to safely simulate a short to ground on the pin and verify the system's response.
2. How to simulate a short to battery and what actions I should take to test the system's reaction.
3. Any recommendations for multimeter settings or test equipment to use during these tests.
4. Expected behaviors or diagnostic codes (e.g., LED blink codes or error logs) that the ECU will produce during these failure scenarios.
5. Any precautions or potential risks I should be aware of during testing.

Thank you for your assistance!

Best regards,

Sayan Biswas

I received my first MD5 and am trying to flash it on the bench. There is no Ethernet hookup so I'm using a G12. It is taking forever and I'm only getting a couple percent done before the MD5 goes blank (after around 10 mins) and seemingly stops. My questions are, what is the fastest connection to flash a system with the MD5? If its CANbus, what is the hardware/ how do I wire it into the system. If its Ethernet, how do I wire that into the system. I have also tried to create a program utilizing an MD4 and MD5 to utilize the Ethernet and the program wont recognize the MD5. I heard the G12s are fast but there is no way it will work as the main programming connection considering the experience Ive had with them. 

We have a project that requires control of multiple cylinders, each cylinder is connected to a double acting valve, 2 separate coils, one for each cylinder movement (in/out). These outputs must be safety in our application.

Reading the instruction manual for the DOUTs on MC43FS, it states we must use only one DOUT HS and one DOUT LS per output when its being used in a safety application, so the controller can switch the valve off by either side in event of a fault. Therefore I have concluded we can only have 5 DOUT safety per MC43FS. Or in other words, 2.5 cylinder valve controls.

Can I instead use COUT, and therefore each cylinder function can be driven by a complete COUT A? For example, i can technically connect 10 cylinders, in/out, i.e. 20 valves? I would have to ensure the current does not exceed the limitations of the groups, but does having the shared COUT + affect the safety aspect of a COUT? There is a note saying all COUTs are safety, and nothing about sharing pins like there is under DOUT so I guess I can overcome my issue of limited DOUTs for safety?

I guess if there was a function other than driving a component in a direction it would not be possible, as you can only drive a COUT in either + or - direction, i.e. not both if you has different valves to energise, which could be at the same time.

Also it explicitly states no diodes on a coil connected to COUT (I guess for regulation), does this still apply if I'm using COUTs digitally, ramping from 0-100% and 100-0%? Would the collapsing digital coil cause damage to the COUT driver?