Checking simulator power
The two heads on the simulator should nod up and down as soon as it is connected to a USB port and the power supply is turned on. Run these tests If this doesn't happen.
Using the wrong power supply
The most common cause of power problems is using the wrong power supply.
The DryFire power supply generates close to 5V DC.
Many homes have different power supplies for different products and some generate 12V or more.
A power supply generating much more than 5V will blow the protection diodes on the simulator printed circuit board (PCB). These diodes are very low cost and can be replaced locally by anyone with a little soldering experience - see below for more details.
Always use the power supply provided with DryFire. Contact us for a replacement if you have lost it.
Wordcraft will charge repair and shipping costs associated with damage caused by the wrong power supply.
If your simulator is out of warranty, and you have to use a different power supply, make sure it generates a regulated supply of 5V DC at 3A (3000mA).
Check the power supply
Use a multimeter to check that the power supply is generating between 5V and 5.5V. The centre of the round connector is positive (+), the outside is negative (-).
Check the simulator is seen by the PC
If the power supply is OK, reconnect it to the simulator and connect the USB cable.
Check that the simulator is seen by the operating system. For Windows 10 look in "Device Manager" - you should see "DryFire Simulator" in the list of "Universal Serial Bus Controllers".
Power is reaching the USB interface inside the simulator if it is seen by the operating system.
Check the protection diodes
If the simulator is seen by the PC, but the heads still don't nod, it may mean the power supply to the servo motors and other circuits is not working.
Disconnect the power cable and USB cable.
Undo the fours self tapping screws that hold the metal case together and remove the base.
The PCB contains two diodes mounted on posts for easy access. These diodes protect the servo motor and other circuits from overload.
With everything still disconnected, use the diode testing function of a multimeter to check each diode to see that a reading is obtained as shown below. (The exact value is not important).
If the reading is as shown below, the diode is "short circuit" and should be replaced.
Mk2 main board
The Mk2 version of the DryFire main board (released in May, 2022) uses different diodes in a slightly different place - see below. Check the photo to enure the replacements are fitted the correct way round.
Save money - get it fixed locally
The "BZX85-C6V8" diodes are very low cost and available worldwide.
Getting them replaced locally will be quicker and far less expensive than shipping a system back to Wordcraft for repair.
Your local electrical repair shop can do it, a friend with a soldering iron can do it - or you could even do it yourself with a low cost soldering iron and a little practice before tackling the job. The cost of a diode, multimeter, soldering iron, solder and some learning time is far less than the return shipping costs involved in sending your simulator to Wordcraft.
If you have never soldered before, and you want to learn, there is a tutorial here and a video here.
Diodes must be fitted the correct way round - please check the photo below for polarity.
After diode replacement
- Use the multimeter to check the diodes again to be sure they are not still "short circuit".
- Connect the USB cable to the simulator and the PC.
- Connect the power supply and switch on.
- If the heads nod all is well.
- If the heads don't nod, disconnect the USB and power cables and check the diodes again.
Still doesn't work?
If the simulator still doesn't work it may have to be returned to Wordcraft for repair.
Please contact us at the email address on the technical Support page and we will see if anything else can be done before a unit has to be returned to us.
If we ask you to return the unit please read and follow the procedure on the support page.