ato with ac3 not responding right

[nemesis7]

I have a digital aquatics float switch , wired into my neptune break out box connected to my ac3. The ato pump is an aqualifter pump . Now the program looks like this.

If Switch1 OPEN Then ATO ON
If Switch1 CLOSED Then ATO OFF


Now when i tried this with an led light hooked up to the dc8 it worked perfectly . I hook up the aqualifter pump to the dc8 and it turns on but then it wont switch off. Is that like not supposed to happen ? If it switches off with the light why wont it switch off with the pump plugged in? I have to go to north carolina friday and this needs too work . So what have i forgot or not done right?? HELP PLEASE!!!


__________________
I promise after this I won't buy anything for a while! Unless it's a really good deal,or I think I can get away with it ,without you noticing.

Current Tank Info: 5 gallon shin mao, par 38 led by evil 5 lbs live rock with 2 inch live sand bed, 3 snails 11 crabs, 1 crocea clam ,1 pistol shrimp, and various corals.

 

[Specialtang]

Make sure you are setting this up on the 4th or 8th outlet of the DC8.

Then check to make sure you have your firmware updated.
Next make sure all connection are tight on the I/O breakout box. (removed and plugin again).

Cycle the power on the controller by the Network Restart option

I had the same issue about 6 months ago. The ATO would turn on but not off followed everything above and it worked just fine.

 

[RussM]

To clarify what Specialtang said...

On most DC8s, outlet 1-3 and 5-7 use solid state switches called TRIACs. TRIACs can be problematic with very low power devices (such as your AquaLifter) - exactly what you described... they turn on, but won't turn off.

Outlets 4 & 8 have electromechanical switches (relays) instead of TRIACs; besides handling higher current devices, they are also good for those low power devices.

Putting that pump on Outlet 4 or 8 and adjusting the programming accordingly will most likely solve your problem.

 

[nemesis7]

You guys are The best . Put it on 4 adjusted the program and it runs perfect. Thank you very much.