Search

Universal Digital Timer III - Troubleshooting

Not sure if this is your device? This article is for the Universal Digital Timer III (SKU/Product #: MFG-15095).
Double-check this info or click here to visit our "Identify My Device" page before you continue.

 

Troubleshooting

 

Issue: No Power

If your feeder is upgraded with the Universal Digital Timer III and is not powering on, try the troubleshooting steps below.

 

  1. Do you have the device with you?
    1. If no, please retrieve the device and then begin the troubleshooting steps.
    2. If yes, proceed below.
  2. Replace or recharge the battery
    1. Unhook the battery from the timer assembly, then replace or recharge it and place it back in the kit.
  3. Confirm battery orientation
    1. Ensure the battery is connected correctly.
    2. If installed incorrectly, reinsert properly and check again.
    3. Note: Reverse polarity should not damage the timer.
  4. Check for LCD display
    1. Once batteries are correctly inserted:
      1. The LCD screen should illuminate and display 12:00 PM.
  5. Confirm functionality
    1. If the LCD is now on:
      1. The timer should be broadcasting Bluetooth to connect to the app
      2. Or ready for traditional timer mode
    2. Perform a test spin using the Test button to confirm the motor is working properly.
    3. If all works as expected, no further troubleshooting is needed.
    4. If the issue persists, reach back out to us. 

 

Issue: Missed Scheduled Feed(s)

If your feeder is upgraded with the Universal Digital Timer III and missed a scheduled feed, try the troubleshooting steps below.

 

  1. Is the Sunrise/Sunset feature enabled in the app?
    1. If yes – This setting disables standard scheduled feed times.
      1. Your feeder will spin twice per day, based on the Sunrise and Sunset times shown in that section of the app.
      2. This is expected behavior while this feature is enabled.
    2. If no – Proceed to step 2.
  2. Has the feeder missed more than one scheduled feed in a row?
    1. If no – We recommend waiting for the next scheduled feed to occur as expected.
    2. If yes – Continue to step 3.

  3. If you are using the app to schedule feeds:

    1. Open the app and check the feed times and durations on the Scheduler screen.
    2. Make sure your feeder has a good 6V 5Ah battery installed and that the battery level shows above 20%. - if not, replace with a new battery
    3. Press any button on the feeder to confirm the LCD screen turns on.
      1. If the screen doesn’t come on, remove and reinstall the battery and allow the unit to sit for 5 minutes.
        1. The feeder has a built-in recovery process and should restart on its own.
        2. If the feeder was performing an update, you may see “OTA” displayed on the screen briefly.
    4. Press the up arrow on the timer. Does it show “APP”?
      1. If yes – Your feeder is operating using the app schedule.
      2. If no – The app is not connected to the feeder, and it is likely running on the default LCD schedule.
        1. Open the app, connect to your feeder, and configure feed times in the Scheduler section and that should correct the issue

    e. Check that the spin plate is not jammed or blocked. It should spin freely. If it is, remove the jam and complete a test spin. If the test spin is successful, the feeder should feed at its next scheduled feed time. If the issue persists, reach back out to us.

 

Issue: Failed to Feed on Demand

If your feeder is upgraded with the Universal Digital Timer III and is failing to feed on demand, walk through the following troubleshooting:

 

  1. Do you have the device with you?
    1. If no – You’ll need to be physically at the feeder to test Feed on Demand.
    2. If yes, proceed below. - If you are utilizing the feeders' Bluetooth functionality to work the device from your phone, ensure that Bluetooth is turned on on your phone before proceeding at this point.
  2. Are you trying to trigger Feed On Demand from far away (e.g., 300 ft or 100 yards)?
    1. Bluetooth range can be affected by feeder position and surrounding metal parts.
    2. For best results, face the kit between the feeder leg openings.
  3. Check if the motor is jammed
    1. Try gently rotating the spin plate by hand.
    2. If it’s stuck, remove any debris or obstruction and continue to step 4.
  4. Check Bluetooth connection status in the app
    1. Open the app and go to the device list.
    2. Confirm that your feeder shows the green "In Range" icon.
    3. If the green icon is not visible, swipe down to refresh or force close and reopen the app.
    4. Move closer to the feeder until the green icon appears.
    5. The On Demand button will only work when your phone has scanned the feeder within the last 11 seconds.
  5. Press the Feed On Demand button
    1. Caution: The motor may spin when this button is pressed.
    2. Does the LCD screen on the feeder light up?
      1. If no – The timer may not be responding. Move closer and try again.
        1. If it still doesn’t respond, perform a factory reset:
          • Press and hold the Test and Down buttons on the timer until “rST” appears on the screen.
          • Close and reopen the app to re-link to the feeder.
          • Note: This will erase any scheduled feed times, which will need to be re-entered.
        2. If yes – The app attempted to connect but failed. Close the app completely, reopen it, and try again.
  6. If Feed On Demand still isn’t working after several attempts:
    1. Perform another factory reset, re-link the feeder in the app, and reconfigure your schedules.
    2. Then try using Feed On Demand again. If the issue still persists, please contact us for further support.
  7. Press the Test button on the timer
    1. If the motor spins – Your feeder is working properly.
    2. If the motor does not spin – The motor may be defective. Please contact us for further support.

 

Was this article helpful?

2 out of 8 found this helpful