7095 controller and 7092.34 Y-adaptor - problems

[delphinus]

Hi,

Is this a common issue, or could my 7095 controller be faulty (it is a few years old now, purchased around 2004-2005 timeframe).


There are two problems actually -

1) I run 4 6105's in one tank and 2 6055's in another tank, all run off the same controller. I use a 7092.34 splitter on channels 2 and 3 to this end.

All 6 pumps are running at 18v.

When the controller puts a channel at 10%, the pumps do not seem to run at all. It's as if the voltage signal is too weak for the pump to actually turn.

Is there anything that can be done to fix this?


2) When a channel is in an off state (0%) or the controller is in feed mode - about once a minute the pump propeller will turn about 1/4 turn. It's an awful noise - it sounds like a hammer being dropped inside the tank.

Are these chatters normal or is it a sign the controller needs to be replaced?

 

[rvitko]

1) this could be a corroded connction or broken cable, If the channels work without the splitter running two pumps at a time, I would inspect the splitter and cables.

2) This is normal (fish care function) it should not be so noisy and it may be the drive units are jammed or worn, I would clean the pumps. What is often overlooked is the prop and magnet should spin and slide freely on the metal shaft, the metal shaft does not move in normal operation. The number one issue I see is drive units cemented to the metal shaft by calcium and then the shaft gets dragged along and makes a lot of racket and the pump will stall. This could cause both problems.

 

[delphinus]

Thanks Roger..

1) I noticed that one of my 6105's this morning was chattering even when at higher speed. Removing that channel from the splitter and putting it direct onto the controller and the problem stopped. So it is either the other cable or the splitter itself having an issue. There is no visible corrosion on the splitter. I hope it's just the cable that's a cheaper thing to replace. I was starting to think the splitter may be faulty but I'll inspect the cables closer and see what I find.

2) Ensuring that the magnet spins freely over the metal shaft is something I do as part of the pump cleaning (which I try to do at least monthly). One thing I could try however is soaking the whole thing in vinegar and see if that lessens the effect. It's good to know this is actually a feature. Should it be happening outside of feeding mode though? For example if I change the program to Interval 1 or Interval 2 (I forget which it is now but one of them alternates the channels so that the one side is actually "off" and not "low") then should the pumps be doing this fish-care-function then as well? It stands to reason that it probably should, but if we could confirm that then I would feel better.. thanks!

And thanks once again for the reply, I appreciate all the help you give.

 

[rvitko]

Fish care occurs whenever a pump is off but plugged in, for example Interval1, Sequential Night mode or foodtimer. It is designed to keep fish from entering the pumps while they are off. It is just 1/2-2 turns and should be about every 20 seconds.

 

[delphinus]

I can't really see any corrosion on the cable pins of the cable but it seems if I disconnect the cables and reconnect, the intermittent-ness goes away.

What I do notice however, is that when the pump is on 30% phase of "Interval 2", the powerhead is off altogether. The pump is using the 18v jumper, is it possible the splitter lowers the voltage to the point that 30% doesn't have enough oomph (technical term ) to turn the propeller? I guess I could try the 24v jumper and see if it solves the problem but I'll ask about it in the meantime anyhow..

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

That is possible. I would try without the splitter and try 24V, it is not likely the voltage as it should work even on 12V.

Some cables have a loose fit and make bad contact and there are 5 very fine wires inside so it is possible to break the internal wires if a cable is pulled or kinked. There may be no visible corrosion but it wouldn't rule out a bad cable. If you have an Ohm meter you could check for breaks between matching pins.