the memory height settings on my controller keep getting lost after a power outage.

Diagnosis

The ApexDesk Elite Series utilizes a non-volatile memory chip that is supposed to retain height presets (1-4) even during power cycles. However, in many Elite Series units, the control box relies on a small internal capacitor to bridge the gap during the transition from "active" to "standby" power. When a total power outage occurs or a surge protector is toggled off, the voltage drop is too abrupt, causing the EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) to fail to write the current state, effectively wiping the stored height values. This issue is most common in units where the control box is mounted too close to the motor housing, leading to heat-induced degradation of the capacitor's efficiency. You can confirm this is the root cause if your presets remain intact during a simple "Off/On" switch flip but disappear entirely after the plug is physically removed from the wall for more than 30 seconds. If the controller displays "RST" or "---" upon reboot, the system has lost its calibration and memory mapping.

How to Fix It

To stabilize the memory and prevent further data loss, you must perform a hard system reset to clear any corrupted memory sectors and then implement a power stabilization strategy.

1. Unplug the ApexDesk from the wall outlet and disconnect the power cable from the control box for exactly 60 seconds to fully drain any residual capacitance.
2. Plug the desk directly into a dedicated wall outlet. Avoid using "daisy-chained" power strips or cheap extension cords, as voltage drops during startup can trigger a memory wipe.
3. Perform a Manual Reset: Press and hold the "Down" button until the desk reaches its absolute lowest point. Continue holding the button for 5-10 seconds until the digital display flashes "RST" or "H00".
4. Release the button. The desk may move slightly up and down to calibrate the sensors.
5. Set your desired heights: Move the desk to your preferred sitting height, press the "M" or "S" button, and then press the number (1-4) you wish to assign.
6. To permanently protect these settings, install a small Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) or a battery backup surge protector (minimum 300VA). Plug the desk's power brick into the "Battery Backup" outlet rather than the "Surge Only" outlet. This ensures the control box never sees a total voltage drop to zero.

If That Didn't Work

• Replace the Control Box: If the memory continues to wipe despite a UPS, the internal capacitor on the PCB is likely leaked or blown. You will need to replace the control box (Part #AD-CB-ELITE-V2). Ensure you match the motor count (dual vs. triple) before ordering.
• Check the Controller Cable: Inspect the RJ11/RJ12 cable connecting the keypad to the control box. If the pins are bent or the cable is pinched, the "write" command for the memory preset may be intermittently failing, making it appear as though the power outage caused the loss.
• Firmware Update: Some Elite Series batches have a firmware glitch. Try the "Deep Reset" by unplugging the desk, holding the "Up" and "Down" buttons simultaneously, and plugging the power back in while still holding the buttons.
• Voltage Testing: Use a multimeter to check the output of the power brick. If the brick is outputting less than 24V (for 24V models) or 29V (for 29V models), the low voltage will prevent the memory chip from locking in the presets.

Heads Up

• Avoid using "Smart Plugs" with the ApexDesk. The automatic scheduling or remote power-off features of smart plugs can cause the control box to enter a "brownout" state, which is the primary cause of memory corruption.
• Ensure the control box is mounted with at least 2 inches of clearance from the underside of the desktop to prevent heat buildup, which shortens the lifespan of the internal capacitors.
• Always calibrate the desk (the "RST" process) after any major power surge or lightning storm to ensure the height sensors are aligned, preventing "Uneven Leg" errors.
• Do not overload the desk beyond the 300lb limit; excessive strain on the motors can cause voltage spikes that trip the control box and wipe the memory settings.