Build a Happijac hand held controller?

Question

Hi All:I have electric Happijacs on my camper.  They have the wired controller.  I let it get rained on 2 weeks ago.  Now one or two of the jacks start to run whenever I plug it in.  I have tried to dry it out to no avail.  Has anyone ever made a hand held controller?  I can easily mount momentary on switches in a small package, but don't have a wiring diagram, and don't know if a simple on-off electric circuit will work.  The micro switches on the remote are mounted on a fairly simple circuit board, but I don't know why it is necessary.Anyone try this and/or have a diagram for which wires control which jacks?thanks!

hms_beagle · Answer

Which version of Happijac? The earlier ones had an RJ45 connector and I think the control box just has switches in it, no electronics. The later ones have an RJ11 and have electronics, communication is by some serial protocol. You might be able to duplicate the first but it would be way too much trouble to duplicate the second.

But the best solution is to pop for the $200 and get the wireless controller. It plugs in place of your original controller, comes with the handheld wireless remote, so no wires needed. If you buy a replacement wired controller it isn't a lot less than the upgrade.

artum_snowbird · Answer

You can pop the things off and run them up with a drill and a driver into the slot in lieu of spending any money. It's still better than pumping the hydraulic ones and doesn't cost any money until you decide which way to go.

Also check some of the used camper people.. you might find a controller like the one you have for a good price.

idahobiker · Answer

I have the rj45 control box and can't figure out how (or where) to plug the remote in. I can see where the wire leaves the control box but can't trace it to where an external connection might be for a wired controller. Would the wireless controller work on this control box? My camper is a 1999 Summerwind pre-wired for hapijak.
Thanks.

ramtc · Answer

idahobiker wrote:I have the rj45 control box and can't figure out how (or where) to plug the remote in. I can see where the wire leaves the control box but can't trace it to where an external connection might be for a wired controller. Would the wireless controller work on this control box? My camper is a 1999 Summerwind pre-wired for hapijak.Thanks.Check your sewer compartment.

yosemiteford · Answer

you can hook up jumper cables to each one and that works, but you lose the convenience of them going up and down simultaneously.  good luck what ever you end up doing.

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Build a Happijac hand held controller?

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