Potterton EP2002 Programmer - Intermittent fault

Hi all

I have a Potterton EP2002 Programmer, for controlling my central heating system, which has suddenly started to behave erratically. By that, I mean that it sometimes works continuously for perhaps tweleve hours and then stop working and the LCD goes blank. Other times, it runs for a few minutes and then stops before running again for another few minutes.

I'm buy no means an expert, but could anyone please reassure me that if I ordered a replacement programmer and attached it to the existing back plate, it would resolve the problem ?

I'm just guessing that it might be a capacitor or something within the programmer that has failed.

There have been a lot of thunderstorms in my area lately and I just wondered if that might be a contributory factor.

Could it be something else such as the rechargable battery that needs replacing or even the backplate itself that is not providing a good connection ?

I'd be very greatful if someone could please give me some advice on this one.

Best regards David

To try and identify the problem, does the clock still keep time when the display goes blank?

Almost certainly.

The device will still work normally if the battery fails - except during a power cut.

It would certainly be worth isolating the circuit, removing the programmer and checking the security of the wiring to terminals, and that it's getting a constant power supply - although the battery should keep it going if this was the fault, and of course it wouldn't operate the heating.

But my guess would be a dry solder joint on the device PCB. It should be possible to fix this - if you're into electronics. But not economical to pay someone to do it.

If you do have to replace it you might consider doing so with the 6002 which has 7 day programming. Think it's the same price.