How do I test the baseboard for power on a TFT remote control monitor?
Use this guide to test power delivery on the baseboard of your TFT RC Monitor. If your monitor has power input but no activity from the axes or motor boards, this procedure helps verify whether the baseboard is distributing power properly to each board slot.
If your monitor has power but shows no LED activity or axis movement, your baseboard may not be delivering voltage to the motor or communication boards. This test helps determine whether a baseboard replacement is necessary before escalating the issue.
⚠️Always power off the monitor before removing the cover or handling any internal components.
Tools Required
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Multimeter
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Small screwdriver (for cover screws)
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Patience and steady hands for handling ribbon cable connectors
Step-by-Step Testing Procedure
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Power Down the Monitor
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Shut off power at the truck or power source.
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Wait for all indicator LEDs to go dark.
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Remove the Cover
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Unscrew the four housing screws.
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Carefully lift the cover—do not yank. A ribbon cable connects the cover to the communication board.
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Gently release the ribbon cable by pulling up the two locking tabs.
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Test Input Voltage at the Main Power Plug
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Locate the plug with two 14-gauge red and black wires.
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Use a multimeter to test voltage at the back of the plug without unplugging it.
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Record this voltage as a reference for comparison.
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Disconnect Power & Remove Boards
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Unplug the main power connector by pressing the latch and pulling it out.
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Remove all three motor boards and the communication board by gently wiggling them out—no need to unplug wires.
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Reconnect Power Plug
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With all boards removed, plug the power connector back in to test baseboard outputs.
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Test Each Slot on the Baseboard
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With your multimeter:
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Place one probe on ground.
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Test the top right pins on each motor slot—these should all show the same voltage as the main input.
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For the communication board, the lower-left-most pin should also match the input voltage.
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Evaluate Results
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If voltage is present and matches input across all board slots → baseboard is working properly.
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If any slot fails to show correct voltage → baseboard may be faulty and require replacement.
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Reassemble the Monitor
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Power Off Again
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Unplug the power before reinserting any boards.
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Reinstall Boards
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Insert each board into its respective slot. Ensure proper alignment with the correct wiring hole.
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Press firmly until fully seated. Tuck wires cleanly.
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Reconnect Ribbon Cable
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Pull up locking wings on the communication board connector.
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Insert the ribbon cable tan side facing right.
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Push connector down to lock in place.
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Reinstall the Cover
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Lay the ribbon flat, replace the cover, and fasten screws evenly in a cross-pattern.
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Final Test
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Power up the monitor and check for proper function.
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❗If all tests pass and you still experience issues, contact TFT Technical Service for next-step diagnostics.