How I eliminated random events

[ReefTeacher]

So my ACIII started acting goofy: lights turning off in the middle of the photo period, Pumps turning on and off randomly etc. The worst part was the status screen did not always correspond to the state of the device! A pump could be listed on "ON" on the status screen but be "OFF" in the tank. I began to worry about my heater.

So I did a search and somewhere found Radio Shack sells Snap-on Ferrite Data-Line Filters for about $6. I looped it through the filter (so the wire doubles back and goes through the filter twice) and now when I go to the self test screen my CS parameter reads 0! Everything is behaving now!:bounce3:

 

[gonzapa]

So my ACIII started acting goofy: lights turning off in the middle of the photo period, Pumps turning on and off randomly etc. The worst part was the status screen did not always correspond to the state of the device! A pump could be listed on "ON" on the status screen but be "OFF" in the tank. I began to worry about my heater.

So I did a search and somewhere found Radio Shack sells Snap-on Ferrite Data-Line Filters for about $6. I looped it through the filter (so the wire doubles back and goes through the filter twice) and now when I go to the self test screen my CS parameter reads 0! Everything is behaving now!:bounce3:

Can you expand a little more on the topic(pics, part number, etc)? I am having the same issues and I am willing to give it a try

 

[swearint]

Here is what he is referring to: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103222 There are a few different sizes.

Todd

 

[ReefTeacher]

I cannot post pictures, but the part number is 273-0105 at Radio Shack. I just looped the control wire around the filter (choke) so that the wire actually passes through the filter twice.

BTW, I had a repeating e-mail problem that I posted here too. When my alarm triggered an e-mail alert, I would get an e-mail every 30-40 seconds even though my e-mail delay was set to 60 minutes. The filter solved this problem too.

 

[gonzapa]

I cannot post pictures, but the part number is 273-0105 at Radio Shack. I just looped the control wire around the filter (choke) so that the wire actually passes through the filter twice.

BTW, I had a repeating e-mail problem that I posted here too. When my alarm triggered an e-mail alert, I would get an e-mail every 30-40 seconds even though my e-mail delay was set to 60 minutes. The filter solved this problem too.

I got the APEX. would it work the same way with the USB cable?

 

[ReefTeacher]

It's only about $6...try it and let us know....if it doesn't work I bet you could return it to Radio Shack.

 

[swearint]

I actually use these with my Apex, but not as described. The display unit for the Apex is a module and I would not expect the cable to have any control signals on it. I actually place the chokes on the power cords of the pumps, lights, etc. I can't say if it helps for sure because I have not had any interference issues. I had them left over from a previous DIY control system that was having issues and used them from the very beginning.

Todd

 

[rgonzalez]

I'm having the same issues of my MH's and T5's (all on 1 unit Elos Planet II) turning on and off when they are not scheduled. Where can I check for this CS number and do I clamp that radioshack item on the phone cord at the base of the DC8 or where it connects into the head unit?

I'm running an ACIII, latest firmware, and a DC8.

Thanks all!