How to Troubleshoot a Task Force Tips RC Monitor and Valve Kit

If you’re having issues with your monitor and valve system, isolating the problem is key. Whether you’re working with a monitor like the Hurricane, Monsoon, or Tornado, paired with a joystick and valve setup, this step-by-step guide will help you locate your issue. We’ll walk you through a full system diagnosis, from the joystick to the monitor, interface box, and valve—so you can pinpoint the fault and fix it right.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Isolate the Monitor

Before digging into valve issues, make sure your monitor is functioning independently.

To isolate:

  • Disconnect power by either:
    • Turning off the master power switch, or
    • Unplugging the red and black 14-gauge wire going into the monitor (simple pinch plug)
  • Disconnect communication lines using the pinch-and-pull plug.

Now your monitor is fully isolated from the rest of the system.

Test:

  • Reconnect power only
  • Watch for a steady power light
  • Confirm that horizontal, vertical, and nozzle functions work as expected

If it works here, the monitor is not the issue.

2. Reconnect and Inspect Communication Lines

Once the monitor checks out, reconnect everything:

  • Plug in communication wires (blue/white or sometimes green/white depending on cable vendor)
  • Reconnect power
  • Make sure LEDs on the interface box are flashing. This indicates healthy communications

3. Joystick Interface Box Check

Each port on the interface box is labeled:

  • Control Valve
  • Power
  • Display (optional)
  • Monitor
  • Joystick or Tether Controller

Inside the box, wiring looks like this:

  • Blue/white wires – communication
  • Red – power (12V or 24V)
  • Black – chassis/truck ground

Key areas:

  • Terminal blocks: Match blue or green wires to blue, white to white
  • Relay outputs: Labeled Valve 1 and Valve 2
  • User relays: Can drive lights, solenoids, etc.
  • DIP switches: Used to configure relay behavior (momentary vs. latching)

Note: There may be extra wires (like purple) that aren’t in use—don’t worry about those unless they’re called out in your system diagram.

4. Voltage Check: Communication Line

RS-485 communication relies on proper voltage. You can test this with a multimeter.

  • Use the ground terminal and measure to:
    • White wire: Should read around 3.2V
    • Blue wire: Also ~3.2V
  • A range of 3.0 to 3.4 volts is acceptable

If you’re reading close to 0 volts (e.g., 0.6V), something’s off:

  • Could be the interface board, the monitor, or a break in the comm line

Use isolation steps to figure out where the problem is happening.

5. Valve Output Testing

Valve output wires are red and black, but don’t assume the red is always power. These are control wires that send polarity-driven voltage to actuate the valve.

With power on, use your meter across the red and black valve wires:

  • You might see something like -13V
  • Press the open/close button and watch:
    • If the voltage reverses, the board is driving the valve both ways (normal)
    • If voltage drops to 0V when you hit the button, it may point to a board issue

Valves can sometimes fail in one direction only—so check both open and close actions.

Bonus Tips

  • LEDs not blinking? Start by checking your connections and dip switch settings.
  • Power light not on? Confirm power is making it to the board from the truck.
  • Wrong voltage? Check wire continuity and watch for pinched or damaged harnesses.

Wrap-Up

Troubleshooting a monitor and valve system might sound like a chore but breaking it down step-by-step helps you chase the problem fast. Isolate, test, and verifyjust like you’d approach any fireground situation. Whether you’re fixing a stuck monitor or diagnosing a valve that won’t move, knowing your system inside and out will keep your rig ready for the next run.

Need help or parts? Reach out to our service team for one-on-one assistance.