FAQs & Troubleshooting
FAQ – MacSet Controller
Q1. My controller was working fine, but now it’s not responding to scheduled alarms. What’s wrong?
A: This usually happens if the controller lost power and its internal clock reset. Reconfigure the time or re-sync with the app. Use a model with a battery-backed RTC if timekeeping is critical.
Q2. After firmware update via BLE, the controller is stuck on boot. What should I do?
A: Power cycle the controller. If it still doesn’t boot, enter recovery mode by holding the reset button (if available) for 5–10 seconds, then reflash using the app or debug cable.
Q3. I connected a 230V load to the relay but it failed. Is this supported?
A: No. The relay onboard MacSet is rated for low voltage (typically 30V DC or 250V AC resistive up to a certain ampere). Always check the relay specs. Use an external contactor for high-power loads.
Q4. Why does the controller keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi every few minutes?
A: Ensure your Wi-Fi signal is stable and the router is not set to auto-reboot. Also, avoid special characters in SSID or password. Disable “Wi-Fi Power Saving” if available in advanced settings.
Q5. BLE is visible on my phone but says "Connection Failed."
A: Make sure no other device is already connected. BLE allows only one connection at a time. Restart both phone and controller if the issue persists.
Troubleshooting – MacSet Controller
Issue: Relay Triggers Late or at Wrong Time
- Confirm the controller time matches real time (especially after power loss).
- Check that the timezone and schedule configuration is correct.
- If using external RTC or NTP sync, ensure it's functional.
Issue: MQTT Uplink Not Reaching Cloud
- Verify broker URL and port (some firewalls block non-standard ports).
- Check if device is connected to Wi-Fi/4G.
- Use the debug console to confirm whether MQTT handshake is succeeding.
- Some SIM cards may block MQTT — try HTTP mode to verify network availability.
Issue: Controller Doesn’t Save Configuration After Power Cycle
- Ensure the "Save & Apply" option is used in the app before reboot.
- If issue persists, check if flash memory is full or corrupted.
- Flash firmware again using recovery mode.
Issue: Relays Randomly Switching
- Ensure debounce and delay logic is configured properly.
- Rule out noise from nearby high-power equipment.
- Check input filtering and grounding — especially for analog/digital inputs used for triggering.
Issue: Device Stuck in Boot Loop After Power Surge
- Disconnect all inputs/loads and power cycle.
- Connect to debug serial logs to check boot reason.
- Use a surge protector or optoisolator module for sensitive inputs.
Issue: Controller Doesn’t Show Up on App Dashboard
- Ensure correct UID or device ID is configured.
- Verify server endpoint (MQTT topic or HTTP URL) matches the backend system.
- Try reconnecting to the app via BLE and push logs to cloud manually.
Recommended Practices
- Always use a stable DC power supply with voltage protection.
- For cloud use, prefer Wi-Fi models with RSSI above -70dBm.
- For cyclic schedules, set clear on/off durations to avoid overlap.
- Label alarms with meaningful names (e.g., "Evening Lights", "Motor Timer").
- Keep analog/digital input lines shielded if running near motors or relays.